Are 3D Printed Toys Safe for Kids? PLA, Small Parts and Age Guidance

3D printed toys made from PLA are safe for children aged 3 and up. PLA is a plant-based, non-toxic plastic, and our figures are odorless and have no sharp edges. The one real caution is size: the figures are small parts, so they are not for children under 3.

Here is what parents ask most often, answered plainly.

Are 3D printed toys safe for children?

Yes, when the material and the size are right. Our figures are printed in PLA, a non-toxic plant-based plastic, and each one is finished with smooth, rounded shapes. They suit ages 3 and up. The only thing to watch is that they are small, so children under 3 should not play with them. As with any small toy, an adult should be nearby for younger children.

Is PLA plastic safe and non-toxic?

PLA, short for polylactic acid, is made from plant starch such as corn, not from petroleum. It is non-toxic, odorless and biodegradable. It is the same family of plastic used in many food-safe items. We print every figure in PLA, so there are no solvents, no strong smell and nothing that stains hands.

How do PLA toys compare to regular plastic toys?

PLA is plant-based, while most mass-market toys use petroleum plastics such as ABS. PLA contains no BPA and no phthalates, and it is compostable in an industrial facility rather than sitting in landfill for centuries. The trade-off is heat: PLA is less heat-resistant, so it should stay away from hot water and hot cars. For a small hide-and-find toy that lives indoors, that trade-off does not get in the way, and you gain a cleaner material and less waste.

What age are the figures suitable for?

The figures are for ages 3 and up. Because each one is about 1.6 cm, they count as small parts and are not suitable for children under 3. For young children, keep an adult in the room and hide the figures in easy, open spots. You can read the full detail on our FAQ page.

Are the figures a choking hazard?

Like most small toys, they are a choking risk for very young children. Each figure is about 1.6 cm, small enough to fit in a small mouth. Keep them away from babies and toddlers who still put things in their mouths, and count them back into the pouch after each game so none are left on the floor. The pouch also makes it easy to check that all 100 are accounted for.

Do 3D printed toys have sharp edges or a smell?

No. Our figures are odorless, and we check each batch so there are no sharp edges or loose bits. The shapes are rounded by design, which is why they feel pleasant to hold and are easy for small hands to pick up.

Where and how are the figures made?

We print each set to order in Coimbra, Portugal (EU), in plant-based PLA. Printing to order means less waste and no warehouse full of plastic. You can read more about who we are on our about page.

How do you store and clean them?

Wipe the figures with a damp cloth when they need it, and let them air dry. PLA softens in high heat, so keep them away from hot water, dishwashers and sunny car dashboards. Store them in the pouch that comes with each set, which also keeps all 100 together.

Where can you buy safe 3D printed toys in Europe?

Our 100 Yellow Duck Hunt Game is €19.99 and ships across Europe in 1 business day. Every set is printed in the EU from plant-based PLA, and returns are open for 30 days.