IDO3D Deluxe 3D Design Studio Review

IDO3D Deluxe Design Studio Review

IDO3D Deluxe Design Studio Review celebrates one of the most creative and hands-on entries from the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2015 list. Released by Flair Leisure, this innovative art kit introduced kids to the magic of 3D drawing. Using special ink pens and a UV light to cure designs, the set allows young creators to draw up, out, and into the third dimension — producing models, sculptures, and even moving parts right at the kitchen table. For budding inventors and craft lovers, this was the kind of Christmas present that kept them busy for hours, long after the wrapping paper was cleared away.

Planning for Christmas 2025? See our guide to the best Christmas toys 2025 and check out where to buy the best toys online to get ahead of the festive rush.

---

What’s in the Box?

• IDO3D Drawing Pens: Specially formulated 3D ink pens in multiple colours.
• UV Light Pen: Cures the 3D ink instantly so designs hold their shape.
• Guide Sheets & Mats: Provide patterns, stencils, and work surfaces for drawing.
• ⚙️ Connectors & Accessories: Join shapes together or add moving parts to builds.
• Instruction Booklet: Step-by-step guide for beginner to advanced designs.

---

How It Works

The IDO3D Deluxe Design Studio works by combining special 3D drawing ink with a UV light-curing process. Kids draw shapes on the provided mats, cure them with the UV pen, then peel them off and connect them to create 3D models. By layering and joining cured pieces, they can make anything from jewellery to small figurines to imaginative structures. The process blends artistic creativity with a dash of engineering, giving children a hands-on taste of design principles.

The UV curing pen is battery-powered and lightweight, making it easy for kids to control. The pens themselves have fine tips for detail work, but can also produce thicker lines for structural parts. Designs set in seconds, so there’s little waiting time between inspiration and completion.

---

Background & Cultural Impact

By 2015, 3D printing was starting to make headlines in the tech world, but it was still expensive and largely inaccessible for kids. The IDO3D Deluxe Design Studio bridged that gap, offering a simplified, affordable way for children to experience the thrill of creating 3D objects. Flair Leisure tapped into the growing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) movement, producing a toy that felt both futuristic and educational.

It also appealed to parents looking for gifts that went beyond screens — a tactile, skill-building alternative to purely digital entertainment. In classrooms, it inspired after-school art clubs and craft projects, giving it life well beyond the Christmas season.

---

Play Benefits and Skill Development

• Creativity: Encourages open-ended artistic exploration with no single “right” outcome.
• Problem-Solving: Kids learn to adapt their designs when structures need extra support.
• Fine Motor Skills: Drawing with precision improves dexterity and control.
• STEM & STEAM Learning: Introduces basic engineering and design concepts in a playful way.
• Patience & Perseverance: Building complex designs rewards persistence and focus.

Unlike many Christmas gifts that lose their shine after a week, IDO3D projects can be revisited, redesigned, and rebuilt indefinitely, keeping the creative spark alive.

---

Festive Ways to Play

• Christmas Ornament Workshop: Create personalised baubles and tree decorations.
• Mini Gift Makers: Design custom keyrings, jewellery, or charms as presents for friends and family.
• ⛄ Snow Scene Sculptures: Build snowmen, reindeer, and festive villages for holiday displays.
• Mini Gingerbread Houses: Recreate the classic treat in 3D ink form (non-edible, but full of charm).

---

What Parents & Kids Are Saying

“My son made a 3D spaceship on Christmas Day — then spent Boxing Day improving it.”

“It’s messy at first, but the results are worth it. The UV pen is easy for kids to handle.”

“I love that it teaches patience and problem-solving without them even realising it.”

“The pens lasted longer than I expected, and replacement ink is available online.”

Parents praised its balance of creativity and learning, while kids loved the freedom to bring their ideas to life in tangible form.

---

About Flair Leisure

Flair Leisure is known for blending fun with innovation, producing toys that often cross into educational territory. With the IDO3D range, they captured the growing excitement around 3D printing and turned it into a safe, affordable, and endlessly creative play experience for children.

---

Why It Made the 2015 Christmas Charts

IDO3D Deluxe Design Studio was a fresh concept in a year dominated by character toys and tech gadgets. At around £39.99, it offered excellent value for the hours of entertainment it provided. The combination of art, technology, and hands-on fun meant it appealed to a broad age range and to both boys and girls equally.

It stood out as a gift that encouraged lasting engagement, where the “wow” factor didn’t wear off once the batteries ran out — because the real power came from imagination.

---

Best For Ages 8+

Perfect for kids who:

• Love arts and crafts
• Enjoy building and experimenting
• Are curious about design and technology
• ‍ ‍ Like collaborative family projects

---

Parental Tips & Setup Notes

• Batteries: Ensure the UV pen has fresh batteries before play to avoid interruptions.
• Protect Surfaces: Use the provided mats or cover tables to prevent ink marks.
• Ink Storage: Cap pens tightly after use to prevent drying out.
• Organisation: Store connectors and accessories in a small box or bag for easy access.

---

Where to Buy in 2025

While the original IDO3D Deluxe Design Studio is no longer in regular retail circulation, sets can often be found online via eBay, Amazon Marketplace, and craft supply outlets. Prices vary from £15–£30 depending on condition and completeness. Be sure the UV pen works and that the ink pens are still functional — or factor in buying replacements.

---

Final Verdict

The IDO3D Deluxe Design Studio from Flair Leisure remains a standout creative toy from the mid-2010s. It delivered the thrill of 3D creation in a kid-friendly package, mixing art, engineering, and imagination into one unforgettable gift. As a 2015 chart-topper, it still inspires the same joy and creativity it did on Christmas morning a decade ago.

For more creative hits, explore our most popular Christmas toys and browse our curated best Christmas toys 2025. You can also revisit the original IDO3D Deluxe 3D Design Studio page for product-specific details.

Some links on our site are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. 🎄