When it comes to awards and recognition, medals hold a special place. Whether you’re handing them out at a school sports day, a local charity run, or a workplace event, they can mean a lot. But a plain medal might not do the moment justice. That’s where personalising medals makes all the difference. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune or take ages either.
Here are five straightforward ways to give your medals that extra personal touch.
1. Engrave Names or Messages
The most classic way to personalise a medal is to engrave it. Adding the recipient’s name, the event date, or even a short phrase like “Well Done!” gives it lasting meaning. It shows effort and thought, which people really appreciate.
Many local shops offer engraving services, and there are plenty of online options too like Budgettrophy. Some medals come with a blank plate on the back just for this purpose. It doesn’t need to be fancy – even a name and date are enough to make it special.
2. Use Custom Ribbons
You might not think much about the ribbon on a medal, but swapping the standard one for a custom ribbon makes a big visual impact. You can choose ribbons in the event colours or even get them printed with text or logos.
Let’s say you’re organising a fun run for charity. A ribbon printed with the charity name or slogan adds a unique and professional feel. It’s a simple upgrade that doesn’t cost much but really sets the medal apart.
3. Add Event Logos or Designs
Medals with generic designs can feel a bit forgettable. Adding a custom image or logo makes them feel exclusive. This could be the logo of your company, school, or sports team. Or even an image that represents the theme of the event.
Some suppliers let you upload your design directly when ordering. Others may help you create one from scratch. Either way, a small graphic on the front of the medal can make it something to treasure.
4. Incorporate Colour
Gone are the days when medals only came in gold, silver, or bronze. These days, you can find ones with colourful designs or enamel finishes.
Choose colours that match your event’s theme, or let winners pick their favourite. If the medal has a design, adding colour helps it pop. For example, a school badge in full colour looks far more striking than one in plain metal.
This kind of personal touch makes medals feel modern and vibrant, especially for younger recipients.
5. Include Personal Stories or Achievements
This might sound like a big task, but even a short note about why someone received a medal makes a huge impact. If you’re presenting awards at a small event, consider writing a few words about each winner’s journey.
You don’t have to print it on the medal itself. You can include a small card with the medal or announce it during the award ceremony. A sentence like “For never missing a single practice” or “For helping others during training” goes a long way. It turns the medal from just a prize into a memory.
Personalising medals doesn’t mean spending loads of money or doing something complicated. A few simple changes – like adding a name, switching the ribbon, or choosing a special colour – can make your medals stand out and feel meaningful. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the metal or the ribbon. It’s about showing people their effort matters. A little personal touch makes the recognition more heartfelt and memorable. Whether it’s for a big competition or a small community event, personalising medals is a thoughtful way to celebrate success.
Some images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com.
