Why Custom Acrylic and Wood Medals Are a Standout Choice

 

Beyond Metal: Why Custom Acrylic and Wood Medals Are a Standout Choice

When most people think of award medals, metal is usually the first thing that comes to mind. And for good reason—custom printed insert medals and die cast medals are classics for sports events, competitions, and achievements of all kinds.

But if you’re looking to do something a little different, something that truly stands out and feels memorable, there’s a growing shift toward alternative materials. At JustAwardMedals, our custom acrylic and wood medals are becoming a favorite for customers who want a fresh, unique, and modern take on awards.

Here’s why acrylic and wood medals deserve a serious look for your next event.

1. A Unique Look That Instantly Stands Out

Metal medals are timeless—but they’re also familiar. Acrylic and wood medals immediately catch attention because they’re unexpected.

• Acrylic medals offer a clean, modern aesthetic with crisp edges, bold colors, and eye-catching transparency or solid finishes.

• Wood medals bring warmth, texture, and a natural feel that no metal can replicate.

When recipients receive something that looks and feels different, it makes the achievement more memorable. These medals don’t just blend in—they spark conversation.

2. Endless Customization Possibilities

One of the biggest advantages of acrylic and wood is how flexible they are for custom designs.

With these materials, you can:

• Cut custom shapes that go beyond traditional round medals

• Incorporate logos, text, patterns, and illustrations with precision

• Use layered designs, cut-outs, or engraved details

Whether you’re hosting a corporate event, a school competition, a fun run, or a creative festival, acrylic and wood medals give you more freedom to bring your vision to life.

3. Perfect for Modern and Creative Events

Alternative medals shine especially well at events that want to feel contemporary, artistic, or community-driven.

Custom acrylic and wood medals are a great fit for:

• Fun runs, charity events, and community races

• Corporate awards and team recognition

• School programs and academic achievements

• Fitness challenges, dance competitions, and creative contests

• Eco-conscious or nature-inspired events

They signal that thought went into the award—not just the competition.

  

4. Lightweight and Comfortable to Wear

Another practical benefit: acrylic and wood medals are lightweight.

That means:

• More comfortable for kids and younger participants

• Easier to wear for longer ceremonies or photo sessions

• Less strain on ribbons and necks

Despite being lightweight, these medals still feel solid and high-quality in hand, striking the perfect balance between comfort and durability.

5. A Natural, Eco-Inspired Appeal

Wood medals, in particular, resonate with customers who value sustainability and natural aesthetics. While still durable and professionally finished, they offer an earthy, handcrafted feel that aligns beautifully with outdoor events, environmental initiatives, and wellness-focused brands.

6. High Perceived Value Without the Traditional Feel

One common misconception is that non-metal medals feel less premium. In reality, a well-designed acrylic or wood medal often feels more exclusive because it’s less common.

Recipients notice:

• The originality of the material

• The care in the design

• The fact that it’s not “just another medal”

That sense of novelty can elevate the perceived value of the award just as much as weight or shine.

7. A Refreshing Alternative—Without Replacing the Classics

Metal medals will always have their place, and at Just Award Medals, our custom printed insert medals and custom die cast medals remain top sellers for a reason.

But acrylic and wood medals aren’t about replacing metal—they’re about expanding your options.

They give event organizers the freedom to:

• Match the medal to the theme

• Create a more memorable experience

• Offer something participants haven’t seen a hundred times before

Sometimes, standing out is the real prize.

Explore Custom Acrylic and Wood Medals with Just Award Medals

If you’re planning an event and want awards that feel modern, creative, and meaningful, custom acrylic and wood medals are a powerful choice. They’re distinctive, highly customizable, lightweight, and perfect for events that want to leave a lasting impression.

At justawardmedals.com, we’re proud to offer a full range of medal options—from classic metal to bold alternatives—so you can find the perfect fit for your event and your audience.

Ready to try something different? Your next award might just be wood or acrylic.

Custom Award Medal Options When You’re Out of Time?

Custom Award Medal Options When in a Pinch? 

OH NO! Your 5K Race or District Wrestling competition is one week away, and you forgot to order your award medals! Where did the time go? You wanted something nice to recognize your winners, but now you wonder . . . is there enough time? Will I now have to buy some cheap looking stock medals and have all my peers cringe at the sight of unsightly common everyday award medals? Luckily, JustAwardMedals is here to Save Your Day! We have four custom medal options that can be uniquely designed and shipped fast.

1. CUSTOM INSERT MEDALS (Ships in 2-5 business days after proof approval)

Using your logo or design, we can print 2” round inserts made from vinyl with a clear over laminate that are attached to “blank” medallions. These medallions come in several different design styles, sizes and finishes. A minimum of only 30 medals is required, and the more you order, the better the price after applying our generous quantity discounts. Best of all, you can award custom themed medals that are unique to your competition or event bringing awareness to your brand.

2. CUSTOM DIRECT PRINT MEDALS (Ships in 2-5 business days after proof approval)

No inserts here. Instead we take blank award medals with a flat surface and print directly onto the medal itself. A fairly new print technology, these medals can accommodate your logo or design in stunning clarity and vibrant colors. Two sizes are available (2” and 2-3/4”), and only a 50 piece minimum.

3. CUSTOM ACRYLIC MEDALS (Ships in 2-5 business days after proof approval.)

Using direct print technology and your art or design, we can laser cut your custom award medals in any shape and size. Acrylic comes in white, black or clear and we try to stick with ¼” thickness to add bulk and weight. The lasered edges of these medals come out with a clean polished appearance, and we try to steer customers towards our sewn sublimated neckbands. These 1-1/2 wide neckbands have a silky smooth appearance and are available in many colors and themes. If you ever heard the saying “the wheels make a car” then know that “the neckband makes the medal.” Our custom acrylic medals have become extremely popular when in a time crunch! Minimum order is 50.

4. WOOD ACRYLIC MEDALS (Ships in 2-5 business days after proof approval)

Like our acrylic medals, our wood medals consist of printing directly to the wood surface and laser cutting your medallions in any shape and size. We stick with ¼” thick MDF with a maple veneer. This natural wood can be stained in walnut, gray or cherry, and can accommodate our premium sublimated 1-1/2” wide neckbands used with our custom acrylic medals. With a minimum of 50, these custom wood medals are hearty, colorful, eco-friendly and made in the USA!

Don’t forget that all our medals include FREE art setup, neckbands and shipping (on prepaid online orders $99 and over . . . certain restrictions may apply) In addition, be sure to note our quantity discounts for even more savings. Don't ignore these savings when comparing our prices to competitors!

In the end, we know how important it is to purchase distinctive branded custom award medals for your event. Custom Die cast medals are often the preferred choice, however the 5-6 week delivery time is not always workable, especially if you are unsure of final participant registrations and “over ordering” to cover your needs is costly and inefficient. There are other options at JustAwardMedals, where a keepsake recognition medallion can still be customized at an economical price and manufactured in short amount of time.