# Making kids' name puzzles with the Name Puzzle Generator

> chunky letter-piece name puzzles for toddlers, cut or printed

The wooden name puzzle is the reigning first-birthday gift, and the engineering is all in the fit. Type the **Name**, choose a bold font (the tool reminds you: bold fonts make pieces toddlers can actually grip), and it generates a frame with letter-shaped holes plus the matching letter pieces. **Puzzle Width / Height** size the board, **Padding** sets the space between letters and border, **Corner Radius** rounds the frame, and an optional **Symbol** (star, heart) fills leftover space as a bonus piece.

## What you need

- **Laser cutting:** two sheets of 3 mm [laser-grade plywood](https://yxecreations.com/collections/laser-grade-plywood) for the frame and backer, plus 3-6 mm stock - or colored [acrylic](https://yxecreations.com/pages/acrylic-sheets) - for the letter pieces
- **Assembly:** wood glue or [3M 468 tape](https://yxecreations.com/collections/3m-tape) to laminate frame onto backer
- **3D printing:** any FDM printer; bright filament colors per letter
- **Safety:** child-safe finish (salad-bowl oil or water-based lacquer) - this is a toy

## Step 1 - Name and font



Enter the name and pick the boldest, roundest font you like - thin strokes make fragile pieces and impossible recesses. Adjust **Font Size** so each letter ends up at least 40 mm tall; small pieces defeat the purpose (and toddlers chew them).

## Step 2 - Board layout



- Set **Puzzle Width / Height** to fit the name comfortably - 300 x 120 mm suits most first names.
- **Padding** controls the frame margin around the letters; 10-15 mm keeps the board sturdy between recesses.
- Round the frame with **Corner Radius** - toddler products want no sharp corners.
- Add a **Symbol** piece if the name leaves an empty corner.

## Step 3 - Export



Download **SVG** (frame with letter holes + the letter pieces as separate paths) or **STL/3MF** for a fully printed board and pieces.

## Laser Cutting

### Laser cutting



1. Cut the frame layer (letter holes) and a solid backer the same outer size, then laminate them - that is the recessed board.
2. Cut the letter pieces from thicker stock or stack two cuts per letter so pieces stand proud of the board for easy grabbing.
3. Laser kerf works in your favor here: pieces cut from the same file drop into their holes with a natural easy fit.
4. Sand every piece edge well and break the top corners by hand.
5. Finish board and letters with a child-safe oil; paint letters in alternating colors before a final clear coat.

## 3D Printing

### 3D printing



1. Export the 3MF; print the board in one color and each letter in its own bright filament.
2. Print letters 2-3 mm taller than the recess depth so they sit proud for little fingers.
3. 100% infill on letters - they will be thrown, stepped on, and teethed.
4. If the board exceeds the bed, print it in two halves and bond with a dovetail seam or strong adhesive.

## Make it yours

- Rainbow letters on a natural wood board is the bestseller combination.
- Engrave the birth date and weight in a corner of the board before assembly.
- Make a matching sibling set in the same font so the puzzles look like a family.
- Glue small magnets into letters and board recesses for a travel version that stays put.
- Spanish or French names with accents work - check the font carries the accented glyphs.
- Make a grandparent version: GRANDMA with a heart symbol piece.
- Pair with the Alphabet Keychain Generator to turn the outgrown puzzle font into a school-age keychain.

---

Open the Name Puzzle Generator: https://www.mylasertools.com/name-puzzle-generator
Read online: https://www.mylasertools.com/learn/guides/name-puzzle-generator