Every invention starts with a doodle
Send us your child's invention drawing. We pick a few each week, design them, 3D print them and bring them to life. Some even move.
From crayon to the real thing
Submitting is free. You only pay if we pick your child's idea and you like the quote.
Draw it
Your child draws their invention and signs their first name in thick marker.
Submit it
A parent sends a photo of the drawing and the signature with our short form.
We pick
We review ideas each week. If we can build yours, we email you a quote.
Preview
You see the 3D design before anything prints, with a round of changes included.
Build and reveal
We print, build and film it, then ship it with an inventor card.
Two kinds of Whatsit
Every invention is different, so every build is quoted on its own.
Sculpture
A 3D-printed version of the drawing, made to sit proudly on a shelf.
Moving parts
Wheels that roll, cranks that turn, springs and gears. If it's supposed to move, we'll do our best to make it.
Light-up
Glowing eyes, power cores and blinking lights, once our safety checks are done.
Watch it grow, layer by layer
Every build is filmed as it prints, so your child gets to see their idea come to life.
- Designed by hand from your child's own drawing
- A timelapse video of their invention being printed
- An inventor card that names your child as the inventor
- Hands-only filming: we never show children's faces or full names
Their signature, built right in
Send us your child's signature with their drawing and we'll etch it into the bottom of their build. Turn it over and there's their name, just like a real inventor.
The Tinkerers Guild
Some inventions are too good to make just once. We're building a guild where a few favorite inventions can become real products, with the young inventor credited by name on every one. Families who've had a prototype built with us will be the first invited.
Good to know
How much does it cost?
Submitting is free. Every invention is different, so if we pick your child's idea we send a quote first. You pay only if you say yes.
How long does it take?
We'll give you a timeline with your quote. It covers the design, your preview, printing, building and shipping.
What can't you build?
Anything unsafe, anything that looks like a weapon, and characters or logos that belong to other companies. Very tiny or very large inventions may not fit our printer, but we'll always look for a way to capture the idea.
Is it a toy?
Many builds are for display, and some have moving parts children can play with. Every build comes with age guidance, and anything with small parts is not for children under 3.
Why do you ask for a signature?
So we can etch your child's signature into their build. Please have them sign their first name only, in thick marker on plain paper.
What happens to my child's drawing?
Only parents and guardians can submit. We ask for your child's first name and age, never their last name or school, and we use the drawing to build and film their invention. Please crop out any full names written on the drawing. Read our privacy policy.
Who's behind Wacky Whatsits?
A small family workshop with a 3D printer, a lot of filament, and a big imagination.
Got a little inventor?
Parents and guardians: send us a photo of the drawing, a signature and one sentence about what it does. It takes about two minutes.
Submit an inventionQuestions? Email hello@wackywhatsits.com