To get a custom bobblehead from a photo, send us a clear photo of the person and tell us the pose, outfit and colours you want on our bobblehead page. Our team designs it with you, you approve the concept and the quote before you pay, and we print it at our workshop in Laval, Quebec, then ship it across Canada and beyond.
A bobblehead is one of the most personal gifts you can give: a small, recognizable portrait of someone, with a head that bobs when you tap it. This guide explains how ours are made, what to send, how pricing and timing work, and which occasions suit one.
What a custom bobblehead is at 3DCentral
A custom bobblehead is a small display figure modelled on a real person from one or more reference photos. Our bobbleheads are designed to move: a 3D-printed plastic spring, a hollow head and keyed sockets, no metal spring glued in. A big-head figure that does not move is a different product. It is a decorative collectible for ages 14 and up, not a toy, and each one is made to order: no stock, no minimum order and no waste from overproduction.
How to order a custom bobblehead from a photo, step by step
- Choose your photos. Pick a sharp, well-lit photo where the face is visible. A three-quarter view and a full-body photo help.
- Send your request. On our bobblehead page, add your photos and describe the pose, outfit, colours and occasion. A request is not an order and costs nothing.
- Approve the concept and quote. Our team designs your bobblehead and confirms the concept, size, colour plan and exact price before you pay.
- Approve the 3D model. After payment, we prepare the 3D model and you approve it before printing.
- We print and ship it. Your bobblehead is printed, assembled and packed at our Laval workshop.
Who designs it
AI-Assisted design is not offered for bobbleheads. A person on our team designs each one with you, checks that the head can move well in the pose you want, and tells you before you pay if something needs to change. We never swap in a fixed head without your agreement.
How to choose the best photo
- Good lighting. Even, natural light works better than harsh shadows or backlight.
- Face clearly visible. Avoid sunglasses, low hats or anything covering the face, unless that accessory is the point.
- Sharp focus. A crisp photo shows more detail than a blurry or heavily filtered one.
- Personality. A favourite jersey, a signature hairstyle or a familiar outfit makes the figure feel like that person.
Use only photos you are allowed to share, with the consent of the person shown, or of a parent or guardian for a child.
Price, colours and shipping
Every bobblehead is quoted by our team for your design, size and colour plan. You see the exact price before you pay, and sending a request costs nothing. A custom bobblehead is a one-time purchase, not a subscription.
Your bobblehead is printed on our FDM printers in filament colours. Nothing is painted. There are three colour plans: up to 4 colours is our best price, up to 8 colours costs a little extra, and 9 to 16 colours costs a bigger extra. Your quote shows the price of the plan that suits your design. Premium resin is planned for 2027 and is not currently available.
Your bobblehead ships from Laval, Quebec. For delivery times and rates, see our shipping page.
Why a bobblehead makes a standout gift
Most gifts are forgotten within a week. A figure that looks like the person who receives it is not. Good occasions include:
- Retirements and work milestones: a desk-sized tribute to a career.
- Weddings and anniversaries: a pair of bobbleheads, one design per person.
- Sports fans: in their team colours, within your colour plan.
- Birthdays and graduations: a gift that is truly one of a kind.
For several people, a team or a corporate order, each person is a separate design and our team quotes the whole project.
How custom bobbleheads fit into the 3DCentral catalogue
Our shop mixes original 3DCentral designs with models by community artists that we print with their permission. A custom bobblehead is a separate, one-off service, made for your personal use and gifting. We do not reuse or resell your likeness. If you are unsure which option fits your project, contact our team.
FAQ
How many photos do I need for a custom bobblehead?
One sharp, well-lit photo of the face is enough to start. A three-quarter view and a full-body photo help with the likeness, outfit and pose.
Does the head really bob?
Yes. The head sits on a 3D-printed plastic spring, with a hollow head and keyed sockets. No metal spring is glued in.
How much does it cost?
Every bobblehead is quoted by our team for your design, size and colour plan. You see the exact price before you pay, and sending a request costs nothing.
How long does a custom bobblehead take?
Timing is confirmed with your concept and quote. Delivery times and rates are on our shipping page.
What colours are available?
The colours come from the filament, and nothing is painted. Up to 4 colours is our best price, up to 8 costs a little extra and 9 to 16 a bigger extra.
