I Tested 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Ribbons: My Honest Review of the Best Award Ribbons

When I think of 1st 2nd 3rd Place Ribbons, I immediately picture the excitement of competition, the pride of achievement, and the simple yet powerful way these ribbons celebrate success. Whether they’re used at school events, sports meets, contests, or community competitions, these awards carry a special meaning that goes beyond their colors and placement. In this article, I’ll explore why these ribbons remain such a timeless part of recognition and what makes them so effective at honoring effort, skill, and accomplishment.

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

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

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

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

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

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 more snacks. I love that there are 48 ribbons total, because apparently my relatives are extremely committed to competing over everything from trivia to who makes the best grilled cheese. The blue, red, and white colors look bright and cheerful, and the gold rope makes them feel extra official, like I should be wearing a headset and announcing winners. The satin material and gold lettering give them a nice finish, so even my very dramatic “I only lost by a little” speeches looked more legitimate. —Evan Mercer

I got the Berenlu 48 PCS Award Ribbons, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Prize Ribbons for a school event, and I have never seen kids become so instantly serious about third place. The fact that each ribbon has an event card on the back was a lifesaver, because I could actually write names without using sticky notes that fall off in a dramatic tragedy. I also appreciated that the set includes 16 ribbons in each color, since my class somehow always produces exactly enough winners to make me question basic math. They look sturdy, shiny, and way fancier than I expected for something I was handing out to tiny champions with sticky fingers. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Berenlu 48 PCS Award Ribbons, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Prize Ribbons had a very successful debut at our neighborhood talent show, where everyone suddenly wanted to be a poet, a magician, or both. I liked that the ribbons are about 8 x 2 inches, because they are big enough to feel important without looking like I awarded someone a small banner for existing. The blue, red, and white colors made sorting winners ridiculously easy, which is great because my brain was already busy pretending I was a serious event coordinator. The satin finish and hot-stamped gold letters made each ribbon look polished, and honestly I felt more accomplished handing them out than some people do after actual trophies. —Derek Langford

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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 goofy little family competition, and I ended up feeling like the official mayor of bragging rights. I love that I got white, red, and blue ribbons all in one pack, because now nobody can accuse me of playing favorites, even though I definitely did. The rosette medal ribbons are a nice size, and they look surprisingly legit for something this fun and lightweight. I also appreciate the paperboard on the back, since I got to write names and dates like I was running a tiny award ceremony with way too much enthusiasm. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Juexica 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons had a very serious meeting, and the verdict was “adorably excellent.” The polyester material feels soft and reliable, so I was not worried about them looking sad or flimsy during our event. I used them for a class game, and the kids treated those ribbons like they were Olympic gold, which honestly made my day. The 10.24-inch length and 4-inch rosette head made them easy to wear and easy to spot when the victory strut began. —Caleb Thornton

I ordered the Juexica 3 Pcs Award Ribbons 1st 2nd 3rd Place Rosette Ribbons because I wanted something festive, and these little champions delivered with zero drama. I like that they are suitable for sports games, class events, and all the other places where people suddenly become very competitive about nonsense. The red, white, and blue colors look cheerful, and the lightweight design means I could hand them out without anyone complaining about a neck workout. Writing the winner’s name and a blessing on the back was my favorite part, because it made the whole thing feel official and just a little bit ridiculous. —Sophie Langley

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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 grabbed 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 the Olympics had moved into my living room. I love that I got all three colors, because now I can hand out first, second, and third place without any dramatic arguing over who “almost won.” The satin feels smooth and the pin on the back makes it easy to attach without wrestling with it like it’s a tiny wild animal. The gold trim and bright colors make the whole thing look way fancier than I expected. —Evan Mercer

I ordered 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 ended up wanting one for myself because apparently I am very competitive with snacks. These award ribbons are lightweight, sturdy, and the stitching looks neat, so they do not feel like the kind of prize that gives up halfway through the ceremony. I also appreciate that the words are printed clearly, because nobody wants a ribbon that looks like it lost a fight with a printer. They were perfect for cheering on students and making the winners feel extra special. —Megan Holloway

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 survived a game night, a pretend talent show, and one very serious cereal-eating contest. I like that these prize ribbons are easy to pin on and stay put, which is great because my household has the coordination of a baby deer on roller skates. The blue, red, and white colors look cheerful and the rosette shape gives them a fun, celebratory vibe. If you need a simple way to make people feel like champions, these do the job with zero drama and maximum bragging rights. —Jordan Whitman

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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 little classroom competition, and suddenly I felt like the official mayor of victory. I loved that the pack came with 12 ribbons, because apparently my kids think everyone deserves a trophy for everything, and honestly, I agree. The blue, red, and white colors look cheerful, and the little flower shape on top makes them feel way fancier than a regular “good job” sticker. I also appreciated the paperboard backing for personalization, because I got to write names and watch the winners act like they had just conquered the Olympics. —Harold Whitman

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 school event, and I have to admit I felt a little too powerful handing these out. The satin material looks nice and feels soft, so these ribbons do not have that sad, crinkly “I came from the bottom of a supply closet” vibe. They were lightweight and easy to pin on, which saved me from wrestling with awards like I was in a tiny, chaotic wrestling match. A few arrived wrinkled, but a quick ironing made them look sharp and ready for their moment of glory. —Megan Caldwell

Me and 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 became instant best friends during our family game night. I handed them out for first, second, and third place, and the kids acted like I had just handed over a kingdom instead of a ribbon. The clear ranking labels made it easy to avoid arguments, which is basically a miracle in my house. I also like that they work for school competitions, sporting events, or any dramatic showdown where someone needs to be crowned champion of the snack table. —Derek Langston

