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20 Incredible 3D-Printed Gifts

20 Incredible 3D-Printed Gifts

Makerbot, one of the companies pioneering the mainstreaming of the 3D printer market, was acquired by Stratasys, another 3D printing heavyweight, in June for $403 million. For many tech industry observers, the deal signaled a shift in 3D printing’s profile as a novelty technology for hobbyists and prototyping tool for manufacturers — a shift toward a future in which the technology may permeate every facet of everyday life.
However, the advent of 3D printing offers such a broad range of possibilities that some are still trying to understand its ramifications. 3dgift Gramohorn II

1. Gramohorn II

These HTC One smartphone speakers may be pricey, but for those who appreciate the seamless marriage of old and new, the audio tool can double as an art piece. Perhaps the best feature of the Gramohorn II is that it doesn't require power to operate; its double phonograph-style design offers all the sound amplification you're likely to need from a smartphone.
Price: $1,6133dgift Protos Custom Glasses

2. Protos Custom Glasses

It was only a matter of time before 3D printing was harnessed to give us cooler glasses. If you want your frames to truly stand out, these should be your first stop. The company offers 3D-printed frames specifically tailored to the shape of your face -- some of our mugs don't fit into a cookie cutter template -- or your choice from a variety of premade styles. Blizzident Toothbrush

3. Blizzident Toothbrush

Dental hygiene doesn't have to be a chore. This 3D-printed toothbrush cleans all your teeth in just six seconds. Chomp down and rush out: Keeping your pearly whites clean has never been so easy. However, keeping the Blizzident clean and germ-free seems like it might be an entirely separate chore. 3dgift 3D-Printed Nails

4. 3D-Printed Nails

Whether you're a Halloween diva or a year-round trendsetter, these ornate nail attachments are definitely conversation starters. The makers are currently accepting orders for the nails and plan to ship them to buyers sometime after January 2014, but that shouldn't stop you from placing your bid now. 3dgift Infinite Sisu iPad Stand

5. Infinite Sisu iPad Stand

Making art on the iPad is increasingly common, so it's only natural that your tablet stand mirrors your aesthetic bent with a little old world-style sculptural flair. It's not adjustable, so it's best suited for propping your tablet up on a desk, but if you're looking for an adjustable stand, the options are a lot less interesting than this. 3dgift SunShade 1.0

6. SunShade 1.0

If you own Google Glass, then you know how bright lights can make reading through the device's tiny lens difficult. This little attachment solves that problem in an instant. By covering the tiny square lens on Google Glass with a custom shade filter, images and text instantly become clearer, regardless of the environment or lighting situation. 3dgift Shot Glass Crawler

7. Shot Glass Crawler

Why not mark your celebration with a set of shot glasses? OK, so the design may look a little like that creepy hand from The Addams Family, but you can just tell your friends that it's a Game of Thrones souvenir from the "Red Wedding" scene.
Price: $373dgift iHook iPhone 5/5S Car Holder

8. iHook iPhone 5/5S Car Holder

Drivers who already made the move from dashboard navigation systems to iPhone will welcome the arrival of this easy-to-install smartphone cradle. Of course, you should never text and drive, but if you decide to stop along the side of the road, this little iPhone holder makes smartphone map viewing just a bit easier. It's also handy for your co-pilot sitting in the passenger seat.3dgift Pod à Porter Neckband for iPod Shuffle

9. Pod à Porter Neckband for iPod Shuffle

Until Apple releases its rumored iWatch, this is probably the coolest way to carry around an Apple device during a run or workout session. The necklace is really just an elaborate holder for the iPod Shuffle, but its design makes it look like an entirely new device.
Price: $293dgift Crania Anatomica Filigre

10. Crania Anatomica Filigre

For those who cherish all things spooky, regardless of what other people may think, this skull is hard to pass up. It comes in several sizes, from handheld to almost full scale, but if you don't want to freak out your coworkers, we suggest a smaller one.
Price: $95 (price ranges based on size) 3dgift Illuminati iPhone 5/5S Cover

11. Illuminati iPhone 5/5S Cover

You've already linked your iPhone to all the numerous data-sucking services in the App Store, so if you're nervous about data privacy, this case can let you harbor conspiracy theories with tongue firmly planted in cheek. The manufacturer claims this case is layered in real gold, a design aspect that will likely win brownie points with the bling-obsessed.
Price: $39.873dgift Sterling Silver Heart Pendant Necklace

