This 3D printer is simply the best gift you can give this year

I’ve been using a range of 3D printers for almost a decade, and it’s hard to find one I like more than the A1 Mini Combo. Bambu Lab just did the unimaginable and got this excellent 3D printer at a price I never thought possible.

Since its launch in 2023, the A1 Mini Combo has been a firm favorite in my household. When we want something small to be printed quickly, we choose the Mini, because it offers excellent print quality every time. Now with the holiday season in full swing, there’s no better time to get one for yourself or, better yet, for someone else.

If you’re already delved into the world of 3D printing, you might find the Mini too small for you, but if you know someone who’s been thinking about getting into the hobby, now’s the time to get one if to buy a gift. The A1 Mini itself is just barely $179a price so low that I can’t believe Bambu Lab makes any money from it. This printer costs $299. It is currently on sale for $199, but with code 3DPA1MNYyou get an extra 20%, making the A1 Mini the lowest price I’ve ever seen.

I’ve been using the Mini since it first came out in 2023, and it’s such a simple device to use. It’s the one I fire up when I want something quick and easy. The bed is small, only 180 by 180 millimeters, so you can’t print huge things like helmets or masks, but you can make smaller pieces like sculptures or, since the holidays are here, awesome ornaments.

It also prints quickly, with a maximum print speed of 500mm/s, meaning you can print small jobs quickly. It also comes with a four-color system called AMS lite, which feeds four different materials into the printer, allowing you to create color models like the one in the image below.

Read more: A1 Mini Combo Review

My coworker recently asked me which 3D printer she should buy for her 13-year-old son, and this is the one I suggested. It fits on a normal desk, even with the AMS color system. It’s pretty quiet and, as long as you have a bucket to catch the trash, clean to have in the house. If you use it indoors, I recommend using safe materials such as PLA or PETG, especially in a bedroom. Ideally, you would want it to be in a spare room or garage, if possible.

Even better, if you’re giving it as a gift, you should choose the $239 bundle with four rolls of filament. That’s everything you need to get started with 3D printing, all in one package. Fantastic deal.

There are many options for your first 3D printer, and I’ve seen many people on Threads and Reddit recommend the A1 Mini. They agree that the A1 Mini is a great starting point, although you may need something bigger as you progress in the business.

When does this deal expire?

While we can’t guarantee this deal will last, Bambu Lab has said that this $199 deal is valid from December 3 to January 4. However, the code for the extra 20% discount may expire before then. Our CNET deals experts are constantly monitoring these savings so we can notify you if anything goes on sale or out of stock before the event ends.

Why this deal matters

With the holidays quickly approaching and 3D printers being a big deal, any savings you can make are important. This price is the lowest we’ve ever seen the A1 Mini on its own and is, in my opinion, the bargain of the year.

The A1 Mini Combo is also excellently priced for gift giving this year. Bee $349it comes with four rolls of material and a $20 voucher for the Bambu website. Because the material and color system are in one package, it is perfect as a main gift for a loved one. I would suggest the next level of 3D printer, the A1 full size combo, but that’s it $489$105 more expensive and maybe a little pricey as a gift. If you’re looking for a 3D printer for yourself and have the extra cash, the full-size A1 combo might be a good choice.

What other costs come from owning a 3D printer?

After the first layout, you need to buy a few Accessories for 3D printing and some materials to get the most out of your 3D printer. If the printer didn’t come with a roll of filament and you open one on Christmas morning, you might be disappointed. I would suggest getting some nice filament Overture. The PLA is excellent and comes in many fun colors. Start with PLA as it is the easiest and cheapest material.

The accessories are all optional, as your 3D printer comes with all the tools you need, as well as fun projects to print some of these tools. Ultimately, it would help if you replaced your mouthpiece, but Bambu makes that incredibly easy and cost-effective. You won’t need a new one for a long time, so don’t worry.