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10 Best 3D Pens for Kids Reviewed in 2024

last updated Aug 05, 2019

It’s no secret that kids would rather type on their technological devices, but it’s time to change that habit. Encourage your child to share their thoughts with the world by purchasing them a pen to write with. For children whose motor skills are not fully developed, a pen will be much easier to write with rather than using a pencil. With pencils, many children become obsessed with their ability to erase. They will spend more time erasing than doing their homework. Pens will eliminate that obsession while also increasing their literacy skills. Without having an eraser, your child will be more motivated to spell things correctly. We’ve created a list of the 10 best pens for kids to help you find the perfect one.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 29 hrs of research

icon
SyPen Invisible Disappearing Ink
94.7/100 our score
Design
95
Entertainment Value
94
Value
95
SyPen Invisible Disappearing Ink
Why is it better?

Bulk item affordably priced

Ink reveals under any UV light

Product is non-staining

Handy pocket clip for an active lifestyle

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
SyPen Invisible Disappearing Ink
Test Winner: SyPen Invisible Disappearing Ink
Amazon Link
Researched Sources
23
Researched Sources
Hours Researching
29
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
14
Products Evaluated
Last Updated:
By Jessica Mentzer:

3D printing pens are one of the coolest things to ever be designed and now your kids can enjoy creating with them right at home. These pens are easy to use and more affordable than very. We created the list to help parents decide on a great model for their little ones. We recently replaced two items on the list with an update.

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Design Entertainment Value Value By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.7
Design
95 %
Entertainment Value
94 %
Value
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (24.04.24)
Amazon Link
$11.99
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93.7
Design
94 %
Entertainment Value
93 %
Value
94 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (24.04.24)
Amazon Link
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.7
Design
93 %
Entertainment Value
91 %
Value
91 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (24.04.24)
Amazon Link
$25.99
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.7
Design
90 %
Entertainment Value
91 %
Value
91 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (24.04.24)
Amazon Link
$4.46
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89.5
Design
90 %
Entertainment Value
89 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (24.04.24)
Amazon Link
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88
Design
89 %
Entertainment Value
87 %
Value
88 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (24.04.24)
Amazon Link
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86
Design
88 %
Entertainment Value
84 %
Value
86 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (24.04.24)
Amazon Link
$15.95
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86
Design
88 %
Entertainment Value
84 %
Value
86 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (24.04.24)
Amazon Link
$11.99
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.3
Design
85 %
Entertainment Value
83 %
Value
82 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (24.04.24)
Amazon Link
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
80
Design
81 %
Entertainment Value
80 %
Value
79 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (24.04.24)
Amazon Link
$16.95

10 Best 3D Pens for Kids Reviewed

1. SyPen Invisible Disappearing Ink

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.7
SyPen Invisible Disappearing Ink
Amazon Link
Design
95
Entertainment Value
94
Value
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$11.99

Bulk item affordably priced

Ink reveals under any UV light

Product is non-staining

Handy pocket clip for an active lifestyle

Batteries are not replaceable

This is the stuff of old spy stories and make-believe-intrigue! You have a secret message that you must relay to your compatriots, and you don’t want the bad guys to see? Well, write it in invisible ink. In fact, it’s rather convenient that these come as a twelve pack. Your kid can enlist all of his buddies in the neighborhood or at school to pass on secret information that is for their eyes only. After writing your message, it takes less than a minute for the invisible ink to dry and for the UV light to expose the written text.

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Design

The pen has a designed-in light and a push button switch, like a regular flashlight, and a pocket clip to prevent is from getting lost while playing or any other activities.

Entertainment Value

What better pen to get your child excited to write than a pen which features invisible ink? Your little one will have a blast writing secret messages without realizing they are also increasing their fine-motor skills. With 12 pens included, your child can increase their social skills by sharing with friends. The pens come in a variety of different colors that will not only stimulate your child’s sensory skills but also their color recognition.

Value

These are the perfect gift for any child. It comes in bulk and can suit the tastes of pretty much any child, while still keeping them engaged.

