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Rethinking The Perfect Gift
As parents, we’re always searching for that perfect gift — the one that lights up our child’s face and keeps them engaged long after the excitement of unwrapping it fades. For many families, a Nintendo Switch feels like the obvious choice. It’s fun, familiar, and endlessly advertised. A previous year, we did go this route and enjoyed it for a while but there are many months were this very expensive gift just sits and collects dust.
But this past year, at Christmas, our family discovered something unexpected: a 3D printer turned out to be a far better gift than any gaming console ever had been in the past. It didn’t just entertain my son — it inspired him, challenged him, and even made him more generous.
Read on to learn why a 3D printer is a better gift than a Nintendo Switch (and how it changed my son).
The Cost Breakdown: It’s Not as Expensive as You Think
At first glance, a 3D printer sounds like the more expensive option. But once we broke down the numbers, the Switch actually came with far more ongoing costs.
Costs of a Nintendo Switch
- The console itself is approximately $630 CAD (for a Switch 2)
- Extra controllers ($50-75 each)
- Games (often $60–$90 each)
- Online subscription fees (about $30 a year for one player)
- Accessories and upgrades
Over a year or two, the total easily climbs into well over $1000 — and that’s assuming your kids don’t lose interest in certain games.
The Surprisingly Low Cost of 3D Printing
- Entry‑level 3D printers are more affordable than ever ($260-600 CAD)
- Filament is inexpensive and lasts a long time (approximately $15 CAD per 1kg roll)
- CAD software is free
- MakerWorld and other communities offer thousands of free models
Once you have the printer, the ongoing cost is minimal. And unlike games that get finished or forgotten, a 3D printer keeps creating value — literally.
Why We Went With The Bambu A1 Mini
We went on a bit of journey when it came to figuring out what the best 3D printer would be for our family. We had literally no clue how to use one, what they really were, or what brands were good. We just went onto Amazon and bought the cheapest one we could find. It was called a Geeetech and ended up being quite cute! However, it broke the very same day. Yes, it broke on Christmas day. There were tears. It was a rough time.
Therefore, we dove in deep into the world of entry-level 3D printers. After much research, we decided to go with a Bambu A1 Mini. And just to be clear, I am not sponsored by Bambu Labs at all. I wish I was. Bambu Labs, I am here whenever you want to sponsor me! All jokes aside, I am truly very pleased and impressed with this company and it’s products.
Here are the pros and cons of the Bambu A1 Mini
Pros:
- Easy set up. We were printing within an hour of it being delivered.
- Beginner friendly software. Bambu Studio is very user friendly and even my son (who is 8) figured it out very quickly.
- The A1 Mini is small so it doesn’t take up much space in your house.
- It is inexpensive. We bought the printer and the AMS (multi-color filament system) for $390 CAD. This is a lot less than a Nintendo Switch.
- It can be fixed easily by yourself. One thing I love about this company is that they sell each part of the printer separately and for very affordable prices. This means that if something wears out or breaks, you can easily buy the new part, easily install it yourself, and afford to pay for it without stress.
- The quality of the machine and the filament is excellent.
- You can purchase the MakerWorld Beginner’s Kit and create engineering projects with magnets, lights, and pulley systems through the free online MakerWorld app. These rival any other kids subscription STEM boxes.
Cons:
- The shipping takes a while. Because this company is so popular amongst 3d hobbyists, the stock is often on back order and cam take up to a month to get.
- The A1 Mini is much smaller than any of the other Bambu printers. If you are hoping to bring larger things, I would recommend getting an A1 or a larger printer.
CAD: Learning That Feels Like Play
One of the biggest surprises was how quickly my son picked up CAD (computer‑aided design) software. What looks intimidating to adults feels like digital LEGO to kids.
Without even realizing it, he was learning:
- Spatial reasoning
- Problem‑solving
- Basic engineering concepts
- Design thinking
- Patience and iteration
Instead of consuming content, he was creating it. That shift alone made the investment worth it.
Family Fun: Making and Creating Together
Gaming consoles are fun, but let’s be honest — they’re usually more of a solo activity. A 3D printer, on the other hand, became something our whole family enjoyed.
Some of our favorite projects:
- Designing custom cookie cutters for holidays (Check out our Minecraft Cookies)
- Printing replacement parts for toys
- Making personalized gifts for friends
- Brainstorming new ideas around the dinner table
- Creating business plans for the designs we’ve made. We even started selling some of our ideas on Etsy. Check out our new family business and hobby; Rugged Layers 3D. Now my son is learning about running a small business from his “toy”.
This 3d printer turned into a shared hobby, not just another screen.
3D Printing Has Fostered A Spirit of Giving
This was the part I never saw coming.
Once my son realized he could make things, he started making things for others:
- Valentine’s class gifts for friends.
- Toys for younger cousins (he made a rattle for his baby cousin which was SO cute)
- Birthday gifts that we sent to his Grandparents who live abroad.
- Little “just because” gifts for people who come to visit us.
He began thinking about what other people might enjoy or need. The 3D printer didn’t just spark creativity — it sparked generosity. Watching that unfold has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Conclusion: A “Mom Win” In The Gift That Keeps Giving
A Nintendo Switch is fun. But a 3D printer offers something much deeper:
- Creativity
- Skill‑building
- Family connection
- Community
- Generosity
It’s not just a gift. It’s a tool that helps kids discover what they’re capable of. And the possibilities are endless!
If you’re looking for a present that will grow with your child, challenge them, and bring your family together, a 3D printer might just be the best gift you’ve never considered.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. I would love to hear your thoughts on 3D printers. I would also love to hear what you’ve made and if you have any suggestions for things for kids to make.
Share this post with someone looking for the ultimate gift for their kids!
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