If you’ve been looking for custom medals for your next event, you’ve probably come across the term medal inserts and wondered what exactly they are. What are they? Stickers? Real medals? Silly gimmicks, or are they actually worth choosing for your event?
At MedalStudio, we’ve designed and delivered thousands of insert medals for races, school sports days, tournaments and charity events. Our experience means we know a thing or two about when they are a great choice for many types of events and how to make them stand out.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what medal inserts are, how they’re made, what they cost, and why they’ve become one of the most popular award types around.
What Are Medal Inserts?
A medal insert is a custom-printed design (typically your brand logo, text, or artwork) that sits at the centre of a die-cast medal. The insert is printed on durable vinyl, covered with a clear protective dome, and fixed into a space on the medal’s front. The result? A professional-looking award that’s fast to make, easy to customise, and budget-friendly.
Medal inserts are sometimes called “sticker medals,” but don’t let the name fool you. These aren’t flimsy paper labels, and they aren’t a cheap cop-out alternative to a real medal. They’re high-quality, full-colour vinyl prints sealed with a glossy dome that makes them water-resistant and scratch-proof. They’re often available in traditional gold, silver, and bronze finishes, and you can choose from different sizes and decorative surrounds such as stars or wreaths to give that high-quality finishing touch.
Why Choose Medal Inserts?
Medal inserts strike that perfect balance between affordability, customisation, and speed, making them one of the most practical choices for event organisers who want a personalised award without the long wait times or high price tag.
Here’s why they’re a popular pick:
Fast to Produce
Insert medals are one of the quickest custom options available. Once your design is finalised, small batches can often be produced in as little as a week. That makes them ideal when you’re working with a tight deadline or need a last-minute medal made.
Budget-Friendly
If you’re ordering under 150 medals, medal inserts are usually one of the most cost-effective options. They use less material than fully die-cast or wooden medals and don’t require custom moulds, which helps keep the price down and speed up your lead time. The cost savings can especially be noticed when you’re ordering in moderate quantities, as medals typically get cheaper the more units you buy.
Easy to Customise
Even though they’re more budget-conscious, insert medals still offer plenty of customisation:
- Choose your medal finish (gold, silver, bronze, black, etc.)
- Select decorative surrounds (like laurel wreaths or star borders)
- Upload your own insert artwork or logo
- Pick your ribbon colours (and upgrade to custom ribbons if needed)
The end result? A one-of-a-kind medal that reflects your event’s branding, theme, or achievement, without going over budget on cost.
Lightweight and Versatile
Medal inserts tend to weigh a lot less than traditional metal or wooden awards. This makes them easier to distribute during an event as well as ship to your location. It can even make them more comfortable to wear for the people receiving them, especially for younger participants or large-scale events like school sports days or community races.
A Few Small Drawbacks That Medal Inserts Have
While insert medals are a fantastic option for many events, they might not be the best fit for every event.
- For very large orders (150+), full metal or wooden medals may be faster or cheaper
- They’re not quite as durable long-term as solid metal medals
- They use mixed materials (metal + plastic), which makes them harder to recycle
But for most everyday award needs, insert medals deliver great impact at a smart price.
How We Make Custom Medal Inserts at MedalStudio
At MedalStudio, we make medal inserts the right way: fast, simple, and tailored to your event. Whether you're ordering for a school, a local club, or a national competition, our process was created to deliver quality medals that feel special without breaking the bank.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: You Send Us Your Idea
It can be a finished design, a logo, or even just a rough concept. Our in-house design team will help bring your vision to life, making sure the insert looks sharp, balanced, and event-appropriate. Our design service comes free with every order, so you won't get any nasty surprises of add-on costs when the invoice comes.
Step 2: We Create the Insert
Your design is printed on in vibrant colour on durable material. It’s then sealed with a clear resin dome that protects it from scratches, water, and general wear-and-tear, so your medals stay looking great for a long time.
Step 3: We Match It with the Right Medal
We use high-quality medal bases, designed with a recessed area that fits the insert perfectly. You can choose from a range of finishes (gold, silver, bronze, black), sizes (most commonly 50mm or 70mm), and decorative borders to make the medal feel just right for your event.
Step 4: Add the Ribbon
Every medal comes with a standard neck ribbon, and you can choose the colour or go all in with custom-printed ribbons for a fully branded look. We’ll guide you through the options available and help you find the best one based on your timeline and budget.
Step 5: Quick, Reliable Delivery
Because we manufacture locally in both the UK and the USA, our turnaround times are fast and dependable. No chasing couriers or waiting weeks for overseas deliveries. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way, from design to doorstep.
Final Thoughts
Medal inserts offer a smart, affordable way to create custom medals that still feel personal and polished. They’re quick to produce, easy to customise, and ideal for schools, clubs, races, and events on a budget or on a deadline.
At MedalStudio, we make the process simple. From design to delivery, we’ll help you create insert medals that look great, arrive on time, and make your recipients feel proud.
Need help bringing your idea to life?
Get in touch for a free quote—or send us your logo and let’s get started.
FAQs About Medal Inserts
Do insert medals come with ribbons?
Yes. Standard neck ribbons are included, and you can choose the colour. Custom ribbons are also available.
How long do they take to make?
Up to 10 working days. Rush orders may be possible—just ask.
What do they cost?
They’re one of the most affordable custom medal types, especially for smaller orders. Price depends on size and quantity.
Can I personalise them?
Yes. You can customise the design, medal finish, ribbon colour, and even add engraving or custom ribbons.
Are they recyclable?
Not easily. They’re made from mixed materials—but they’re designed to be kept, not tossed.
Updated: 01/05/2025