6 Things I'm 3D Printing for This Summer (Free Files from MakerWorld!)

By Danielle Gilliland | Teacher, Mom of Two, 3D Printing Enthusiast

6/3/20264 min read

6 Things I'm 3D Printing for This Summer (Free Files from MakerWorld!)

By Danielle Gilliland | Teacher, Mom of Two, 3D Printing Enthusiast

Summer is HERE, and my printer has been running nonstop. Whether we're headed to the beach, spending the afternoon in the backyard, or having a family game night on the porch, I've been printing things that make this season so much more fun and honestly, more organized.

The best part? Every file I'm sharing today is FREE on MakerWorld. I'll link each one so you can grab them and start printing yourself.

Let's get into it!

1. Beach Towel Clip II — No More Flying Towels!

Free file: Beach Towel Clip II on MakerWorld

You know that thing where you get all settled at the beach, finally relaxed, and then a gust of wind sends your towel flying into someone else's sandcastle? Not anymore.

This towel clip is one of those prints that is so simple, you wonder why you didn't have it sooner. You just press the pointed end into the sand and clip your towel in - that's it. No assembly, no extra parts. I love that it's functional and actually looks cute, which matters when you're posting beach pics.

2. Sand 3D Printer — My Son Is Obsessed

Free file: Sand 3D Printer on MakerWorld

Okay, this one stopped people in their tracks the last time we were at the beach. It's a handheld sand toy that works just like a real 3D printer; you fill it with sand, squeeze, and build objects layer by layer.

My three-year-old loves it. Adults keep coming over asking what it is. It's one of those prints that is genuinely conversation-starting.

A couple of things to know before you print: it works best with moist sand, and bits of shell can occasionally clog the nozzle; just use a small stick to clear it. Minor issue for a major hit with kids.

3. Customizable Sand Mold — Your Child's Name in the Sand

Free file: Customizable Sand Mold on MakerWorld

This is the sweetest thing I've printed this summer. You can stamp your child's name directly into the sand; fully customizable with their name, the font, size, and even the color if you have an AMS multicolor setup.

It makes for the most adorable beach photos. I stamped my son's name in the wet sand at the water's edge and the pictures came out absolutely beautiful. It would also make such a thoughtful personalized gift; imagine printing a set for a friend's kid before a beach trip!

🖨️ Printing tip: Use the Parametric Model Maker on MakerWorld to enter your child's name. The multicolor print option is stunning if you have it available. If not, a single bright color still looks amazing.

4. Bogg Bag Tray Table & Drink Holder — My Bestseller, Free to Print!

Free file: Bogg Bag Tray Table & Drink Holder on MakerWorld

💛 Note: I actually hold a commercial license for this design and sell printed versions in my Etsy shop! If you have a 3D printer, grab the free file. If you'd love one but don't print, come visit my shop and I'll print it for you!

This one is a total game-changer for every Bogg Bag girl. It converts the top of your Original Size Bogg Bag into a full tabletop — with built-in cup holders. You can customize it with different table configurations, or just print one half if you still want easy access inside your bag.

Pool moms, beach moms, soccer moms - this has your name all over it. It's sturdy, practical, and it makes your Bogg Bag look even cuter.

5. Pool Floaty for Drinks — The Most Fun Print of the Summer

Free file: Pool Floaty for Drinks on MakerWorld

I'm not kidding when I say this is the most fun print I've made this summer. It's a floating donut-shaped drink holder; you place your can or bottle in the center, set it in the pool, and it actually floats. No glue needed; the top and bottom twist together with a threaded connection.

Print a bunch in different colors so everyone in the pool knows whose drink is whose. It's cute, it's practical, and it is absolutely the most photographable thing I've ever printed. Your Instagram will thank you.

6. Triple Tier Playing Card Holder — Game Night Just Got an Upgrade

Free file: Triple Tier Playing Card Holder on MakerWorld

Okay, this one isn't technically a beach print, but hear me out. Summer means long evenings, family game nights, and trips where someone inevitably wants to play Uno or Phase 10. This triple-tier card holder holds all your cards hands-free, with a curved edge so nothing falls over or tips your hand to the person next to you. This is how we are introducing our three-year-old to some age-appropriate card games without frustration.

It's perfect for kids who struggle to hold a big fan of cards, and honestly for grown-ups too when you've got a full hand in Phase 10. No supports, no AMS needed — one of the easiest prints on this list!