Tested by Morgan Blake
3D Printing Gift Wrapping Accessories
Updated November 2025
3D printing turns the wrapping process into part of the gift itself. Whether you want metallic bows, personalized tags, or reusable ribbons, printing them yourself allows for precision, reusable pieces, and unmatched personalization. We ran test prints on a Prusa i3-class bed and a mid-range bed-slinger, then dialed in settings using tips from our filament buyer’s guide and upgrades that actually matter.
Top 3D-Printed Gift Wrapping Ideas Tested
1) 3D Printed Bow Clips
Silk PLA delivered the cleanest ribbon fold definition at 0.16 mm layer height with perimeters slowed to ~25 mm/s. Our test set used 10 to 15 percent infill to keep weight down on kraft paper. A light acrylic clear coat added a showroom gloss without muting color. Pair your bow color with the paper tone for contrast, then pin it using a small double-sided tape square.
Metallic PLA Filament for Gift Bows
Smooth glossy finish with minimal stringing in our tests. Ideal for small decorative models and fast seasonal runs.
Pros
- High shine that looks retail ready
- Consistent color for batch prints
- Plays well with 0.4 to 0.6 mm nozzles
Cons
- Metal flake blends can wear brass nozzles
2) Personalized Gift Tags
Embossed lettering at 0.2 mm height printed legibly on both of our machines. For multicolor tags, we paused at layer and swapped filament manually, which kept turnaround under 45 minutes per batch of six. Hardened nozzles and a PEI sheet improved repeatability, which mirrors our experience in the upgrade guide.
3) Reusable Ribbons and Bow Holders
Translucent PETG created a frosted ribbon look that paired nicely with warm white LEDs. We targeted 245 °C nozzle and 80 °C bed, with retraction reduced to limit stringing. These prints held shape well after storage, which makes them ideal for multi-season reuse and less waste than single-use bows.
Clear PETG for Reusable Ribbons
Flexible, heat tolerant, and durable. Our prints survived storage in a warm closet without deforming.
Pros
- Frosted translucent look with fairy lights
- Better impact resistance than PLA
- Great for reusable clips and boxes
Cons
- Can string if retraction is not tuned
Best Filaments for Gift Wrapping Prints
| Filament Type | Finish & Look | Best For | Pros | Cons | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silk PLA | Glossy, satin-like surface with deep color tone | Ribbons, bows, stars | Mirror-like sheen, minimal finishing | Can be brittle on thin tabs | Check Price |
| Metallic PLA | Shimmer with fine flake | Gift tags, nameplates | Great sparkle, accepts clear coat | Gradual nozzle wear | Check Price |
| PETG | Semi-transparent, glass-like | Reusable clips, boxes | Flexible, heat resistant | Retraction sensitive | Check Price |
Filament Safety and Finishing Notes
PLA is generally considered non-toxic, but most consumer spools are not food-contact certified. Keep printed bows and tags on the outside of edible gifts. For finishing, use light acrylic spray coats in a ventilated area and allow a full 24 hours to cure before handling.
Dry your filament for 4 to 6 hours at 45 to 50 °C before glossy work. If humidity creeps in, layer surfaces will look hazy. We have seen consistent improvements by drying and by lowering print temps slightly for silk blends. For deeper background, see the Prusa Knowledge Base.
| STL idea | Material | Nozzle | Layer | Infill | Qty per plate | Est. print time* | Est. grams per item* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow clip – small 65 mm | Silk PLA | 0.4 mm | 0.16 mm | 15% | 6 | 28 to 32 min | 7 to 9 g | Slow perimeters for crisp folds |
| Bow clip – large 85 mm | Silk PLA | 0.4 mm | 0.20 mm | 12% | 4 | 42 to 48 min | 11 to 13 g | Two perimeters keep weight down |
| Gift tag – single color 75 x 40 mm | PLA | 0.4 mm | 0.20 mm | 10% | 8 | 22 to 26 min | 5 to 6 g | Emboss text at 0.2 mm height |
| Gift tag – two color pause at layer | PLA | 0.4 mm | 0.20 mm | 10% | 6 | 28 to 34 min | 6 to 7 g | Pause at 1.6 mm then swap color |
| PETG ribbon segment 180 x 12 mm | Clear PETG | 0.4 mm | 0.20 mm | 20% | 10 | 18 to 22 min | 4 to 5 g | Reduce retraction to limit stringing |
| Bow holder buckle 22 mm | PETG | 0.4 mm | 0.20 mm | 25% | 12 | 14 to 18 min | 3 to 4 g | Three perimeters for strength |
| Name plate tag 80 x 20 mm | Metallic PLA | 0.6 mm | 0.24 mm | 12% | 8 | 14 to 18 min | 6 to 7 g | Fast with 0.6 mm nozzle for bold texture |
| Mini star topper 55 mm | Silk PLA | 0.4 mm | 0.16 mm | 15% | 8 | 24 to 28 min | 6 to 8 g | Clear coat for mirror effect |
| Ribbon clamp tabs 18 mm | PLA | 0.4 mm | 0.20 mm | 20% | 20 | 10 to 12 min | 2 to 3 g | Great for securing paper folds |
* Estimates are based on our lab prints using a Prusa i3 class printer and a mid range bedslinger, room temp 22 C, dried filament, and typical holiday profiles. Your results will vary with slicer settings, acceleration limits, cooling, and ambient humidity.
How to Print and Finish Your Wrapping Accessories
- Prepare models: Scale bows between 65 to 85 mm for standard gift boxes. Add 0.2 mm embossed text for names on tags.
- Tune first layer: Print on a smooth PEI sheet for mirror surfaces. Increase initial bed temp by 5 °C for silk blends.
- Dial perimeter speed: 20 to 30 mm/s keeps ribbon folds crisp. Use 2 to 3 perimeters for strength without excess weight.
- Post-process: Sand gently with 220 to 400 grit, then apply two light acrylic coats. Optional: a brief heat-gun pass restores sheen.
- Mounting: Use a tiny square of double-sided tape on bows or tie PETG ribbons through a small printed buckle.
Integrate with Smart Holiday Decor
Run warm white LED fairy lights under PETG ribbons and sync them with scenes from smart holiday lighting. If you plan a full entertaining setup, keep your wrapping station near automations featured in Smart Entertaining Gadgets for one-tap ambience.
Our Lab Pick: Certified String-Remover Apron
Stray strings and sanding dust happen. We wore this apron during sanding and spraying and liked the coverage and adjustable neck.
Certified String-Remover Apron
Cotton blend, adjustable neck strap, and deep front coverage. Kept our clothes clean through multiple sanding and clear-coat sessions.
- Machine washable
- Comfortable straps for long print days
- Maker-humor graphic that reads in photos
FAQ
Can I print bows and ribbons with flexible filament?
Yes. Use TPU with Shore 95A or higher to keep shapes from collapsing on retraction-heavy designs. Slow to 20 mm/s and reduce retraction distance.
Are 3D-printed tags recyclable?
PLA is biodegradable in industrial facilities, not home compost. The greener path is reusing tags yearly and storing them flat in a cool, dry box.
How long does it take to print a bow?
Most bow models complete in 25 to 45 minutes at 0.16 mm layer height. Batch printing six at once on a 220 mm bed maximizes uptime.
For more projects, explore 3D-Printed Thanksgiving Décor, brush up on filament basics, and watch Black Friday printer discounts. New to printing? Start with setup and slicing basics.
