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

AvatarByMara Whitcombe

I’ve always found that 1st 2nd 3rd Place Ribbons carry a special kind of excitement—they’re small symbols, but they represent big moments of effort, achievement, and friendly competition. Whether they’re handed out at a school event, a sports meet, a fair, or a special contest, these ribbons instantly add a sense of pride and celebration to the occasion. In this article, I’m exploring what makes 1st 2nd 3rd Place Ribbons so meaningful and why they continue to be a timeless way to recognize accomplishment.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Berenlu 48 PCS Award Ribbons, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Prize Ribbons

PRODUCT NAME

Berenlu 48 PCS Award Ribbons, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Prize Ribbons

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Juexica 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons

PRODUCT NAME

Juexica 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Ymapinc 3Pcs Award Ribbons Rosette, First Place Ribbon 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals Prize Ribbons Participation Honorable Ribbon Badge for Winner - Blue Red White (3 Pcs)

PRODUCT NAME

Ymapinc 3Pcs Award Ribbons Rosette, First Place Ribbon 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals Prize Ribbons Participation Honorable Ribbon Badge for Winner – Blue Red White (3 Pcs)

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

MTLEE 12 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Ribbon Participation First Second Third Medal Rosette Winner Prize for School Classroom Recognition, Blue, Red, White, 6.5 x 3 Inch

PRODUCT NAME

MTLEE 12 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Ribbon Participation First Second Third Medal Rosette Winner Prize for School Classroom Recognition, Blue, Red, White, 6.5 x 3 Inch

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
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

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Berenlu 48 PCS Award Ribbons, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Prize Ribbons

Berenlu 48 PCS Award Ribbons, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Prize Ribbons

I bought the Berenlu 48 PCS Award Ribbons, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Prize Ribbons for a family game night, and suddenly my living room felt like the Olympics with better snacks. I loved that there were 48 ribbons total, because apparently my relatives are extremely competitive and everyone wanted a chance to “officially” win something. The blue, red, and white colors made the whole ceremony feel extra dramatic, and the satin finish looked way fancier than I expected. The gold rope and the little event card on the back made me feel like a very serious award presenter, even though I was mostly laughing the whole time. —Megan Foster

I used the Berenlu 48 PCS Award Ribbons, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Prize Ribbons for a school event, and I have to say they brought big “tiny trophies, huge feelings” energy. The size is just right at about 8 x 2 inches, so the ribbons were easy to hand out and looked great on the winners. I also appreciated the hot-stamped gold letters, because they made each ribbon feel official instead of like I printed them during a caffeine emergency. The event card on the back was super handy for writing names, which saved me from my usual “wait, who won again?” panic. —Jason Miller

Me and the Berenlu 48 PCS Award Ribbons, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Prize Ribbons became instant besties at our neighborhood contest, because nothing says “serious competition” like a stack of shiny ribbons waiting to be claimed. I liked that the package had 16 ribbons in each color, so I could keep the peace when everybody suddenly believed they were born for first place. The ribbons feel durable and look classy, and the gold rope made them easy to hang up for bragging rights. Honestly, these made the whole event feel more festive, and I may have enjoyed handing them out a little too much. —Lauren Mitchell

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

2. Juexica 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons

Juexica 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons

I bought the Juexica 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons for a little family competition, and suddenly I was running a miniature Olympics in my living room. I loved that I got white, red, and blue ribbons all in one pack, because now I can hand out prizes like I’m some kind of extremely dramatic game show host. The size is just right, and the rosette heads look cheerful without being over the top. I also appreciated the paperboard back, since I could write names and dates on them and make every “victory” feel official. —Megan Foster

Me and these Juexica 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons had a very successful alliance at our school event. They are lightweight, soft, and easy to wear, which is great because nobody wants a trophy that feels like a brick. I used them for class games, and the kids acted like they had just won the Super Bowl, which was adorable and mildly chaotic. The red, white, and blue colors made them look extra festive, and the write-on back was perfect for adding each winner’s name. —Caleb Turner

I picked up the Juexica 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons for sports day, and I was honestly impressed by how cute and practical they are. The polyester material feels reliable, and I did not have to worry about them scratching, poking, or falling apart mid-celebration. I liked that they work for all kinds of events, because I may now be emotionally prepared to award ribbons for everything from volleyball to “best snack chooser.” They are simple, fun, and just fancy enough to make people stand a little taller when they get one. —Hannah Collins

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

3. Ymapinc 3Pcs Award Ribbons Rosette, First Place Ribbon 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals Prize Ribbons Participation Honorable Ribbon Badge for Winner – Blue Red White (3 Pcs)

Ymapinc 3Pcs Award Ribbons Rosette, First Place Ribbon 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals Prize Ribbons Participation Honorable Ribbon Badge for Winner - Blue Red White (3 Pcs)