2. TECBOSS with LED Display

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93.7
TECBOSS with LED Display
Amazon Link
Design
94
Entertainment Value
93
Value
94
best offer for today
Amazon Link

3D pen designed to be able to use with PLA and ABS materials

Features speed control with 8 different levels

Ultimate control with temperature adjustment

OLED display; shows material type and temperature

Includes two finger protectors to cover thumb and index finger

Pen is not rechargeable, does have to be plugged in during use

Slow to heat up

It is all about the speed control with this 3D pen. This 3D pen features 8 levels of speed control. The speed control is about to provide the ultimate control and limits the creativity process. It is great for creating doodles, sketching, and printing all in three dimensional pieces. It is an interesting process that really gets the kid’s creativity flowing.

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Design

When it comes to design this 3D pen has been created to be easy for kids to use. It is best suited for kids that are over the age of five years old but can be used by any age with the proper adult supervision. The pen also features a patented ceramic nozzle that makes creating and designing with the flow perfectly controllable. It also has a control for the temperature of the output making it the best designed pen for those creative kids.

Entertainment Value

From the OLED display to the speed control the kids will love this pen from the first time that they start designing with it. The display makes it easy to know what types of materials that the pen has been loaded with. It displays the material code ABS or PLA plus the temperate so they know exactly what they are working with and the temperate at all times. It makes learning to use, design, and perfect masterpieces fun, easy, and convenient because of all the control that it allows the user to have.

Value

This 3D pen set comes with everything that the kids need to get started creating with designs plus is also has great safety options that make parents breathe a little easier when they know the pen is in use. The pen features two finger protectors that are able to cover the thumb and index finger when they are using the 3D pen. It also protects from getting close to the tip of the pen that does get hot when it is in use.

3. Faber Castell FC167137 Wallet Pitt

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.7
Faber Castell FC167137 Wallet Pitt
Amazon Link
Design
93
Entertainment Value
91
Value
91
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$25.99

Exceedingly high reputation for quality

Variety of nibs make it a multifaceted tool

Ideal for fine line and pointillistic artwork

Gives a professional finish to amateur work

Pens have a tendency to dry out quickly after a single us

This is a little fine artist’s pen set. It utilizes the qualities of a pen in its ergonomic design combined with the excellent detail that is only achieved with an artist’s brush.

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Design

This product uses India Ink which is known and highly regarded for its vibrancy and boldness. The variety nibs is what makes this keeper for any fine artist, amateur or dabbler in calligraphic arts or light watercolors. Its imperviousness to fading and non-toxic quick-drying attributes make it safe and ideal for children’s art projects.

Entertainment Value

The brush-nibs come in 8 individual widths ranging from extra superfine to fine, medium, soft calligraphy, brush, and chisel. It’s both waterproof and ph-neutral to prevent smudging. They have high-quality lightfastness to prevent fading with time.

Value

Faber-castell is delivering boldly by offering India Ink, which is the boutique standard for art and calligraphy. They handle well and can give any work that extra touch of polish.

4. Paper Mate 1945921 InkJoy

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.7
Paper Mate 1945921 InkJoy
Amazon Link
Design
90
Entertainment Value
91
Value
91
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$4.46

Ink is quick-drying and does not smear

Suitable as a practice pen for sketching

Metal clip that won’t break off

Colors are long-lastingly bright and bold

The ink tends to bleed on specific qualities of paper

A variety of eight bright colors that run smoothly and won’t easily break with the steadiness of your hand.

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Design

The variety of colored ink pens included in this package will allow your child to let their creativity shine. Whether they are writing notes or creating doodles, the brightly colored ink will make their work beautiful and easy to see. With the body of the pen matching the color of the ink inside, your child won’t have to guess what color they are using. The ink dries quickly, thus eliminating the possibility of smudges and smears ruining your child’s work.

Entertainment Value

This features a rubberized grip ensures hours of comfortable writing and drawing. Each pen is retractable with a 1.0 mm medium ballpoint tip. The medium width allows for a more balanced feel without the scratchiness that many fine points can have. The colors range from magenta to turquoise, orange, and purple, to name a few. It’s designed to release the ink with very little pressure on contact to reduce drag or scratchiness. The retraction mechanism is very efficient with a perfunctory metal clip attached to the shell of the pen, essential for hooking on to papers, binders or pockets. The body of each pen is translucently colored to match the shade of ink it stores.

Value

This is an inexpensive set of colorful all-purpose pens that are used for a variety of things. It’s perfect for schools or any artist’s workshop.

