Short answer: Choose a polymer clay 3D figure if you want a smooth, rounded likeness that is hand-sculpted and hand-painted, a choice of sizes and the option of a bobblehead that nods. Choose a brick figure if you want a bold, playful character built from broad pieces, a digital proof to approve before anything is built, and a lower starting price. Both are made to order from your photo, ship free, and most US orders arrive 20–25 days after we have your photo.
At a glance
Look
- 3D: smooth, rounded characters, sculpted from your photo and painted by hand.
- Brick: confident likenesses built from broad, smooth pieces, with graphic facial details.
Material and making
- 3D: polymer clay, shaped by hand by a sculptor, oven-baked and painted by hand, on a polished base. Softer edges, a warmer handmade character, and no two are ever identical.
- Brick: a small number of broad, smooth ABS-like building pieces with clean seams and facial details printed rather than stickered, assembled by hand on a stable display base. If you prefer, we can send it as loose bricks with step-by-step building instructions.
Signature feature
- 3D: a spring-mounted head that nods, or a standard figure at the same price. Pet-only figures are standard figures.
- Brick: framed versions that put your character beside the photo it was made from, such as Framed Mini You (a wooden shadow box frame) and Your Family + Frame.
Sizes
- 3D: 10, 14 or 18 cm (about 4, 5.5 or 7 in) for people; dogs at 6, 8 or 10 cm; cats at 6 or 8 cm.
- Brick: one display size, set by the parts; our FAQ gives up to about 14 cm (5.5 in) tall. Ask us to confirm the measurements of your design.
Starting prices on the US store
- 3D: one person from $99, two people from $164, a pet from $94.
- Brick: one person from $89, two people from $139, a dog or cat from $89.
In other countries, prices are shown in local currency where we offer it.
How the proof works
Both styles come with photos at every step, changes on request, but the proof looks different because the making is different.
- 3D: the figure is sculpted by hand in clay from the start, so there is no digital model. You get photos of the sculpted face, usually within 3–4 days of us receiving your photo, then photos of the finished figure before it ships. Pet-only figures are made in one piece, so the pose is agreed before sculpting starts and only small touch-ups are possible once it is finished.
- Brick: you get a digital proof, a single front-facing build image showing the exact hair, outfit, colours and props, usually within 2–3 days. Brick characters are assembled from a fixed catalogue of parts, so there is no model to spin; the front view is the view the piece is designed around. Nothing is built until you approve it.
Cancelling and refunds
- Brick: cancel for any reason at any point before you approve the proof, for a 100% refund. Once you approve, the order can no longer be cancelled for a change of mind.
- 3D: cancel for a full refund before the sculptor starts. Once we have confirmed your order and sculpting has begun, a clay figure can't be refunded for a change of mind.
For both, if the figure arrives damaged, defective or different from the proof you approved, contact us within 14 days of delivery and we remake it free or refund you in full.
Which one suits your gift?
Choose 3D if…
- the gift needs to feel made rather than bought, or will sit on a desk or shelf where a brick figure would read as too playful;
- it is for a milestone birthday, a retirement, or someone whose personality lives in what they wear;
- you want a larger figure (14 or 18 cm) or a nodding bobblehead;
- two people should read as a single object rather than two builds standing together.
Choose brick if…
- you want a first gift that is not a mug: birthdays, new jobs, leaving-dos, or the friend who already owns everything;
- you would like to approve a digital design before anything is built, with a full refund available until then;
- you want the figure framed together with the original photo;
- the person would enjoy building it themselves from loose bricks and instructions.
Still deciding? Compare 3D Mini You with Mini You — Classic, or 3D Duo with The Duo — Classic. For pets, compare 3D Pet with Mini Dog or Mini Cat.
More guides
- How to turn a photo into a custom figurine
- Pet memorial figurine: which photos to send
- Retirement and anniversary gifts: custom figurines
- Custom figurine sizes, prices and delivery time
- Custom bobblehead from a photo: sizes and prices
- Custom couple figurines from photos: gift guide
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, a 3D figure or a brick figure?
On the US store, a brick figure of one person starts at $89 and a 3D figure of one person at $99 (10 cm). For two people, brick starts at $139 and 3D at $164. The final price is always shown on the product page.
Which one nods like a bobblehead?
The spring-mounted, nodding head is a 3D feature: 3D figures of people can be made as a bobblehead or as a standard figure at the same price. Pet-only 3D figures are made as standard figures.
Does one take longer than the other?
The first proof is usually quicker for brick (about 2–3 days) than for 3D (photos of the sculpted face, about 3–4 days). After approval both are made over about 8–12 days, and most US orders of either style arrive 20–25 days after we have your photo.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Brick: at any point before you approve the proof, for a full refund. 3D: before the sculptor starts, for a full refund; once sculpting has begun, a clay figure can't be refunded for a change of mind.
Are they toys?
No. Both are display keepsakes for a shelf or desk. They contain small parts and are not suitable for children under three.