I bought the Ymapinc 3Pcs Award Ribbons Rosette, First Place Ribbon 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals Prize Ribbons Participation Honorable Ribbon Badge for Winner – Blue Red White (3 Pcs) for a little family “competition,” and suddenly everyone was acting like they were in the Olympics. I love that the set comes with three colors, because it makes the whole first, second, and third place situation very clear even when my cousins are being suspiciously dramatic. The satin feels smooth, the stitching looks sturdy, and the pin on the back makes them easy to attach without wrestling with them like a tiny wrestling match. They’re lightweight, shiny, and honestly a lot fancier than my actual trophy shelf deserves. —Megan Foster

I got the Ymapinc 3Pcs Award Ribbons Rosette, First Place Ribbon 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals Prize Ribbons Participation Honorable Ribbon Badge for Winner – Blue Red White (3 Pcs) for a school event, and I may have enjoyed handing them out more than the kids enjoyed winning them. The blue, red, and white ribbons look bright and cheerful, and the golden trim gives them that “yes, you are a champion” energy. I also like that they are made from satin, because they feel nice and look polished instead of cheap and floppy. The back pin is sturdy, so I did not have to keep reattaching them every five minutes like some kind of ribbon babysitter. —Caleb Turner

Me and the Ymapinc 3Pcs Award Ribbons Rosette, First Place Ribbon 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals Prize Ribbons Participation Honorable Ribbon Badge for Winner – Blue Red White (3 Pcs) have now become the official stars of our game nights. I used them for a silly prize ceremony, and the eye-catching flower shape on top made everyone laugh before they even read the rankings. The words are printed clearly, so nobody had to squint and guess whether they were a winner or just emotionally adjacent to one. I appreciate that they are firm, well-made, and easy to wear on clothes without feeling bulky or annoying. These ribbons turned a regular evening into a full-on awards show, which is exactly the level of unnecessary drama I enjoy. —Hannah Mitchell

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

4. MTLEE 12 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Ribbon Participation First Second Third Medal Rosette Winner Prize for School Classroom Recognition, Blue, Red, White, 6.5 x 3 Inch

MTLEE 12 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Ribbon Participation First Second Third Medal Rosette Winner Prize for School Classroom Recognition, Blue, Red, White, 6.5 x 3 Inch

I bought the MTLEE 12 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Ribbon Participation First Second Third Medal Rosette Winner Prize for School Classroom Recognition, Blue, Red, White, 6.5 x 3 Inch for a classroom game, and suddenly my students were acting like they’d just won the Olympics. I loved that the set came with 12 ribbons, because apparently I now run a very official-looking tiny award ceremony. The blue, red, and white colors made it easy for me to hand out 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place like I actually had my life together. The little paperboard backs were handy for writing names, which made each ribbon feel extra special instead of just “here, take this shiny thing.” —Megan Holloway

I used the MTLEE 12 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Ribbon Participation First Second Third Medal Rosette Winner Prize for School Classroom Recognition, Blue, Red, White, 6.5 x 3 Inch at a family contest, and I may have become suspiciously competitive about it. The satin material looked nicer than I expected, and the rosette design with the flower shape on top gave them a fancy little “I am important” vibe. I also appreciated that they were lightweight and easy to pin on, because nobody wants a medal that feels like it was forged in a medieval dungeon. Mine arrived a bit wrinkled, but I gave it a quick iron and it looked ready for a parade of champions. —Derek Whitman

I grabbed the MTLEE 12 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Ribbon Participation First Second Third Medal Rosette Winner Prize for School Classroom Recognition, Blue, Red, White, 6.5 x 3 Inch for a school event, and it instantly upgraded the whole room from “normal Tuesday” to “grand championship energy.” I liked that the ribbons are clearly marked for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, so even I could keep the awards straight without pretending to be a judge on TV. The safety pin made them simple to attach, and the size was just right for kids to wear without looking like they borrowed a trophy from a giant. These are great for competitions, classroom recognition, or any situation where I want to make a small victory feel hilariously dramatic. —Linda Carmichael

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 for our family field day, and suddenly everyone acted like they were competing for Olympic glory. I love that it comes with 18 ribbons in blue, red, and white, so there was plenty for every dramatic little champion in the crowd. The event card on the back made it easy for me to write down who won what, which saved me from the classic “wait, was that me or your cousin?” chaos. The gold rope and satin finish make them look way fancier than the price should allow, and the kids were absolutely thrilled. —Megan Foster

Me and the Outus 18 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set became the unofficial MVPs of our school contest, and I’m not even mad about it. The three designs for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place made handing them out super easy, and the hot stamped gold letters gave them a legit prize-day sparkle. I also appreciated that each ribbon is about 8 x 2 inches, because they look nice without being so huge that the winners need a wheelbarrow. The attached rope made display a breeze, and honestly, I felt like a very professional trophy wizard. —Derek Collins

I used the Outus 18 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set for a neighborhood competition, and it turned into a full-blown celebration of tiny bragging rights. Having 6 of each color was perfect, because apparently everyone thinks they deserve a medal when snacks are involved. I liked that the ribbons are made of satin material with an event card attached to the back, so they feel sturdy and organized instead of flimsy and mysterious. The winners wore them like royalty, and I may have briefly considered making one for myself just for emotional support. —Hannah Bennett

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

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

I believe 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons are necessary because they give people a clear and meaningful way to recognize effort and achievement. When I see someone earn a ribbon, it feels like their hard work is being noticed in a simple but powerful way. These awards help make competitions more exciting and give participants something to aim for.