5. AIO Robotics Full-Metal Premium

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89.5
AIO Robotics Full-Metal Premium
Amazon Link
Design
90
Entertainment Value
89
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Great pen for creating 3D designs with high precision

Adjustable flow for material

Control temperature in one degree increments

Features OLED display with speed flow and temperature

Included in the set; 3D pen, two colors of PLA material, instruction booklet, charging cable, and A/C adapter

Tip of the pen is very fine and does not let a lot of material come out at one time

Hard to draw on a flat or vertical surface

Creating three dimensional art objects with high precision with this pen is easy. It features an adjustment for the flow and speed that makes crafting fun. The temperature control allows the users to be able to control it right down to the one degree increment. This makes for adjusting the different PLAs perfect.

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Design

When this pen was designed the idea was to be able to create a pen that would be great to use right in the classroom. They worked together and were able to come up with the perfect design and this pen was born. The pen works with PLA materials only. It features an ultra slim design that has an ergonomic touch that makes using and working with the pen comfortable for all. The pen is USB powered and chargeable with a 5V DC.

Entertainment Value

The high quality design with the OLED display on this 3D pen makes using this pen easy, comfortable, and fun. Each control is easy to find and set, plus the controlling of the temperature at the one degree increments makes controlling the flow and speed of the PLA materials stress-free. The feel of the pen is perfect for all sized hands and get for kids and adults.

Value

Each 3D pen set comes with a pen, two different colors of PLA materials, instruction and display booklet, a charging cable, and A/C adapter. The value for everything included along with the design of this pen is great for kids. The first time that this pen is used the kids will have fun creating designs and learning to control the flow to get more and more creative with the device.

6. My Color Store 120 Glitter Gel

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88
My Color Store 120 Glitter Gel
Amazon Link
Design
89
Entertainment Value
87
Value
88
best offer for today
Amazon Link

One gift box is included with the carrying case

Can be used on photo paper

More comfortable to handle than markers or crayons

Fast and convenient shipping

Refills are not sold separately

This is not the average run-of-the-mill set of glitter gel pens. The complete pack of 120 does not have one duplicate color out of any of them! So, you’ll never use the same color twice without knowing it. It’s also a unique option in the fact that they provide refills, so you don’t have to hunt around when the inks run out.

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Design

It’s constructed as well as any beautiful writing instrument on the market with a 1.0mm tip. It comes in a clear and durable presentation packet for easy reference.

Entertainment Value

The set consists of forty glitter and twenty neon-glitter pens in all. The seller guarantees a 20% increase in the amount of ink and fluidity than other brands. Durable fine point tip that doesn’t clog or drag easily. What else is nice is the smooth management for on the go in a backpack or just tossed on a shelf for later. The manufacturer makes it easy to match the refills with the correct pen through a numbered system.

Value

These are markers that can be handled like pens. This will help in enhancing your child’s manual dexterity and will give them a feel for using pens at an early age.

7. OfficeGoods 12 Piece Glitter Set

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86
OfficeGoods 12 Piece Glitter Set
Amazon Link
Design
88
Entertainment Value
84
Value
86
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$15.95

Incredibly affordable price for a 12-pack

Can be used on black or dark colored paper

Fast drying and fade-resistant

Comfortable writing instrument for the left-handed

Leaves smudges

Some pens have a disproportionate amount of ink

This is a good starter pack for the excellent price of $7.50! With a combined order, the shipping will be free, too. It’s acid-free, so it should be writable on all qualities of paper. It comes in a great pack to keep them all organized and prevent loss. And, just a good overall handy pen to pick up. There is a 100% money back guarantee for any reason -- no questions asked. A super plus is that their archival quality makes them ideal for scrapbooking and other more high-end arts and crafts projects.

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Design

Made of solid plastic which makes them basically indestructible. They exceed the quality ink standards of most gel and art pens that allow them to keep their vibrancy and resist fading over time.

Entertainment Value

These pens feature acid-free ink so they are good for drawing or writing on all types of paper. Twelve versatile glitter pens which mean that your child can create wonderful artistic masterpieces. With this set, a child can explore creating alternative art while having lots of creative fun.

Value

These pens can be used for kids -- but caters to older kids, too. These are uniquely tailored to more advanced modes of coloring and doodling.

