Christmas is just around the corner, and department stores are already ignoring Thanksgiving in favor of throwing Christmas decorations in your face. GE is getting into the spirit as well with a 3D printing challenge inspired by Santa’s sleigh.

Over the weekend, GE announced the #3DPrintMyGift challenge, a call to designers around the world to design and 3D print a new and improved sleigh for Santa Claus. In essence, GE feels that Santa is a little behind on the times and needs a sleigh equipped with the latest technology to support his mission of delivering toys to children all over the world in just one night. That’s where you come in.

Designers are invited to compete in a Santa sleigh design contest. The winning design will be 3D printed by GE and handed out as prizes for its #3DPrintMyGift holiday campaign. The company will also promote the winner’s name and design across its social media pages for the length of its holiday campaign.

So, what kind of sleigh does GE want to see? Here’s the basic requirements:

The winning sleigh must:

GE says designs must focus on both aesthetics and aerodynamics. In other words, designers must find ways to improve the sleigh design to reduce drag while making it look good. It also must remain lightweight so it can be hung on a tree.

Even if you don’t win first place, you still have a chance to win some great prizes. For second and third place, Shapeways will send you a 3D print of your sleigh. You’ll also receive a GrabCAD shirt and notebook. For 4th through 10th place, you’ll receive a GrabCAD shirt and notebook.

If you want to learn more about the design competition, check out the GE’s official challenge page. Make Santa proud with a 3D design of his sleigh and he might just thank you with a brand new MakerBot Replicator 2X this holiday season.

[Image: Jazz Pants/YouTube]
[h/t: 3ders]