Paradoxically, tools and techniques to encourage kids' creativity require creativity. It's hardly possible to foresee which of the new toys or games will become kids' favorite, but as the technology develops, the capabilities and detail of 3D printed miniatures and toys make them a desirable customized alternative to traditional toys. With that said, it only seems natural that we're rolling out an exciting new challenge to explore the endless 3D potential to create new play experience for children and (let's be honest) adults alike.

Coming up with ideas for new toys calls for a fresh approach, so while Lego bricks and popular animation figures will be accepted as suitable entries, try to steer away from submitting models of famous game characters or copies of existing toys - that's not the focus of this challenge. Reinventing well-known toy designs or creating something entirely new is undoubtedly an ambitious project, but who said being a creative was easy? Some of the most popular 3D print models in the toys category include puzzles, desk toys, board games, action figures, playsets, building blocks, educational toys, etc. Fun fact of the day: did you know that the original jigsaw puzzle was created in 1767 for the purpose of teaching geography? Yeah, it went a loooong way after that.

So, what will your entries be judged on? Mainly, these four criteria: overall quality, innovation, description & instructions for use, + bonus for high-quality images of 3D printed models. When you submit a new entry, be sure to add an exhaustive description of how you came about the idea, what's the purpose of the toy and how one should use/construct it. Adding images of the printed item makes a huge difference, so do give it a go if you have the luxury of printing things at home.

Other than that, have fun playing around!