Award Pins & Medals

Unleash Celebration Magic: A Complete Guide to Award Pins and Medals in the UK

Why award pins and medals still matter

Ever noticed how a small pin or a shiny medal can instantly lift a moment from ordinary to unforgettable? In a world full of digital badges, physical awards carry a tactile weight that sticks in people’s memories. Whether you’re celebrating a school achievement, recognising a volunteer, or rewarding a corporate milestone, award pins and medals are tiny ambassadors of appreciation that people wear with pride. They’re simple, portable, and surprisingly powerful — like a micro-trophy you can pin to a lapel or hang on the mantel.

Understanding the main types of award pins and medals

Before you dive into ordering, it helps to know the landscape. Award pins and medals come in many styles and finishes, each suited to a different vibe and budget. Picking the right type depends on the occasion, how recipients will wear or display the item, and whether you want something one-off or a repeatable design.

Enamel lapel pins

Enamel lapel pins are a classic choice for clubs, corporate recognition, and event giveaways. They’re typically between 0.5 inch and 1.5 inches wide and can be hard or soft enamel, with options for metal plating like gold, silver, or antique finishes. Enamel pins are great when you want a colourful, durable badge that recipients can wear on jackets, hats, or bags.

Sports medals and ribbons

For races, school sports days, or competitive events, medals remain the go-to award. Common sizes range from 1 inch to 3 inches in diameter, often paired with a ribbon about 0.5 inch to 1 inch wide. Sports medals can be metal-cast, die-struck, or printed and are usually custom engraved or stamped with event details and placement.

Custom badges and name pins

If recognition needs to be more personal, custom name badges and pins can do the trick. These are ideal for staff recognition, volunteer rosters, or graduation pins where you want a name, title, or date included. They can be created in small batches with engraving, laser etching, or digital printing.

Where to shop in the UK for award pins and medals

Looking for award suppliers in the UK? You’ve got choices: specialist trophy shops, badge-makers, and large online marketplaces. Each has pros and cons, so think about turnaround, customisation, and minimum order quantities before committing.

Specialist trophy and awards shops

Local trophy shops and specialist award suppliers are a great option when you want hands-on advice and quicker custom work. These independents often offer engraving, bespoke design services, and the ability to see samples in person. If you prefer to chat through designs, a visit to a local shop can save time and reduce mistakes.

Badge makers and dedicated suppliers

There are reputable UK badge-makers and medal suppliers that focus purely on pins, badges, and medals. They usually provide a wide range of stock items and customisation tools online, with options for small runs or bulk orders. Many offer templated designs that let you tweak colours, text, and sizes before you order.

Online marketplaces: Amazon UK, eBay, and Etsy UK

If you want a huge selection and the convenience of fast checkout, online marketplaces are handy. Amazon UK and eBay offer both mass-produced and handmade pins and medals, while Etsy UK is a hotspot for bespoke or artist-designed pins. Marketplaces are great for browsing inspiration and comparing prices, but be mindful of varying quality and seller lead times.

How to choose the right supplier for your event

Choosing a supplier is part logistics, part instinct. Think of it like picking a caterer: you want someone reliable who understands your taste and can scale to the guest list. Here’s how to narrow the field so you end up with awards that look good and arrive on time.

Look at customisation options

Some suppliers offer full custom artwork support and tooling, while others only personalize text fields. If your design needs precise colours or a unique die, choose a company that accepts vector artwork and provides proofs. Proofs are like a sketch before the cake — essential if you care about final details.

Compare minimum order quantities and pricing

Prices can swing wildly depending on quantity. Small bespoke runs are pricier per item, while bulk orders bring the cost down. If you need only a handful of pins, look for suppliers that cater to low minimum orders so you don’t pay for a batch you won’t use. Always ask what’s included: printing, backing cards for pins, and any setup fees for moulds or dies.

Design tips for memorable award pins and medals

Designing awards is a fun creative task, but it’s easy to clutter things up. A great award is instantly recognisable, readable at a glance, and balanced in colour and size.

Keep your design simple and scalable

Think about where the pin or medal will be seen — often from a short distance. Keep text minimal; too many words can look messy on a 1 inch pin. Use bold shapes and high-contrast colours so the design reads well in small sizes. A simple icon or emblem often communicates more than several lines of text.

Choose finishes and attachments carefully

Decide between soft and hard enamel, plated or raw metal finishes, and the attachment style: butterfly clutch, rubber clutch, magnet, or safety pin back. For medals, think about whether you want a raised relief, ribbon loop, or presentation box. These choices affect both look and longevity — a magnet might be gentler on clothing, while a traditional clutch is more secure for active wearers.

Ordering and turnaround: what to expect

Timing matters, especially for seasonal events like graduations or annual awards nights. Standard production for custom pins might take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on complexity and supplier workload. If you need something faster, check for rush services — they’re often available for an extra fee.

Budgeting: how much should you spend?

Costs vary, but you can plan using rough bands: simple stock pins and basic medals are budget-friendly, while full-colour enamel pins with custom dies or hand-finished medals sit at the higher end. Think about the value of the award to the recipient. Sometimes spending a little more creates a keepsake that gets cherished for years.

Sustainability: greener choices for pins and medals

Want to make your awards more eco-friendly? There are several ways to reduce impact. Look for suppliers that offer recycled metal options, FSC-certified presentation boxes, or biodegradable packaging. Some manufacturers now offer recycled brass or responsibly sourced ribbons, letting you celebrate while staying mindful of the planet.

Care and storage to keep awards looking their best

Don’t let a great award get dull in the wardrobe drawer. Storing pins and medals properly extends their life: keep them in breathable pouches or presentation boxes to prevent scratches, and avoid damp or extreme temperatures. For tarnish-prone metals, a gentle polish with a soft cloth brings back shine without damaging finishes.

Real-life uses and creative ideas

Award pins and medals are surprisingly versatile. Beyond sports and corporate life, think about using pins for fundraising milestones, community recognition, scouting badges, or even wedding party keepsakes. Pins can serve as entry tokens at events or as collectible souvenirs across yearly editions. The small size makes them ideal for creative campaigns where recipients collect series or trade designs — a fun way to build engagement and loyalty.

Comparing pins vs. medals: which should you pick?

Choosing between a pin and a medal comes down to presentation and purpose. Pins are wearable and casual — perfect for ongoing recognition where people might display their achievement daily. Medals have a ceremonial air and work better for formal award ceremonies or when you want a more substantial physical keepsake. Think of pins as a daily badge and medals as the framed certificate that marks a special milestone.

Tips for smooth ordering and avoiding pitfalls

Want to avoid the common headaches? Start early, request proofs, confirm exact sizes in inches, and ask about turnarounds in writing. If you're ordering for a group, collect names and spellings carefully to prevent costly reorders. Also, request samples when possible — a small sample pack of finishes or ribbon styles helps you visualise the final product before you commit to a large order.

Working with local shops vs. online suppliers

Local shops often provide a personal touch and quick consultations, while online suppliers deliver convenience and broader selection. If you value face-to-face support and local pickup, check independent trophy or engraving shops in your town. If you need breadth of choice and competitive pricing, online suppliers and marketplaces are excellent. Many organisers blend both: they review designs online and finalise orders locally to keep the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

Award pins and medals are small but mighty instruments of recognition. Whether you’re rewarding achievement, building team spirit, or creating a collectible campaign, the right pin or medal can convey value and create lasting memories. Think about the type of award you need, choose a supplier who understands customisation and lead times, and pay attention to design and materials. With a bit of planning — and a clear idea in inches for the size you want — you’ll craft awards that people are proud to wear or display for years.