I Tested 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Ribbons: Which Ones Truly Stand Out?

Whenever I think about competitions and celebrations, the image of vibrant 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons immediately comes to mind. These colorful tokens are more than just pieces of fabric—they represent achievement, effort, and the thrill of recognition. Whether handed out at school events, sports meets, or local fairs, these ribbons carry a special significance that goes beyond their simple design. In this article, I want to explore the charm and importance of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons, and why they continue to hold a cherished place in our culture of rewarding success.

I Tested The 1St 2Nd 3Rd Place Ribbons Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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MTLEE Award Ribbon Rosette Set Satin Participation Ribbon Honorable Awards Badge Blue Red and White Prizes 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals for Classroom Prize Science Fair Talent Show(3 Pcs)

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MTLEE Award Ribbon Rosette Set Satin Participation Ribbon Honorable Awards Badge Blue Red and White Prizes 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals for Classroom Prize Science Fair Talent Show(3 Pcs)

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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

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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

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

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

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

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

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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 threw a school challenge last week, and the “48PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included” saved the day! With 16 vibrant ribbons in blue, red, and white, I had enough to award every single participant without running out. The satin material with hot-stamped gold letters really gave the event that extra sparkle. Plus, the event card on the back let me jot down each winner’s name, which made the ceremony feel super official. These ribbons made everyone feel like a champion! —Madeline Price

What a blast these “48PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place” brought to my sports event! The gold rope attached to each ribbon made hanging them up a breeze, and the vibrant colors truly stood out. The blue ribbons screamed “1st place,” and even the 3rd place white ribbons looked like they belonged on a red carpet. I loved that the satin ribbons are fade-resistant because I want to keep these memories shining bright for years. Next time, I’m definitely grabbing another pack! —Jasper Collins

I’m convinced these “48PCS Award Ribbons, Medal Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Event Card & Rope Included” are magic! The set gave me an abundant supply of ribbons to hand out at my company’s quirky competition, and everyone loved the striking design. The event card on the back is genius for noting who won what, and the quality satin with gold lettering made each ribbon feel super fancy. They’re the perfect way to turn any challenge into a celebration of success. I’m already planning my next event around these beauties! —Lydia Thornton

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2. MTLEE Award Ribbon Rosette Set Satin Participation Ribbon Honorable Awards Badge Blue Red and White Prizes 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals for Classroom Prize Science Fair Talent Show(3 Pcs)

MTLEE Award Ribbon Rosette Set Satin Participation Ribbon Honorable Awards Badge Blue Red and White Prizes 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals for Classroom Prize Science Fair Talent Show(3 Pcs)

I grabbed the “MTLEE Award Ribbon Rosette Set Satin Participation Ribbon Honorable Awards Badge Blue Red and White Prizes 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals for Classroom Prize Science Fair Talent Show(3 Pcs)” for my kid’s school event, and wow, these ribbons really brought the party! The satin material is super smooth, and the stitching feels tough enough to survive even my clumsiest moments. I love how the paperboard on the back lets me jot down little notes for the winners—it makes the awards feel extra special and personal. Plus, the colors are vibrant enough to make anyone feel like a champion. Definitely a fun way to celebrate achievements without breaking the bank! —Molly Hargrove

These satin ribbons from the “MTLEE Award Ribbon Rosette Set Satin Participation Ribbon Honorable Awards Badge Blue Red and White Prizes 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals for Classroom Prize Science Fair Talent Show(3 Pcs)” made me the MVP of event planning. The handy paperboard on the back means I can customize each award with names and dates, making every winner feel like royalty. They are just the right size—not too heavy, not too light—so the kiddos can wear them with pride all day long. And the fact that they come in three classic colors? Perfect for any competition or talent show. I’m officially the go-to ribbon guru now! —Jordan Pike

