These are the 5 summertime essentials I’ll 3D print this year to save cash

Summer brings plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with friends, and take on practical projects that make the season more fun and affordable. For me, that includes firing up my 3D printer to create useful gear instead of buying it new. With just a few spools of filament and some clever models, I can make everything from backyard upgrades to travel-friendly accessories that help stretch my budget. These are the things I've planned to print this year to keep summer fun and frugal.

5 Sturdy drink holders for lawn chairs, picnic tables, and the beach

Keep your cold drinks off the ground and in arm's reach

Lawn chairs are summer staples, but most don't come with a decent cupholder. Instead of buying clip-on holders, I print my own that fit the armrest perfectly. Some models clamp onto square tubing, while others wedge into the chair fabric for a snug fit. I preferred designs that can hold both cans and insulated tumblers, so I don't have to worry about switching them out. They're quick to print and surprisingly sturdy when printed with PETG.

These holders come in handy during cookouts, movie nights, and backyard hangouts. Since they're easy to replace, I don't stress if someone bumps one too hard or drops it on the patio. I've also printed versions with drainage holes to prevent condensation from pooling up. Customizing them with names or covers is a nice bonus when friends come over.

This year, I'm printing extras to stash in the car for park trips and tailgates. Having a drink holder that fits wherever I go makes the outing just a little more comfortable. It also means I'm not scrambling to find a place for my iced coffee or lemonade every time I sit down.

4 Clip-on fans for portable cooling on the go

Stay cool in the summer without a fancy setup

A battery-powered fan is one of those things you don't realize you need until you're sweltering in the sun. I'm planning to print housings and mounts for small USB fans that can clip to a picnic table, chair, or umbrella. They use inexpensive 5V motors and provide just enough airflow to make a noticeable difference on a hot day. Most of the parts print quickly in PLA, and a few designs even let you angle the fan to direct the breeze exactly where you want it.

I found that these come especially handy during craft fairs, backyard workshops, or even sitting at the beach. Having a little air flow on demand helps beat the heat without carrying bulky gear. Printing my own mounts allows me to size them precisely for the surfaces I need, such as the table I use at craft fairs.

Some of the mounts I use are universal, while others I've adjusted with OpenSCAD to suit different clip styles. I'll be testing out a new design this summer that uses hook-and-loop straps instead of hard clips, which could be more flexible. Either way, I'm saving a significant amount compared to buying multiple fans or branded accessories.

3 Reusable ice pop molds and holders to help cool down

Make your frozen treats on the cheap

Nothing beats a cold popsicle in the middle of July. Instead of buying disposable sleeves or single-use plastic molds, I print reusable holders that work with simple recipes. I use food-safe filament, and wash everything thoroughly before and after each use. The best part is being able to tweak the mold size for small or large batches, depending on who's around.

I found models that hold everything from yogurt-based pops to fruit and juice blends, and they're easy to unmold once frozen. Some designs come with a drip catcher, which is great for kids or messy adults. I even printed a matching storage tray so they don't tip over in the freezer.

If I'm planning a cookout or hosting friends, I can prep a dozen in advance and refill them as needed. The only real cost is the ingredients and a small amount of filament. That's far cheaper than running to the store every week for packaged ice pops.

2 Sunglasses cases and clip mounts

I go through sunglasses much faster than I'd like to admit, mostly because I never have a proper case when I need one. This year, I'm printing hard-shell cases in flexible filament that fit in my backpack, glove box, or beach bag. They're light, they don't take much filament, and they offer way more protection than the clumsy sleeves most glasses come with.

I've also been printing mounts that clip onto car visors or backpack straps to keep sunglasses secure. These designs even work with prescription frames, which is perfect for friends who need to swap between their reading glasses and shades while outdoors. The clips are easy to make and hold up well in hot weather if printed with TPU or PETG.

Since they're customizable, I can match them to my favorite frame styles or make different ones for driving, cycling, and lounging outside. They've already saved me a few scratched lenses. I'll probably print a couple more to keep around the house, just in case.

Organize small tools for outdoor use

Summer means more time at the grill and occasional overnight camping trips. To keep things tidy, I print holders for tongs, skewers, flashlights, and even pocket tools. Some are attached to grills or coolers, while others are designed to fit inside crates or clip onto table edges. I especially like designs that allow airflow, so things like matches or lighters don't stay damp.

I found these printed organizers to be helpful both in the backyard and when I travel. It's easy to toss them into a tote or glove box, and they hold up well to repeated use. I even printed a compact silverware tray that fits in the drawer of my grill stand.

Most of these prints take less than a couple of hours and use scrap filament. They're great examples of how I can keep small tools close at hand without spending any extra money. Plus, I don't have to dig through a cluttered bin every time I need something.

Simple designs that make summer easier

Each of these prints helps stretch my summer budget while making summer activities more enjoyable. With just a few tweaks and some leftover filament, I can achieve practical results that rival those of store-bought gear. It also feels good to make exactly what I need, when I need it, instead of hunting around for the perfect item.

Printing the summertime essentials ahead of time means I'm ready when opportunities come up. Whether it's a last-minute beach trip or an afternoon in the garden, I'll have everything sorted without extra spending. That leaves more room in the budget for the things that matter, like good food, great company, and maybe a new roll of filament.