The best way to gift wrap a figure, whether it's 3D-printed or handmade, is to wrap the thin, breakable parts first, fix the figure inside a box so it can't move, and only then add the decorative wrapping. If you're shipping it, put the wrapped box inside an outer carton with cushioning, and if it's a 3D print, check the material's weak points (heat, or resin that hasn't been washed off) before you pack it.
This guide covers how to wrap your own figures, 3D prints, acrylic stands and other character merch, or a figure of a character you love, when you hand it over in person, ship it as a gift, sell it at a convention, or deliver a commission.
Note: Figmee currently offers figurine-style image generation, 3D model data downloads (GLB / 3MF) and turntable video export for 3D models. Physical 3D print ordering is Coming Soon, and when it launches it will ship within Japan only. The packing advice in this article is for pieces you have made or printed yourself, and for figures you already own.
How to Gift Wrap a Figure in 5 Steps
Whether you give it in person or ship it, the steps that protect the figure are the same. Save the decorative wrapping for last.
- Wrap the thin, pointed parts first (about 5 minutes) — Wrap tissue paper around parts that snap easily, such as weapons, hair tips, fingers and tails. Tape the paper to itself, never to the figure. Take off any detachable parts and wrap them separately.
- Wrap the whole piece in cushioning (about 5 minutes) — Wrap the figure in bubble wrap. UPS's packaging guidelines say to wrap each item separately and to place the flat side of the bubble wrap against the product, with the bubbles facing out (source: UPS "Packaging Guidelines", as of September 2026).
- Fix it in the box so it can't move (about 5 minutes) — Use a box slightly larger than the figure and fill the gaps with crumpled paper or cushioning. Close the lid and give it a gentle shake; if you can't hear anything moving, it's secure.
- Decorate the outside (about 10 minutes) — This is the stage for wrapping paper, ribbon or a gift bag. If you can't decide on colors, pick a single color from the character's palette.
- Add a card (about 5 minutes) — A line about who the character is, which parts are fragile and what to avoid when displaying it (direct sunlight, high heat) helps the recipient unpack it without guesswork.
What Changes by Situation: In Person, Shipping, Conventions and Commissions
The same figure needs different protection and presentation depending on how it reaches its new owner.
| Situation | What to protect against | Presentation and extras | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giving it in person | Tipping over or getting crushed on the way | A window box or clear bag that shows it off, plus a card | Carry it flat at the bottom of the bag |
| Shipping it as a gift | Movement inside the box, a crushed outer box | Decorate the inner box and use a plain outer carton | Don't wrap the outer box in paper or string |
| Selling it at a convention | Dust and scratches, one piece at a time | A clear bag (an OPP bag, for example) and a label with the title and your name | Keep display samples separate from stock |
| Delivering a commission (physical) | Damage in transit, and a record of its condition before shipping | A card with the client's character name and care notes | Photograph it before packing and use a tracked service |
| Delivering or gifting it as data | An unsuitable format, or unclear terms of use | Preview images or a turntable video | Put the format and permitted use in writing |
In person, you can put looks first; the farther the figure travels, the more the packing has to do. The sections below cover the part that most often goes wrong, 3D prints, and then shipping, conventions and commissions in detail.
Before You Wrap a 3D Print or Resin Piece
Check the material before you wrap anything 3D-printed or painted. For more on the materials themselves, see which 3D printing materials suit pieces made from illustrations.
- Resin (SLA) prints: Wash and post-cure them before wrapping. Formlabs describes removing the excess resin from the surface with an alcohol or ether wash as the first step of post-processing, and explains that right after printing the polymerization reaction may not be complete, so the part has not yet reached its final material properties (source: Formlabs "Guide to Post-Processing and Finishing SLA Resin 3D Prints", as of September 2026).
- FDM prints in PLA: PLA doesn't cope well with heat. The Prusa Knowledge Base says PLA gets soft and deforms at temperatures over 60 °C and degrades under UV light (source: Prusa Knowledge Base "PLA", as of September 2026). If you're giving it in summer, let the recipient know not to leave the parcel in a car or in direct sun.
- Painted pieces: Follow the drying time on the paint's instructions and wrap only once the paint is fully dry.
- Pieces with small parts: Put detachable parts in a small bag in the same box as the main piece, and write assembly notes on the card.
If you're still deciding how to make the figure itself (clay, 3D printing or AI), how to make an original figure compares the options.
Shipping a Figure as a Gift: Double Boxing and Cushioning
When you ship a gift, don't send the wrapped box on its own; put it inside a corrugated outer box. UPS's packaging guidelines recommend the two-box method for fragile goods. Use an outer box that is 6 inches (about 15 cm) larger than the inner box in depth, width and length, and add 3 inches (about 7.6 cm) of cushioning around the inner box. The guidelines also call for at least 2 inches (about 5 cm) of cushioning to keep the contents away from each other and from the corners, sides, top and bottom of the box (source: UPS "Packaging Guidelines", as of September 2026).