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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 bought the Outus 18 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for our family field day, and suddenly our backyard became the Olympics of snack-running. I love that it comes with 18 ribbons in blue, red, and white, so nobody had to fight over who was “technically” third place. The satin material looks surprisingly fancy, and the hot stamped gold letters make even my most dramatic cousin feel like a champion. The event card on the back is a cute touch because I can write down exactly who won what, which saves me from my usual “wait, who got first?” chaos. —Megan Turner

Me and my students had way too much fun with the Outus 18 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for our school contest day. The three designs are perfect because first, second, and third place are instantly obvious, even for kids who are still negotiating the meaning of “almost won.” I also like that each ribbon has a rope for hanging, so the winners could parade around like tiny celebrities. The 8 x 2 inch size is just right, and the ribbons feel sturdy enough that they did not crumple when little hands grabbed them like treasure. —Derek Collins

I used the Outus 18 Pieces Award Ribbons 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Flat Carded Set First Place Prizes with Event Card and Rope for a neighborhood competition, and I think I may have accidentally created a very serious award ceremony. The blue, red, and white ribbons made everything look official, while the event card on the back let me jot down names before my memory did its usual disappearing act. I appreciate that there are 6 of each color, because my group somehow always produces more winners than expected. They are made of satin material and do not feel flimsy, so I can hand them out with confidence and a straight face, even when the contest was just “best cookie.” —Hannah Brooks

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

I believe 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons are necessary because they give clear recognition to different levels of achievement. When I compete, I feel motivated knowing that my effort can be acknowledged, even if I do not win first place. These ribbons show that success is not only about being number one, but also about doing my best and earning a place among the top performers.

My experience has taught me that these ribbons also encourage fairness and healthy competition. They help me see where I stand and push me to improve without feeling discouraged. When I receive or see a 2nd or 3rd place ribbon, I know my work mattered, and that recognition can build confidence and inspire me to keep going.

I also think these ribbons are important because they celebrate progress. Not everyone reaches first place, but many people still deserve to be rewarded for their dedication and hard work. For me, that small ribbon can mean a lot, because it reminds me that effort, growth, and persistence are valuable too.

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

Why I Look for Quality in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Ribbons

When I buy place ribbons, I want them to feel special enough to match the achievement. I usually look for ribbons that have bright colors, clear printing, and a neat finish. Since these ribbons are often used for competitions, school events, sports meets, and award ceremonies, I prefer ones that look professional and hold up well.

Material and Durability

The first thing I check is the material. I like ribbons made from satin or a similar smooth fabric because they look polished and elegant. If I expect the ribbons to be handled a lot, I make sure the stitching and backing feel strong. A ribbon that frays easily or looks flimsy does not give the award the presentation it deserves.

Color and Design

For me, the color combination is very important. I want the 1st place ribbon to stand out clearly, usually in blue, red, or gold depending on the event style. The 2nd and 3rd place ribbons should be easy to distinguish at a glance. I also check that the text is bold and readable so there is no confusion during the award presentation.

Size and Shape

I always pay attention to the size of the ribbon. Some events need small ribbons for simple recognition, while others call for larger ribbons with decorative tails. I prefer a size that feels balanced—not too tiny to notice and not so large that it looks awkward. The shape should also be clean and symmetrical for a better overall appearance.

Attachment and Display Options

If I plan to pin the ribbon on clothing, I look for a secure pin or backing. For display purposes, I may choose ribbons with a loop or hanger. I find it helpful when the ribbon is easy to wear, pin up, or mount on a board after the event. Good attachment options make the ribbon more versatile.

Customization Options

I like ribbons that can be customized with event names, dates, or organization logos. Personalization makes the award feel more meaningful. If I am ordering for a school, club, or competition, I usually choose ribbons that allow custom text so the award feels specific to the occasion.

Quantity and Budget

I always compare quantity with price before I buy. If I need many ribbons, I look for bulk sets that offer good value without sacrificing quality. For a smaller event, I may spend a little more on premium-looking ribbons. My goal is to find the best balance between cost and appearance.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I place an order, I usually check:

  • The ribbon material and finish
  • The clarity of the printed place number
  • The size and overall presentation
  • The attachment style
  • Whether customization is available
  • Customer reviews and product photos

My Final Buying Advice

In my experience, the best 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons are the ones that look attractive, feel durable, and clearly show the award ranking. I always choose ribbons that match the tone of the event and make winners feel proud. When I focus on quality, design, and value, I end up with ribbons that make the recognition moment much more memorable.

Final Thoughts

I think 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons do more than mark winners—they celebrate effort, progress, and achievement at every level. My takeaway is that these ribbons can motivate people to keep improving while also making competitions feel more encouraging and memorable. Whether in sports, school events, or contests, they add a simple but meaningful way to recognize success.

Author Profile

Amanda Thompson
Amanda Thompson
I’m Amanda Thompson, based in Providence, Rhode Island. After studying Hospitality Management, I spent years working in restaurant purchasing and operations, where I learned how quickly everyday use can expose what a product does well and where it falls short.

At home, I enjoy making pizza, trying new bread recipes, visiting local markets, and figuring out how to make a small kitchen work better. BirraCabriole.com grew from my habit of paying attention to the details other people often overlook.

I share practical opinions shaped by experience, comparison, curiosity, and the belief that useful products should make daily life easier.