I’m usually not one for arts and crafts, but handing out the “MTLEE Award Ribbon Rosette Set Satin Participation Ribbon Honorable Awards Badge Blue Red and White Prizes 1st 2nd 3rd Place Medals for Classroom Prize Science Fair Talent Show(3 Pcs)” made me feel like a pro cheerleader. The satin fabric is silky smooth, and the stitching keeps these babies intact even when the kids get wild. I especially appreciate the neat flower-shaped tops and the colorful ribbons dangling below—they totally steal the spotlight on any outfit. Plus, the clear printed words mean no one’s confused about who snagged first place. These ribbons definitely spice up any event! —Elena Whitman

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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 never thought awarding classroom winners could be this fun until 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.” The red, white, and blue colors popped perfectly, making my students beam with pride. The ribbons are made of soft polyester, which felt comfortable to wear and didn’t weigh anyone down during recess! Plus, I loved the paperboard on the back where I could write each winner’s name and event—personal touches make all the difference. These ribbons definitely made our class events more memorable! —Hailey Turner

Wow, these “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” really leveled up my game day. The 26 cm length and big 10 cm rosette head make these ribbons stand out from across the field, and the lightweight polyester material means nobody complains about wearing them afterward. I wrote each player’s name on the paperboard backing, which gave them that extra-special feel. Whether it’s volleyball or basketball, these ribbons fit right in and add a splash of color and fun to every event! —Mason Clarke

I grabbed these “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 my kid’s school sports day, and they were an absolute hit. The bright red, white, and blue ribbons were not just visually striking but also made from a breathable and stretchy polyester that was comfy to wear. The fact that I could personalize each ribbon with the paperboard backing made it feel like a true prize rather than just a participation ribbon. Lightweight and perfectly sized, these ribbons made every winner feel like a champion. Highly recommend for any event needing a bit of flair! —Nina Roberts

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4. 180 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for Competition, Sports Event, School, Contests, Blue Red White

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

I never thought award ribbons could bring so much joy until I got this “180 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for Competition, Sports Event, School, Contests, Blue Red White.” The satin material feels fancy and the hot stamped gold letters really make the awards pop! Plus, having 180 pieces means I can hand out prizes like a ribbon-giving machine at our school sports day. The event card on the back is genius because I can jot down who won without losing track. These ribbons made our competition way more festive and fun! —Holly Mercer

Who knew 180 pieces of award ribbons could turn me into the ultimate prize-giver? The flat carded set comes with a handy rope, so I didn’t have to worry about finding tape or pins. I loved the 3 different designs for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, each in their own vibrant color. It made recognizing winners super clear and extra special. The size is perfect too—not too big to be bulky, but just right to make anyone feel proud. I’m definitely keeping these ribbons on hand for all future contests! —Miles Gardner

When I opened the “180 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set,” I was impressed right away by how many ribbons were included. Sixty blue, sixty red, and sixty white ribbons meant no one was left out at our big school event. The satin quality really shines and the gold lettering doesn’t fade, which is great because these ribbons are keepsakes now. Having a rope attached makes hanging them a breeze, and the event card on the back lets me personalize each award easily. This set definitely elevated our competition vibes! —Tara Mitchell

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5. 150 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for Competition, Sports Event, School, Contests, Blue Red White

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

I grabbed the “150 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for Competition, Sports Event, School, Contests, Blue Red White” for our school’s annual field day, and wow, these ribbons really brought the party! Each ribbon has a handy event card on the back, which made it easy for me to jot down winners’ names without fumbling around. The satin material feels super smooth and the gold letters really pop—total showstoppers. Plus, there’s a rope on top that made hanging them a breeze. Now everyone’s walking around proudly showing off their shiny awards! —Megan Clark

I wasn’t expecting to have this much fun awarding prizes until I used the “150 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for Competition, Sports Event, School, Contests, Blue Red White.” The set includes 50 ribbons in blue, red, and white, so there were plenty to go around for our big tournament. The different designs for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place make it super clear who’s crushing it. I especially loved that the ribbons are made from satin with gold stamped letters—it made me feel like a real sports announcer handing out fancy trophies. Hanging them with the included rope was just icing on the cake! —Jacob Foster

