Trophies for Younger Children

Younger children participating in sports for the first time usually receive small participation trophies. Popular options include bobble head trophies, trophy figures on bases, or trophies with a child figure.

Trophies for Older Children

As children get older, they usually receive larger participation trophies. For school-aged kids, trophies with columns or backdrops are more appropriate forms of recognition. After a few sports seasons, storage space on shelves can become scarce. For trophy alternatives, medals and dog tags are great options. They can be worn around the neck or clipped onto a backpack.

Have a tween? Resin trophies are a popular option. Resembling pewter, resin awards look like statues and feel heavier than other trophies.

Trophies for Adolescents

As children become teens, participation trophies are less often awarded. Teams receive recognition when they win competitions or reach certain goals, such as becoming district champions. When this occurs, each team member usually receives a large trophy. Players can also receive recognition for individual accomplishments, such as “Most Valuable,” “Most Inspirational,” or “Most Improved.”  Common awards for teenagers include sports plaques, resin plaques, or large trophies.

Trophies for Adults

Most trophies given to adults acknowledge tournament or league winners. Fantasy football, bowling, and golf are all examples of leagues that give trophies to their winners. Many leagues award perpetual trophies, which are passed from person to person year after year.

For golf, tennis or poker tournaments, the first, second and third place finishers usually receive awards. These awards can be large or small, depending on your needs.

For fun, many groups tease their losers with special trophies. Examples include beauty queen or toilet seat trophies for worst performance in a fantasy football league or pink chip trophies for first out at a poker tournament.

From young children starting their athletic careers to adults participating in leagues or in tournaments, everyone appreciates meaningful recognition.