8. Glovion Led Light Pack of 3

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86
Glovion Led Light Pack of 3
Amazon Link
Design
88
Entertainment Value
84
Value
86
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$11.99

Comes with ink refills and battery

Has the same brightness as a cell phone light

It writes smoothly

Battery is long-lasting

Ballpoint won’t stay retracted

Poorly constructed barrel falls apart easily

Ever have a thought in the middle of the night that you need to write? Perhaps, you need to take notes in a darkened auditorium for some reason. This is a convenient pen just for such occasions.

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Design

This efficient pen comes in a handy three pack, so your kid can keep one on hand, one at school, and one at home.

Entertainment Value

Impressive range of features. It looks like an ordinary, unassuming, pen. Little do you know that the top of the clicker button engages an LED light that emanates from the barrel. The pen stylus is accessed through a twist mechanism. Sleek design made of aluminum alloy and transparent plastic. Replaceable LR44 batteries included. This could be good for a dream journal, for students that study at night; it can be utilized by servers in bars and clubs; musicians and lighting technicians; or just any old night owl that doesn’t want to disturb anyone.

Value

This is a significant concept for people who work in the nightlife industry; this is an item that would be highly-favorable and sought after. Also, good for certain construction jobs, as well.

9. Dikale PLA Filament Refills

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.3
Dikale PLA Filament Refills
Amazon Link
Design
85
Entertainment Value
83
Value
82
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Compatible with both PLA and ABS plastics

Clear LCD temperature readings

1-year warranty included

Plastic does not have a chemical odor

Filament gets jammed and clogs up easily

Fantastic pen for the young hobbyist or arts and crafts enthusiast. It’s also possible that maybe it will be something different that sparks interest and continues to engage kids in class. It comes with all the accessories needed to get started.

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Design

It gives you all that you need to get the hang of this pen. It’s large enough that a child can easily handle it without the worry of mistakes or dropping it.

Entertainment Value

It has more than a dozen colors of the filament to choose from that are over one hundred feet long; stencil books, too. A PVC board makes for a good surface; a pen holder for resting while the pen and filament cool. It heats up to three temperatures, has auto-shut-off and auto-sleep mechanisms; finger stalls for maintenance; and, USB cable and power adapter included. It comes with eight stencils, so they won’t quickly run out of ideas on what to come up with next. This is also good for the adult artist that might want to add a little more avant-garde flair to their work. A few Youtube tutorials can easily complement the use of this product along with the books provided.

Value

This product utilizes the latest in 3D technology and makes it accessible to kids and amateurs alike. The product site gives extensive instruction on maintenance and possible repair.

10. Toysmith Ink-a-Do Tattoo

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
80
Toysmith Ink-a-Do Tattoo
Amazon Link
Design
81
Entertainment Value
80
Value
79
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$16.95

Ink doesn’t run or make a mess when sweaty

Washes off easily in the shower

Edges and inner design of the stencil can also be utilized

Ink is vibrantly rich and consistently thick

The residue is left on the skin even after a good scrub with soap and water

Kids tattoos have been around ages, and this is an updated version of it through this fun gel ink set. It’s more than reasonably priced at less than six dollars with free shipping.

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Design

This helps to thoroughly engage your child in imaginative play. Each design on the stencil can be mixed and matched in any arrangement and on any visible part of the body to let the games begin!

Entertainment Value

The three stencils that are included have a plethora of tribal tattoo designs to choose from. The set itself also comes with six gel pens in all. The ink is non-toxic and comes out quickly with one washing.

Value

This is a fun set that can be used at children’s parties. It’s a great alternative to face painting, and the bonus is that it doesn’t run or come off until you want it to.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Design

Writing is so much more than just putting letters on paper. It is a form of design and creativity, each letter has a different design but many ways for which it can be written. Of course, children will need to learn to write in order to succeed in life but there are other benefits as well. Writing allows children to display their creativity and to pour their imaginations out onto paper. They’re able to express themselves through the letters, words and their handwriting

Every person has a particular preference for using different types of pens. Our research showed that children will develop preferences if given chances to try out different types of pens with different features and choices of fine or not so fine results while writing. We found a nice range of different pens all offering the chance to write but many of them have extra design features and even different types of ink, in particular, we liked non-acidic inks because they allow children to write or draw with pens on just about all types of paper. Some children will prefer bulky pens which are easy to grip, others will prefer a more slender design option. Allow your child to experiment and try out different pens until they settle on one.

