When Makie labs announced that customers would be able to print their Christmas toys on their website, a lot of people wondered if they would be able to print the toys at retail stores. If you haven't heard about MakieLabs,  go check out makie.me. Compare these toys with the Christmas Toys Of 2013.The site allows you to create your own characters. It's very similar to designing a character or avatar in a video game. You can customize just about everything about your character from its hair to its eyes. It can be very addictive. People are going to have a lot of fun creating virtual characters. If you like what you have created, you can have the company print it. That's right! Unlike traditional toy companies, MakieLabs is using 3D Printers to print toys. After the toys are printed, they are shipped directly to the customers.

More About The Best Christmas Toys Of 2013

With traditional toys, companies have to develop a prototype. Before the prototype is actually made, the toy has to be tested for marketability. Usually, the toys are manufactured in China. Makies are a little bit different. There is actually a digital version of the Makie and a Cad model. Users can customize the properties of the doll before it is sent to a 3D printer. The parts are printed with the printer and later assembled. It takes about two to three weeks from concept to the final version.

MakieLabs is hoping that its idea will revolutionize dolls. Unlike Barbie dolls, users can customize their dolls in the virtual space and then print them out. These dolls are not only personalized but they have interactive components. The concept is still early but it looks promising. If it sounds a little bit like a video game, it’s because the CEO actually has a gaming background. There are already a number of challenges bringing the idea to fruition.

The biggest problem is whether the idea is scalable on a mass level. Right now the dolls are overly expensive. It costs around $150. This is because the price to make them right now is costly. However, as more of them are printed there will be greater efficiency achieved.  The goal is to get the cost down.

Many people are wondering if 3D Printing could take place in stores. This would allow people to get their creations right away. MakieLabs talked to several retailers about setting up kiosk or printing stations in stores. The truth is the process is not really suitable in a retail environment. The process takes too long and is very messy. When constructing the toys, there is a burning plastic smell. It smells like you are in a factory. The biggest problem is that the process takes awhile. Most retailers are not going to get on board with the idea.

You won't see MakieLabs products at retailers just yet. However, MakieLabs believes that they could sell accessories in the traditional retail space. These could be used to decorate their Makie dolls. Another great idea is to offer gift cards so that people can later make purchases online.

MakieLabs is hoping to model its toys after the wildly popular Moshi Monsters. The Moshi Monsters have spawned so many spin off toys. If you walk into a toy store, you are going to see so many licensed products featuring the Moshi Monsters. The Ceo of MakieLabs is actually a friend of the creator of Moshi Monsters. The big success of the Moshi Monster franchise is the online video game. MakieLabs wants to launch an online game as well. The game will allow players to level up their Makie and they will eventually be able to unlock additional items.