Award Medals 1st 2nd 3rd (Gold, Silver, Bronze) Metal Style
✅ PROS
- Die-cast zinc alloy construction with a genuine weight (roughly 1.5 oz) that feels substantial, not like a cheap plastic toy
- Distinctive ribbon colors (red/white/blue for 1st, red/white for 2nd, blue/white for 3rd) make podium placement instantly readable from across the finish line
- Enamel-filled front and etched back panel allow for optional engraving—something many medals in this price range skip entirely
❌ CONS
- The 'gold' and 'silver' are plated finishes, not solid metal—expect some wear at edges after frequent handling
- Ribbons are serviceable but thin; they'll hold up for a single season but may fray if you're doing weekly events
The Verdict
Here’s the thing about buying medals sight unseen: they almost always look better in the product photos than they do in your hand. That’s why the Award Medals 1st 2nd 3rd set caught my attention—at a 4.7/5 average across 235 ratings, it’s bucking that trend. But is it actually good, or just good enough? Let’s break down what you’re really getting.
What’s Actually in the Box
You get three medals—one each for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place—with color-coded ribbons already attached. The dies are stamped from zinc alloy, and each medal measures about 2.5 inches in diameter. That’s a standard competition size, not the oversized “participation trophy” look you sometimes see at corporate events.
The ribbons are the differentiator here. First place gets red/white/blue, second gets red/white, and third gets blue/white. It’s a small detail, but it means someone can identify placement from across a gymnasium without squinting at the medal itself.
Build Quality and Real-World Performance
The zinc alloy construction gives these medals a genuine heft—roughly 1.5 ounces each. When you hand one to a 10-year-old who just won their first race, that weight matters. It signals “real award,” not “party favor.” The front face has a raised star motif with enamel fill, and the back is flat enough for engraving if you want to add names or dates.
Here’s the tradeoff: the “gold” and “silver” are electroplated finishes over the base alloy, not solid precious metal. That’s expected at this price point, but it means the finish will wear at the edges with heavy use. One reviewer noted, “After a full season of weekly youth track meets, the gold plating is starting to show bronze underneath.” That’s not a defect—it’s physics. If you’re running a single event, they’ll look pristine. If you’re doing year-round programming, budget for replacements.
What Buyers Keep Praising
The consistency of feedback is striking. Multiple reviewers mention the same thing: these look more expensive than they are. One parent wrote, “My son thought they were real Olympic medals until he saw the price.” Another confirmed, “The weight is perfect—not flimsy, not so heavy they drag the ribbon down.”
The color coding also gets consistent shout-outs. “No more confusion at the awards table. The kids know exactly which is which before they even read the print,” said a coach who ordered three sets for a school field day.
Where It Falls Short
The ribbons are the weakest link. They’re functional but thin—about 1 inch wide with a stitched edge that feels like it could separate if a kid swings the medal around by the ribbon (which they will). For a one-off event, fine. For a weekly league, you’ll want to replace them with something sturdier.
Also, the packaging is utilitarian—a simple poly bag. If you’re gifting these as a coach’s end-of-season gesture, you’ll want to buy a display box separately. And while the back is engraveable, the surface is slightly textured, so engraved text won’t be as crisp as on a perfectly smooth plate.
Who Should Buy This
- Youth sports coordinators running seasonal tournaments who need a professional-looking award without blowing the budget
- School PE teachers who need multiple sets for field days and intramural competitions
- Corporate event planners organizing team-building activities or charity races
- Homeschool parents running a mini-Olympics or science fair
Skip it if you’re looking for heirloom-quality awards for a championship legacy collection, or if you need medals with custom shapes and logos. This set is about delivering a solid, recognizable award at a reasonable cost.
FAQ: Three Questions Shoppers Actually Ask
Can these be engraved? Yes. The back has a recessed panel designed for engraving. A local trophy shop can do it, or you can use a handheld engraver. Just note the surface texture isn’t glass-smooth, so fine script won’t be as sharp as on a high-end plaque.
Are they safe for young children? The medals are metal with a ribbon—no small parts, no sharp edges. However, the plating contains trace metals, so if you have a child who mouths everything, keep these for kids 5 and up.
How do they compare to plastic medals? These are categorically better. The weight and metallic finish are what make them read as “official.” Plastic medals scream “cheap” the moment someone picks them up. If you’re charging an entry fee for your event, these justify it.
The Verdict
Buy it if you need a reliable, good-looking award set for youth sports, school events, or corporate competitions, and you want something that feels legitimate without a premium price tag.
Skip it if you need custom branding, heirloom quality, or ribbons that will survive a full season of weekly abuse.
At 4.6 out of 5, this set earns its rating. It’s not perfect—the ribbons and plating wear are real considerations—but for the price, it’s the best balance of appearance, weight, and function you’ll find in this category. The color-coded ribbons alone are worth the purchase for anyone running multi-tiered events.
Rating: 4.6/5 — A solid, dependable purchase that delivers what it promises.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.