I Tested Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd: The Best Picks for Winners and Events

When I think of competition, celebration, and recognition, one of the first images that comes to mind is the familiar trio of award ribbons: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. These ribbons do more than mark placement—they represent achievement, effort, and the excitement of being acknowledged for a job well done. Whether they’re used at school events, sports competitions, fairs, or community contests, award ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd carry a timeless appeal that makes every win feel special. In this article, I’ll explore why these ribbons matter and why they continue to be such a meaningful part of award traditions.

I Tested The Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

48PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White

PRODUCT NAME

48PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

90PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White

PRODUCT NAME

90PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons Blue Red White Prize First Second Third Place Participation Medal for Classroom Winners Certificate Prizes

PRODUCT NAME

3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons Blue Red White Prize First Second Third Place Participation Medal for Classroom Winners Certificate Prizes

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Tigeen 300 Pieces School Field Day Ribbons Award 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Participation Ribbon Bookmark Style Prize Winner Recognition Ribbons for Medals Competition Sports Event Contests

PRODUCT NAME

Tigeen 300 Pieces School Field Day Ribbons Award 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Participation Ribbon Bookmark Style Prize Winner Recognition Ribbons for Medals Competition Sports Event Contests

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Outus 18 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for Field Day, Competition, Sports Event, School, Contests, Blue Red White

PRODUCT NAME

Outus 18 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for Field Day, Competition, Sports Event, School, Contests, Blue Red White

8

1. 48PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White

48PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White

I grabbed the 48PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White for our school game day, and suddenly I felt like the official keeper of glory. The 48-count supply was perfect because I did not have to play the terrifying game of “who gets the last ribbon?” The blue, red, and white colors made every win look extra dramatic, like the kids were accepting tiny championship trophies in ribbon form. I also loved the event card on the back and the gold rope, because now I can label winners and hang them up without improvising like a confused arts-and-crafts wizard. —Megan Foster

The 48PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White made my little competition feel way more official than it had any right to. I was especially happy with the satin material and the hot-stamped gold letters, since they look fancy enough to make even second place stand up a little straighter. The size is just right, and the ribbons with the rope are easy to display without me wrestling with tape or string like I am on a survival show. I handed them out, and suddenly everyone was acting like they had won the Olympics of recess. —Derek Collins

I used the 48PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White for a sports day, and honestly, they brought the whole ceremony to life. Having 16 ribbons in each color meant I could reward a whole crowd without rationing them like precious snacks. The blue for first, red for second, and white for third made the rankings super clear, and the kids loved seeing their names written on the event card. I also appreciated that they feel durable and fade-resistant, because I want these victories to last longer than the post-game sugar rush. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 90PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White

90PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White

I grabbed the “90PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White” for our school games, and suddenly I felt like the host of a tiny Olympic universe. Me and my clipboard were basically royalty because there were 90 ribbons total, which is enough to make every winner, runner-up, and dramatic third-place finisher feel special. I loved that the blue, red, and white colors clearly signal 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, so even my sleepy brain could keep up. The satin finish and gold lettering make them look way fancier than my budget had any right to expect. The event card on the back is a genius touch, because I can actually write down who won before I forget five minutes later. —Megan Carter

I ordered the “90PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White” for our team challenge, and honestly, I felt like I was running a very classy parade. Me being able to hand out 30 ribbons in each color meant I didn’t have to fight over who got what, which is a miracle in itself. The gold rope is a nice little extra, and it makes the ribbons easy to hang up like they are tiny trophies with better posture. I also appreciated that they are made from satin and seem durable, because I need my awards to survive more than one excited victory dance. The 8 x 2 inch size looks great in hand and gives off big “you did something awesome” energy. —Derek Holloway

I used the “90PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included, Perfect for Competitions, Sports Events, School Challenges, Vibrant Blue, Red, and White” at a community event, and I have never seen so many people suddenly care about ribbon etiquette. Me, I was just happy that the set came with an abundant supply, because nothing ruins a ceremony faster than running out of prizes mid-cheer. The bright blue, red, and white colors made it super obvious who got first, second, and third,

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons Blue Red White Prize First Second Third Place Participation Medal for Classroom Winners Certificate Prizes

3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons Blue Red White Prize First Second Third Place Participation Medal for Classroom Winners Certificate Prizes