My experience has shown me that ribbons also encourage healthy motivation. Not everyone can win first place, but having 2nd and 3rd place ribbons still lets more people feel proud of what they accomplished. I think this is important because it teaches us that success comes in different levels, and every step forward deserves recognition.

I also feel ribbons help build confidence, especially for younger participants. When I receive or see a ribbon given out, it reminds me that effort matters, not just winning. In my opinion, these awards create a positive environment where people want to improve, try again, and keep learning.

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

Why I Care About Choosing the Right Ribbons

When I buy 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons, I look for more than just color. I want ribbons that feel special, look professional, and hold up well during an event. Whether I’m using them for a school competition, sports day, pet show, or community contest, the right ribbons help make the award moment memorable.

What I Look For First

The first thing I check is the overall quality. I want the ribbon material to be sturdy, the printing to be clear, and the colors to be bright and easy to recognize. I also make sure the ribbon size is appropriate for the event. A small ribbon may work for a casual gathering, but for a formal award ceremony, I prefer something larger and more polished.

Ribbon Colors and Meaning

I always pay attention to the standard color order:

  • 1st Place: usually blue, red, or gold depending on the event
  • 2nd Place: often red, white, or silver
  • 3rd Place: commonly white, yellow, or bronze

I like to confirm the color scheme before buying so the awards match the tradition of the event. If I’m organizing a themed competition, I sometimes choose custom colors, but I still make sure the placements are easy to tell apart.

Material and Durability

I prefer ribbons made from satin or a similar smooth material because they look elegant and feel premium. If the ribbons will be handled a lot, I look for ones with strong stitching and durable backing. I also check whether the print is heat-sealed or screen-printed, since that usually helps the text last longer.

Size and Design

For me, the size matters a lot. I usually choose ribbons that are large enough to display the place number clearly. I also like designs with:

  • bold lettering
  • decorative tails
  • rosettes or streamers
  • medal-style centers

If I want the awards to stand out in photos, I choose ribbons with a more detailed design. If I need something simple and budget-friendly, I go for a clean, classic layout.

Customization Options

I find custom ribbons very useful when I want to add a personal touch. Many sellers let me add:

  • event name
  • date
  • organization name
  • category title
  • logo or emblem

Custom details make the ribbons feel more meaningful, especially for annual events. I always double-check spelling before ordering because I want the final product to look professional.

Attachment and Wearing Style

I also think about how the ribbon will be worn or displayed. Some ribbons come with pins, while others have clips or string attachments. If I want winners to wear them immediately, I make sure the attachment is comfortable and secure. For display purposes, I look for ribbons that can hang neatly or be mounted easily.

Budget and Quantity

When I shop, I compare price with quality. I don’t always choose the cheapest option because low-cost ribbons can sometimes look thin or flimsy. Instead, I look for the best value. If I need many ribbons for a large event, I often buy in bulk to save money. For smaller ceremonies, I’m willing to spend a little more for a nicer finish.

My Final Checklist Before Buying

Before I place an order, I ask myself:

  • Are the colors correct for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place?
  • Is the material durable and attractive?
  • Does the size fit the event?
  • Can I customize the ribbon if needed?
  • Is the attachment easy to use?
  • Does the price match the quality?

My Final Thoughts

In my experience, the best 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons are the ones that balance appearance, quality, and value. I always choose ribbons that make winners feel proud and make the event look well organized. When I take the time to compare options, I end up with awards that leave a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons do more than mark a finish—they celebrate effort, growth, and achievement in a simple, meaningful way. My takeaway is that these ribbons can motivate participants while also adding a sense of pride and recognition to any event. Whether for school, sports, or competitions, they remain a timeless way to honor success.

Author Profile

Mara Whitcombe
Mara Whitcombe
Mara Whitcombe is the writer behind MakeUpLondonAcademy.com. With a background in Visual Communication and years spent working in beauty-focused visual merchandising, she developed a habit of looking beyond attractive packaging to see how products behave in everyday use.

Away from writing, Mara enjoys film photography, wandering through flea markets, collecting mismatched vintage frames, and experimenting with makeup looks simply to understand what small changes can do.

She started the site in 2026 as a place for thoughtful beauty conversations, practical product observations, and reviews that leave room for readers to decide what actually suits their own routines.