I've used an assortment of 3D printers for nearly a decade, and it's hard to find one I like more than the A1 Mini Combo. Bambu Lab has just done the unimaginable and got this excellent 3D printer to a price I wouldn't have thought possible.

Since its launch in 2023, the A1 Mini Combo has been a firm favorite in my household. Whenever we need a small something printed quickly, we break out the Mini, as it offers excellent print quality every time. Now, with the holiday season in full swing, there's no better time to buy one for yourself or, even better, for someone else.

If you're already immersed in the 3D printing world, you may find the Mini too small for you, but if you know someone who's been thinking about getting into the hobby, now's the time to buy one as a gift. The A1 Mini on its own is down to just $179, a price so low I can't believe Bambu Lab is making any money from it. This printer retails for $299. It's currently on sale for $199, but with code 3DPA1MNY, you'll get an additional 20%, taking the A1 Mini to the lowest price I've ever seen.

I've been using the Mini since it first came out, in 2023, and it's such a simple machine to use. It's the one I fire up when I want something quickly and easily. The bed is small, just 180 by 180 millimeters, so you can't print giant things like helmets or masks, but you can make smaller pieces like sculptures or, since we're entering the holiday season, awesome ornaments. 

It prints speedily, too, with a max print speed of 500mm/s, meaning you can print little jobs nice and fast. It also comes with a four-color system called the AMS lite that will feed four different materials into the printer so you can make full-color models like what's in the image below. 

Read more: A1 Mini Combo review

My colleague recently asked me what 3D printer she should get for her 13-year-old son, and this is the one I suggested. It will fit on a normal desk, even with the AMS color system. It's pretty quiet, and, as long as you have a bucket to catch the waste, clean to have in your home. If you are using it inside, I would recommend using safe materials like PLA or PETG, especially in a bedroom. Ideally, you would want it to be in a spare room or garage if possible.

Even better, if you are giving it as a gift, you should opt for the $239 bundle that includes four rolls of filament. That's everything you need to get started in the 3D printing all in one package. Fantastic deal.

There are many options for your first 3D printer, and I've seen many people on Threads and Reddit recommend the A1 Mini. They agree that the A1 Mini is a great starting place, though you may need something bigger as you advance in the craft.

When will this deal expire?

While we can't guarantee this deal will last, Bambu Lab has said this $199 deal will last from Dec. 3 until Jan. 4. However, the code for the additional 20% off may expire before then. Our CNET deals experts are constantly monitoring these savings so we can update you if anything goes on sale or runs out of stock before the event ends.

Why this deal matters

With the holidays fast approaching and 3D printers being a big ticket item, any savings you can grab are important. This price is the lowest we've ever seen the A1 Mini on its own and is the bargain of the year, in my view. 

The A1 Mini Combo is also excellently priced to be a gift this year. At $349, it comes with four rolls of material and a $20 voucher for the Bambu website. Having the material and the color system as a package makes it perfect for a main present for a loved one. I would suggest the next level of 3D printer, the full-sized A1 combo, but it's $489, $105 more expensive and might be a little pricey as a gift. If you are looking to buy a 3D printer for yourself and you have that extra cash, the full-size A1 combo might be a good fit.

What other expenses come from owning a 3D printer?

After the initial layout, you'll need to buy a few 3D printing accessories and some materials to get the most out of your 3D printer. If the printer doesn't come with a roll of filament and you open one on Christmas morning, you may be disappointed. I would suggest grabbing some fun filament from Overture. Its PLA is excellent and comes in plenty of fun colors. Start with PLA, as it is the easiest and cheapest material. 

The accessories are all optional, as your 3D printer will come with every tool you need, as well as fun projects to print some of those tools. Eventually, it would help if you replaced your nozzle, but Bambu makes that incredibly simple and cost-effective. You won't need a new one for a long time, so don't worry.