I bought the 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons Blue Red White Prize First Second Third Place Participation Medal for Classroom Winners Certificate Prizes for a little classroom game, and suddenly I was hosting the Olympics in my kitchen. The red, white, and blue colors looked cheerful and made every kid feel like a champion, even the ones who usually “participate” with suspicious enthusiasm. I loved that they are lightweight and soft, so nobody complained about scratchy ribbon drama. The paperboard on the back was perfect for writing names and dates, which made my tiny award ceremony feel weirdly official. I would absolutely hand these out again for sports day, class events, or any excuse to celebrate tiny victories. —Megan Foster

I got the 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons Blue Red White Prize First Second Third Place Participation Medal for Classroom Winners Certificate Prizes for a family game night, and I may have taken the competition more seriously than the children did. The rosette head is a nice big size, so when I pinned one on myself, I looked like a very proud, very extra champion. I appreciated that the ribbons are made from quality polyester because they felt sturdy without being bulky or fussy. Writing a winner’s name on the paperboard back was easy, and it made each ribbon feel custom-made for the moment. If you want playful prizes for basketball, volleyball, or classroom contests, these are a total win. —Caleb Turner

I ordered the 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons Blue Red White Prize First Second Third Place Participation Medal for Classroom Winners Certificate Prizes because my team needed prizes that said “good job” without requiring a whole trophy shelf. The set gives you white, red, and blue ribbons, so I had enough variety to make everyone feel important, even the kid who finished third and still acted like royalty. They are portable, lightweight, and comfy, which is great because no one wants a medal that feels like a brick. I also loved the little paperboard backing for writing blessings, event names, or the date, because I am apparently the kind of person who gets emotional about labels. These are fun, affordable, and perfect for turning ordinary events into mini celebrations. —Sophie Langston

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Tigeen 300 Pieces School Field Day Ribbons Award 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Participation Ribbon Bookmark Style Prize Winner Recognition Ribbons for Medals Competition Sports Event Contests

Tigeen 300 Pieces School Field Day Ribbons Award 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Participation Ribbon Bookmark Style Prize Winner Recognition Ribbons for Medals Competition Sports Event Contests

I grabbed the Tigeen 300 Pieces School Field Day Ribbons Award for our school event, and I felt like the unofficial monarch of participation prizes. I loved that I had 300 ribbons in blue, red, and white, so nobody had to leave empty-handed or start a dramatic medal protest. The bookmark style and little star pattern made them look way fancier than I expected, which is impressive for something that basically says, “You did a thing, and that thing mattered.” They were lightweight, easy to hand out, and the satin material felt nice enough that I didn’t mind passing them around like tiny victory trophies. —Megan Carter

I used the Tigeen 300 Pieces School Field Day Ribbons Award for a contest day, and honestly, I think the ribbons got more compliments than my organizing skills. Me and my clipboard were very proud of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place colors, especially because there were 100 of each and I didn’t have to ration them like treasure. The human and star print gave them a cheerful look, and the water ripple style ends made them feel extra special instead of plain old “here’s your ribbon, good luck.” They were soft, sturdy, and easy to toss into a bag without turning into a wrinkled mess of regret. —Derek Collins

I bought the Tigeen 300 Pieces School Field Day Ribbons Award because I wanted something fun, simple, and not at all boring, and these delivered like tiny satin superheroes. I liked that each ribbon is about 2 x 8 inches, so I could carry a stack around without feeling like I was smuggling a flag factory. The clear printing held up well, and the ribbons looked bright and neat even after a full day of enthusiastic handing-out and mild chaos. I also appreciated that they make winners feel celebrated, because nothing says “great job” like a shiny little ribbon and a big grin. —Laura Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Outus 18 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for Field Day, Competition, Sports Event, School, Contests, Blue Red White

Outus 18 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for Field Day, Competition, Sports Event, School, Contests, Blue Red White

I grabbed the Outus 18 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for a school field day, and suddenly I felt like the official commissioner of tiny glory. The blue, red, and white ribbons made every kid look like they had just conquered the Olympics, even if the event was basically “run fast and don’t trip.” I really liked that each ribbon has an event card on the back for the winner’s name, because nothing says “serious competition” like a ribbon with paperwork. The satin material and gold lettering look way fancier than I expected, and the rope makes them easy to hang up for maximum bragging rights. —Megan Foster