The same guidelines say never to use paper or string over-wrap on the box, and to place a duplicate address label inside it. Keep the wrapping paper and ribbon for the inner box and send the outer carton plain.
Packing rules and compensation for damage differ between carriers and countries, so check the guidance of the carrier you actually use as well.
Packing Figures and Merch to Sell at Conventions
For figures and merch you sell at a convention or artist alley, putting each piece in its own clear bag (such as an OPP bag) keeps off dust and fingerprints and lets you hand it over as is. Wrap fragile 3D pieces in their own box or cushioning before bagging them.
- Keep samples and stock separate: Have a separate sample to display at your table, and keep the pieces you hand over sealed.
- Label everything: Write the title, your name or studio name, the material and care notes on the bag or box so buyers can check them later.
- Acrylic stands and other flat merch: If they come with protective film, leave it on; it prevents scratches, and the buyer can peel it off themselves.
- Load-in and sales rules: Follow each organizer's rules on shipping stock to the venue and on what you're allowed to sell.
Selling assumes the characters are your own and that you hold the rights to them. For characters you commissioned from someone else and for fan works, see can you sell original character or fan art figurines?
Packing and Communicating a Commission Delivery
When you ship a physical commission, cover these three things:
- Photograph it before packing: Shots of the whole piece and its fragile parts let you show its condition before shipping if it arrives damaged.
- Use a tracked service: Tell the client the shipping date and the tracking number.
- Agree on shipping costs and damage in advance: Settle who pays for shipping and whether to use the carrier's compensation when you accept the commission, so there are no misunderstandings later.
When you deliver 3D data, state the file format and what the client may do with it (enjoy it personally, turn it into merch to sell, and so on) in writing. Pick the format for the purpose: GLB for viewing and editing, 3MF for 3D printing. What is a GLB file? explains how GLB files are used.
Gifting and Showing It as Data (What Figmee Can Do)
Instead of wrapping a physical piece, or alongside one, you can also give or show the work as data. Here's what Figmee can make from an illustration and how each one fits gifts, conventions and commissions.
| What you can make | What it is | Ways to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Figurine-style image | Your illustration converted into a figurine-style image with a sense of depth. Save it as a PNG from "Save" on the work page, including a square version | Cards or tags for a gift, announcement images for a convention |
| 3D model (GLB) | 3D data that bundles shape and color (textures) into one file | Let people rotate it on the work page; open it in 3D software such as Blender |
| 3D model (3MF) | Data for 3D printing, created so the longest side is 80 mm; you can change the size in slicer software | Give it as data to someone who has a 3D printer |
| Turntable video | A square video in which the 3D model turns twice in about 6 seconds | A teaser before the box is opened, or a convention announcement on social media |
- Turntable video: For any work with a generated 3D model, you can export it without using tokens. The video is created on your device, and depending on your browser it's saved as MP4 or WebM (some social networks don't accept WebM).
- Keeping it a surprise: Publishing a work lists it in the "Community Gallery", and anyone with the share link can see it. If the recipient shouldn't see it before you give it, check who will be able to see it before you publish.
- Gifting a 3MF: The data is generated automatically, so whether it prints as is, and how much of the color and fine detail comes through, depends on the printer and software. For print preparation, see preparing a 3MF file for your home 3D printer.
- Pricing: Figurine-style image generation is free for your first 5 generations as a sign-up bonus (valid for 3 months after sign-up, first registration only). Your first 3D model is free per account; after that, each model costs 5 tokens (GLB / 3MF download included). The Figmee how-to guide walks through the steps.
You can't currently order a physical figure through Figmee (physical 3D print ordering is Coming Soon).
FAQ
What matters most when gifting a 3D-printed figure?
Wrapping the thin, breakable parts first and fixing the figure so it can't move inside the box. Wash and post-cure resin prints before wrapping them, and keep PLA prints away from hot places.
Which side of the bubble wrap should face the figure?
UPS's packaging guidelines say to place the flat side against the product, with the bubbles facing out.
Can I ship the gift-wrapped box as is?
Put it inside an outer box. Use the wrapping paper and ribbon on the inner box, and send the outer carton plain, without any paper over-wrap.
How should I pack figures to sell at a convention?
Put each piece in its own clear bag or box, with a label showing the title, your name and care notes. Follow the organizer's rules for load-in and sales.
Can Figmee make a physical figure and ship it to me?
Not at the moment. Figmee offers figurine-style images, 3D model data (GLB / 3MF) and turntable videos; physical 3D print ordering is Coming Soon. You can use the 3MF file with your own 3D printer or with a printing service that accepts 3MF.
Summary
Whether you're giving a figure or selling it, finish the protective steps first (thin parts, then the whole piece, then fixing it in the box) and do the decorative wrapping last. Add an outer box and cushioning for shipping, and check a 3D print's material before you wrap it. If a physical piece is hard to send, or you'd like to add something to it, you can also send the work as data, such as a figurine-style image or a turntable video.
