At just 13, Andy Barrett turned a school 3D printer into a small business, selling 150 fidget toys while using his earnings to support epilepsy awareness

Most 13-year-olds walk into a school technology lab thinking about their next assignment or what they can build for fun. But when Andy Barrett, an eighth-grader at Granville Middle School in Ohio, looked at his school’s 3D printer, he saw an opportunity to create something that could make a difference.

Using basic design software and colourful plastic filament, Andy turned a classroom 3D printer into the foundation of a small business. He designed, printed and sold around 150 custom fidget toys to students, teachers and neighbours. Instead of spending the earnings on himself, he donated the profits to epilepsy awareness and research.

From classroom project to purpose-driven business

The idea took shape during a technology and engineering class, where students learn about digital design and manufacturing. Andy quickly realised that the school’s 3D printer could be used for more than classroom assignments and prototypes.


Fidget toys were already popular among his classmates, prompting Andy to experiment with designing his own. He began creating colourful, customisable versions that could be sold directly within his school community.

Learning through trial and error

Turning an idea into a physical product required patience and plenty of experimentation. With his teachers’ approval, Andy spent hours in the school lab learning design software and refining shapes, hinges and textures.

Not every attempt worked. Failed prints, clogged nozzles and peeling plastic became part of the process. Once printed, each toy also needed to be trimmed and smoothed. Andy tested early versions with friends and used their feedback to make the designs stronger and more comfortable to use.

150 toys, one bigger goal

As word spread, demand for Andy’s colourful fidget toys grew. What started as a few sales among classmates soon attracted teachers, school staff and neighbours.

Reaching the 150-toy milestone meant more than completing a sales target. Andy had effectively built a small business while balancing schoolwork, keeping track of orders, managing money and finding time to print the toys.

But the money was never the main goal.

Why epilepsy?

Andy chose epilepsy awareness and research because the cause has a personal connection to people in his life. His experience with those affected by the neurological disorder gave him an understanding of the challenges that extend beyond seizures, including medical treatment, anxiety, stigma and a lack of awareness.

For Andy, the fidget toys became more than products. They offered a way to raise conversations about epilepsy among his classmates while supporting organisations working in the field.

Turning profits into impact

Andy’s initiative demonstrates how a simple school project can evolve into something much bigger. Each sale helped raise funds while also giving him an opportunity to talk to others about epilepsy.

His experience also taught him lessons that go beyond 3D printing — from designing and testing a product to understanding customers, managing money and running a purpose-driven venture.

Backed by his community

Andy’s project was supported by his teachers, family, friends and neighbours. His teachers gave him access to the school’s equipment and the flexibility to work on his designs, while his family helped him manage the sales and donations.

The support allowed Andy to turn a classroom resource into a real-world learning experience — and showed how schools can give young students the space to pursue ideas with a wider purpose.

What’s next for Andy?

At 13, Andy is only beginning to explore what he can create. He could continue developing fidget toys, experiment with new 3D-printed products or find another cause to support.

Whatever comes next, his first venture has already given him something valuable: hands-on experience in turning an idea into a product, building a business and using it to help others.

His 150 fidget toys are a reminder that meaningful change does not always require a big company or a large budget. Sometimes, it can start with a 3D printer in a school classroom and one student willing to put it to good use.