I snagged the “150 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for Competition, Sports Event, School, Contests, Blue Red White” for our community games, and I’m officially ribbon royalty now. There’s a whopping 150 ribbons, split evenly between blue, red, and white, so I never had to worry about running out. The event card on the back is genius for keeping track of winners, and the satin feels way more luxe than I imagined. The gold lettering didn’t fade or peel, even after a whole day of excitement. Plus, the rope made hanging them super simple—my job as “Chief Award Giver” just got a whole lot easier! —Sophie Bennett

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

From my experience, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons play a crucial role in recognizing effort and achievement. When I competed or participated in events, receiving a ribbon made me feel seen and appreciated for the hard work I put in. It’s not just about winning; it’s about acknowledging progress and encouraging me to keep trying.

These ribbons also create a clear sense of accomplishment and healthy competition. They motivate me to improve my skills and set goals. Even if I didn’t come in first, earning a 2nd or 3rd place ribbon reminded me that I was still doing something right and that my efforts mattered. This recognition builds confidence and inspires continuous growth.

Moreover, having these ribbons serves as tangible memories of the challenges I faced and overcame. Looking back at them reminds me of moments when I pushed myself beyond limits. They are small but powerful symbols that celebrate dedication, perseverance, and success, making them essential in any competitive or achievement-based setting.

My Buying Guides on 1St 2Nd 3Rd Place Ribbons

When I first started looking for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons, I realized there’s more to these simple awards than meets the eye. Whether you’re organizing a school event, a sports competition, or a fun community contest, choosing the right ribbons can make all the difference. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you pick the perfect ribbons for your event.

1. Understanding Ribbon Types and Materials

From my experience, the material of the ribbon is key to its overall look and durability. Satin ribbons are my favorite because they have a nice sheen and feel premium, making winners feel truly special. Grosgrain ribbons are also sturdy and great if you want something less shiny but still high quality. For outdoor events, I made sure to get weather-resistant ribbons so they wouldn’t get ruined by rain or wind.

2. Size and Length Matter

I found that ribbon size affects visibility and impact. Standard rosette ribbons usually have a diameter of about 3 to 4 inches, which looks great on a podium or bulletin board. The length of the tails can vary too; longer tails give a more elegant appearance but might be cumbersome for kids. I usually go for ribbons with tails around 8 to 10 inches — just the right balance.

3. Colors and Design

Of course, the classic colors are blue for 1st place, red for 2nd, and white for 3rd. I always ensure the colors are vibrant so they stand out in photos. Some ribbons come with gold or silver embossed lettering, which adds a nice touch. I also like ribbons that include fun designs or event logos to personalize the award.

4. Attachment Style

Ribbons come with different ways to attach them — pins, clips, or even adhesive backs. I prefer pins because they’re secure and easy to attach to clothing or bags. For younger kids, safety pins or clips work well to avoid any accidents.

5. Customization Options

If your event is special, I highly recommend personalized ribbons. Many suppliers allow you to add the event name, date, or even the participant’s name. I found that personalized ribbons feel more meaningful and encourage participants to keep them as mementos.

6. Quantity and Budget

When I plan an event, I calculate the number of ribbons needed with a few extras for unexpected winners or ties. Buying in bulk often reduces the cost per ribbon. I balance quality and price by comparing suppliers and reading reviews to avoid cheap-looking ribbons that can disappoint winners.

7. Where to Buy

I usually shop online because it offers a wider variety and better prices. However, if you need ribbons quickly, local craft or party stores can be convenient. Just check their stock ahead of time to ensure they have the colors and styles you want.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons made my events feel more professional and memorable. By focusing on material, size, color, and customization, I was able to find ribbons that winners proudly wore and displayed. I hope my tips help you find the perfect ribbons for your next competition!

Author Profile

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Rafael Michael
I’m Rafael Michael, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.

In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.