Entertainment Value

The history of the pen can be traced back to the stylus of ancient times. Often, this was a pen constructed of reed used to print on the papyrus paper vital to that time. Papyri could more easily be stored in bulk as opposed to stone tablets. This made way for quills on animal skins and copper-nibbed stylus for wax tablets. Parchment came into favor, and the dipping-style of the pen that most resembles our contemporary model came into being.

Value

We chose our current list as a way of showcasing the evolution of the pen as it comes to be. It will always have a particular function, but no longer just for drawing on paper and canvas, or the composition of letters and books. We want to show how it can literally be child’s play. With 3D printing technology at our disposal, the mighty pen can cut more accurately–producing a tangible work unheard of before. With the use of a stencil, gel pens can empower young children to get creative without the pressure of trying to get it just right. This is a double-edged scenario we can all live with.

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Parents, Did You Know?

Making the use of pens fun is an interesting concept and something which children will like. Look closely at pens, which fun features they have, and the level of fun your child is likely to gain. Brand pen makers have been aware for a long time that fun elements and design for pens can encourage children to take more interest in using pens and get them away from just tapping on a keyboard. Shop around in stores and look online, search out the perfect pens for your child because you will be surprised how many great choices exist.

Parents, Did You Know?

Children play while using pens, they use a lot of pen pressure, ensure that you choose pens which are robust and can put up with the level of use and play which children will put the pen through. Make sure you choose a pen style for which you can easily get refills because your child will use the pens a lot. Ideally, you want to be able to anticipate when your child will need supplies and order online in advance because then you get the refills delivered right to you at home.

Other Factors to Consider

Social Development

We looked for pen sets which offer more in terms of allowing a person to be a lot more creative. We looked at and compared products which open up a world of opportunity for artistic creation, not just on standard paper but all types of paper. We found pens which offer the same results of fine brushwork, pens which leave a coat of bright glitter, pens which take color tones to another level, pens with designed in flashlight capability. Give a person, teenager, adult or child a set of pens which allow experimentation and creativity and you will certainly be impressed by the results.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Why can’t the 3D pen filaments be used with a printer?

a:

A 3D printer is more appropriate for the replication of more-solid, tangible articles that this pen filament is not conducive to. The company, Dikale, had in mind the use of these filaments for tiny craft projects. These projects extend about as far as some standing art in a middle school classroom, to maybe a mid-sized standing statue in an artist’s studio. But, even given the mid-sized sculpture, this would be more labor-intensive than we believe any artist could rationally tolerate out of such a small pen.

q: How safe is the plastic and inks used for these products?

a:

They all stand by their guarantees for quality-assured safety. All of the pens conform to ASTM D ratings, while some of the plastic filaments are ABS rather than PLA–though both are rated as being safe. In the majority of these cases, the ink can also be washed off skin easily and stains rarely set in clothes. Not to mention many of the brands backing these products have a long history of producing exceptional quality pens without incident.

q: Is the writing pen with light waterproof?

a:

If it’s not stated as waterproof, then it probably isn’t. In workplace situations that call for light and writing, we recommend that the pen is kept in a dry place until needed–that is, an inside pocket or bag. Then, even when exposed, do your best to shield the pen as best as you possibly can. Trial and error are the best teachers for anyone, so if you find this helpful, go to town.

q: Does Ink-a-do provide any extra stencils that I can purchase?

a:

We don’t believe that the company sells any additional accessories. Of course, if you’d like another set, you can just purchase the same product again. Also, you can use your creative flair by designing a set of stencils on your own. If that still doesn’t appeal, there must be a new stencil that can be purchased at a toy store, arts and crafts store, or maybe try a hardware store. Anything can be found online, as well.

q: What can I do when the 3D pen gets jammed by filament?

a:

First, try to make sure that you load the filament evenly. Loading it even the slightest bit crookedly can put a kink in the machinery. If you still find that the pen has jammed, once the pen has been shut off and cooled, use the finger grips provided to remove the nozzle. Evenly cut and pull out the jammed filament. If there’s some stubbornly remaining filament, load some more, start the pen and try to force it through. Failing all this, simply disassemble the pen and clean out the internal system.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, Bic Cristal, Definition
  2. Wikipedia, Paper Mate, Definition
  3. Wikipedia, 3D printing processes, Definition
  4. Wikipedia, Stylus, Definition
  5. Wikipedia, Pen, Definition