12. Sterling Silver Heart Pendant Necklace

When high-end department store Neiman Marcus gets into the 3D-printed jewelry business, it's safe to say that 3D printing has gone mainstream. You can have this necklace emblazoned with your loved one's initials, too.
Price: $2953dgift iPhone Cupholder Dock

13. iPhone Cupholder Dock

On the list of things that commuters claim they can't live without, coffee and iPhones rank high. This tool lets you put both within easy reach during your drives to work. It's not the most high-tech solution, and if you don't have built-in cup holders, you'll have to buy an attachment. But for many motorists, it offers a safer alternative than keeping your smartphone on your lap while steering.
Price: $44.873dgift Grumpy Cat Bust

14. Grumpy Cat Bust

If you don't know Grumpy Cat, you have been living under a rock. The feline is an unstoppable Internet phenomenon. The original printed version of Grumpy was solid, making the item heavier and bit more costly. This version, however, is hollow and affordable for even the most cash-strapped cat lover. Submit now and grab this totem to the almighty cat, and perhaps you will be forgiven for ever doubting Grumpy Cat's power.
Price: $31.893dgift EarPod Attachments

15. EarPod Attachments

A common problem with Apple's earbuds is their refusal to stay in place, especially while running. Place your EarPods into these special holders, attach them to the inner fold of your ear and enjoy a more snug fit. Sure, Apple design chief Jony Ive probably wouldn't approve, but this item delivers a clever solution while maintaining the EarPods' lightweight feel.
Price: $7.493dgift Obama Riding Raptor With Machine Gun

16. Obama Riding Raptor With Machine Gun

It doesn't matter which political party you pledge allegiance to, any model of a United States president riding a raptor holding military weaponry is automatically a collector's item. The item is currently just a model, but it comes fully colored and ready for your snark. Just glue the machine gun to the figure's hand, as recommended by the manufacturer, and you'll be off to the raptor races.
Price: $249.993dgift Curve Flash Drive Brooch

17. Curve Flash Drive Brooch

USB drives are easy to use and handy in a pinch. Keep your most valuable digital assets safe by carrying them around on this super convenient clip-on. The low-tech creation uses the USB port opening to attach itself and give you an easy way to keep track of your stored data.
Price: $4.683dgift Steve Jobs Bust

18. Steve Jobs Bust

Steve Jobs may no longer be with us, but his memory still lives on. This playful homage to the late innovator reminds you to "think different." Created by the Dutch design studio Sevensheaven, its pixel art usually found in old-school video games and Lego set creations.
Price: $99.333dgift Medium Mesh Purse

19. Medium Mesh Purse

Some fashionistas may balk at 3D-printed jewelry, but it's hard to deny the uniqueness of this mesh purse. The purse, which is made of white nylon plastic, has a matte finish and a "slight grainy feel," according to the manufacturer. The straps come in several lengths in case you want to adjust the purse to suit a particular look.
Price: $953dgift iPhone 5/5S Cover With Moving Gears

20. iPhone 5/5S Cover With Moving Gears

A smartphone with 100 apps just isn't geeky enough for some power users. For these showoffs, this iPhone 5/5S case with working gears is just the technophile accessory to let everyone know where your passions lie. The gears don't do anything cool like power your iPhone by generating solar energy, but the mesmerizing turns of its synchronized movements likely make it worth the price and extra bulk.
Price: $23.66

Whether newly elaborate jewelry designs made possible by the technology or the ever-growing variety of 3D-printing machines themselves, which have become increasingly affordable, only the most diehard luddite would deny that 3D printing is poised to change many aspects of our lives.
It's pretty easy to go out and buy a 3D printer and start churning out your own creations, but not everyone has the money (or time commitment) that such creations require.
For those curious consumers still on the sidelines, not yet ready step up and make their own 3D printer creations, we've compiled a list of some of the most interesting 3D-printed items that can be purchased as gifts for the holidays.
Some are amazingly practical, while others are simply designed to add a bit of whimsy to your day. But they all use the magic of 3D printing, offering an early look how the technology could change the look and feel of a wide range of consumer products over the course of the next few decades.
Take a look at the 20 3D-printed gift ideas we've assembled in the gallery above and let us know if you think you're ready step into the era of 3D printer-created swag.

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