Girl, seven, builds nest egg with 3D-printed toys

Lila's creations have been helping her learn about money at a young age

A seven-year-old girl is saving money for her future by making and selling 3D-printed figurines.

Lila set up her own side hustle with her dad, Simon, at their home near Norwich after he was inspired by the trend for similar creations at craft fairs last year.

They now have a 3D printing studio in their utility room, where Lila has helped make cute animals and other characters, which she sells online.

Lila, who has splurged some of her earnings on toys, said she was "very, very, very excited" when her dad suggested they strike out with their own business.

A dog in its own kennel is Lila's favourite

"We came across numerous fairs last summer, with people selling 3D printed dragons," said Simon, who is a graphic designer.

"They were mostly plain, mostly one colour - I got dragged into buying quite a few of them - and eventually we had a little chat, and I thought we could probably do this at home.

"I looked into the costs of a printer and doing our own thing, and that's where the idea came from."

He said the items cost between 50p to £3 to make, and sell for up to £8.

Lila said one of her first creations were "little ducks", which have been followed by plenty of animals, dinosaurs and now Christmas characters.

"I love animals," she added.

"My favourite is a German Shepherd with a house."

Simon said he and Lila managed her takings with a child-friendly banking app, with much of her money going into a junior ISA for when she turned 18.

But like any seven-year-old, she obviously needed to treat herself, too.

"I have been buying Labubus and teddies with the money I have," said Lila.

"It's fun."