A custom bobblehead from a photo is a small display figure with an oversized head that bobs when you tap it. At 3DCentral, our team designs it from your photos and we print it at our workshop in Laval, Quebec. 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.
How does the head move?
The head and the body are printed as separate parts. The head is hollow, so it stays light, and keyed sockets let the parts go together one way only. The head then sits on a plastic spring that is itself 3D-printed. Many big-head figures are printed in one piece: they look like bobbleheads but do not move, and adding movement usually means cutting the head off and gluing in a metal spring. Ours is designed to move from the start.
Each design is checked before it is printed. If a pose or a detail would stop the head from moving well, we tell you before you pay. We never swap in a fixed head without your agreement.
What should I send?
A sharp, well-lit photo of the face from the front does most of the work. A three-quarter view helps with the likeness, and a full-body photo helps with the outfit and pose. Tell us the pose, the outfit, the colours that matter and the occasion. Use only photos you are allowed to share, with the consent of the person shown, or of a parent or guardian for a child.
Who designs it?
Our team does. AI-Assisted design is not offered for bobbleheads: a person on our team designs each bobblehead with you, and you approve each step that matters before anything is printed.
Colours, material and finish
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.
Price and how ordering works
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. You approve the concept and the quote before you pay. After approval and payment, we prepare the 3D model for your approval before printing.
- Send your request. Add your photos and details on our bobblehead page. A request is not an order and costs nothing.
- Approve the concept and quote. Our team confirms the concept, the size, the colour plan and the exact price.
- Pay, then approve the 3D model. After payment, we prepare the 3D model and you approve it before printing.
- We print it in Laval. Your bobblehead is printed, assembled and packed at our workshop, then shipped.
How long does it take?
Timing is confirmed with your concept and quote, because it depends on the design, the revisions you ask for and our print schedule. For delivery times and rates, see our shipping page.
Gift ideas
A bobblehead suits a retirement, a birthday, a wedding, a graduation or a team milestone. For several bobbleheads of different people, or a team or corporate order, each person is a separate design and our team quotes the whole project. Your bobblehead is made for personal use and gifting; we do not reuse or resell your likeness.
Frequently asked questions
Does the head really move?
Yes. The head and body are printed separately, and the head sits on a 3D-printed plastic spring, so a light tap makes it bob. There is no metal spring glued into the neck.
How much does a custom bobblehead 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.
Is the bobblehead painted?
No. The colours come from the filament: up to 4 colours is our best price, up to 8 costs a little extra and 9 to 16 a bigger extra. Nothing is painted, and resin is not currently available.
Can AI design my bobblehead right away?
No. AI-Assisted design is not offered for bobbleheads. Our team designs each bobblehead with you.
How long does it take?
Timing is confirmed with your concept and quote. Delivery times and rates are on our shipping page.
Do I approve it before it is printed?
You approve the concept and the quote before you pay. After approval and payment, we prepare the 3D model for your approval before printing.
Is a bobblehead a toy?
No. It is a display collectible for ages 14 and up. It has small parts and a moving head, so keep it out of reach of young children.
Can I order a bobblehead of someone else?
Yes, as a gift, as long as you have their consent, or a parent’s or guardian’s consent for a child. Use only photos you are allowed to share.
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