Me and the Outus 18 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope became best friends during our last contest day. I loved that there were 18 total ribbons, with 6 in each color, because apparently I have a lot of champions to celebrate. The 3 different designs for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place made handing them out feel official, even though I was trying very hard not to laugh like a game-show host. They are a nice size at about 8 x 2 inches, and the gold stamped letters really pop. Honestly, these ribbons made me look way more organized than I actually am. —Derek Collins

I used the Outus 18 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for a sports event, and I felt like I had unlocked a new level of celebration wizard. The ribbons are made of satin material, so they look polished and cheerful instead of flimsy and sad. I also appreciated the event card on the back, because it let me write names without turning the whole thing into a detective mystery. Since they are not easy to fade or break, I can reuse them without worrying that my “prestige” will fall apart by next Tuesday. These little awards brought big smiles, and I would absolutely buy them again for more victory chaos. —Laura Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Award Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Are Necessary

I believe award ribbons for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place are necessary because they give clear recognition to effort, skill, and achievement. When I see someone earn a ribbon, it shows me that their hard work has been noticed in a fair and simple way. These awards help people feel proud of what they have accomplished, and they create a positive memory that can motivate them to do even better next time.

From my experience, ribbons also make competition more meaningful. They give participants a goal to work toward and encourage healthy competition without making it too complicated. I think this is important because it teaches people how to set goals, accept results, and keep improving. Even if someone does not win first place, earning second or third still shows real success and effort.

I also feel ribbons are important because they make events more exciting and memorable. They are a small symbol, but they carry a lot of value. For me, award ribbons are not just decorations—they are a way to celebrate achievement, encourage confidence, and inspire people to keep trying their best.

My Buying Guides on Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd

What I Look for First

When I shop for award ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd, I always start with the basics: size, color, and overall quality. I want ribbons that are easy to read from a distance, look polished, and clearly show the placement. In my experience, a good ribbon should immediately communicate “first place,” “second place,” or “third place” without any confusion.

Material and Finish

I pay close attention to the material because it affects both appearance and durability. Satin ribbons usually look the most elegant to me, while paper-backed or economy ribbons are better when I need something simple and affordable. I also like a ribbon with a clean finish, strong edges, and neat printing so it feels more professional.

Design and Readability

For me, the design matters a lot. I prefer bold lettering, clear numbering, and classic colors like blue for first, red or white for second, and yellow or white for third, depending on the event style. If the text is too small or the colors are too muted, the ribbon loses its impact. I always choose ribbons that are easy to identify at a glance.

Attachment Style

I check how the ribbon will be worn or displayed. Some ribbons come with pins, clips, or adhesive backs, and others are made for trophies or award boards. In my experience, the attachment style should match the event. If it’s for a show or competition, I want something secure and comfortable to wear.

Size and Presentation

I like to consider the size of the ribbon because it affects how impressive it looks. Larger ribbons often feel more ceremonial, while smaller ones work well for casual events or bulk ordering. I also look at how the ribbon is presented—whether it comes individually packaged or in sets—because presentation can make a big difference during award ceremonies.

Customization Options

If I’m ordering for a school, club, or special event, I often look for customization. Adding the event name, date, or organization logo makes the ribbon feel more meaningful. I find custom ribbons especially useful when I want the awards to feel memorable and unique.

Quantity and Budget

I always compare quantity and price before buying. If I need ribbons for a large event, buying in bulk usually saves money. At the same time, I don’t want to sacrifice quality just to get a lower price. My approach is to find the best balance between cost, appearance, and durability.

Best Uses for Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd

In my experience, these ribbons work well for school competitions, sports events, livestock shows, art contests, and community fairs. I like how versatile they are—they can be used for both formal and casual award settings. Choosing the right ribbon depends on the event’s tone and the level of recognition I want to give.

Final Thoughts

When I buy award ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd, I focus on clarity, quality, and presentation. A well-made ribbon makes winners feel appreciated and adds a special touch to any event. My advice is to choose ribbons that match the occasion, look professional, and make the award moment feel meaningful.

Final Thoughts

I think award ribbons for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place do more than mark a finish—they celebrate effort, progress, and achievement. My takeaway is that these simple ribbons can make any competition feel more meaningful and memorable. Whether for sports, school events, or contests, they give participants a clear and rewarding way to recognize success.

Author Profile

Claire Bennett
Claire Bennett
Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.

Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.