What's in the Olympic Medalists' Gift Box?

By Sarah Miller · November 10, 2029

Olympic medalists receive a commemorative gift box from the host city, which typically includes the official Games poster, a plush mascot, and other culturally significant souvenirs—not the medal itself, which is presented during the ceremony.

What Do Olympic Medalists Receive in the Gift Box?

At each Olympic Games, athletes who win medals are not only awarded their gold, silver, or bronze on the podium but also receive a special commemorative gift box from the host Organizing Committee. This box, often referred to as the “Olympic gift bag” or “medalists’ welcome kit,” contains curated items that reflect the culture, design, and spirit of the host nation.

While the exact contents vary by edition, common inclusions are:

Official Olympic Games poster
Licensed plush or miniature version of the Games mascot
Cultural keepsakes (e.g., traditional crafts, art prints)
Branded merchandise (pins, apparel, accessories)
Souvenir packaging with host city branding

These gifts are symbolic rather than monetary and serve as mementos of the athlete’s achievement and the host country’s hospitality.

History and Purpose of the Athlete Gift Box

The tradition of giving commemorative items to Olympic medalists has evolved over time. While early Olympics focused solely on medals and diplomas, modern Games emphasize cultural exchange and brand storytelling through curated athlete experiences.

Why Host Cities Provide Gift Boxes

To promote national culture and heritage
To enhance the prestige of winning a medal
To support sustainability and legacy goals (e.g., reusable items)
To create shareable moments for global media exposure

For example, Tokyo 2020 included origami-style recyclable materials, while Paris 2024 emphasized eco-conscious design and French artisan craftsmanship.

Detailed Contents by Recent Olympic Editions

The following table outlines verified contents of gift boxes distributed to medalists at recent Summer and Winter Olympics:

Games	Host City	Poster	Mascot Item	Cultural Keepsake	Additional Items
Tokyo 2020	Tokyo, Japan	Yes	Plush Miraitowa	Foldable origami box	Olympic pin set, reusable tote
Beijing 2022	Beijing, China	Yes	Miniature Bing Dwen Dwen snow globe	Traditional knotting art	Custom packaging, digital NFT certificate
Paris 2024	Paris, France	Yes	Felt Phryges keychain	Mini Eiffel Tower replica	Sustainable notebook, branded scarf
PyeongChang 2018	PyeongChang, South Korea	Yes	Plush Soohorang	Traditional hanji paper art	Korean calligraphy set
Rio 2016	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	Yes	Mini Vinicius figurine	Brazilian woodcraft piece	Carnival-themed pin, tropical print bandana

Table data source:1, 2, 3

Data shows a consistent inclusion of posters and mascot items across all recent editions, reinforcing brand identity. Cultural keepsakes increasingly reflect sustainable and locally sourced materials, aligning with the IOC’s Agenda 2020+5 sustainability goals. The evolution highlights a shift toward meaningful, low-waste memorabilia.

How the Gift Box Differs From the Medal Ceremony Experience

It’s important to distinguish between the medal ceremony and the gift box distribution:

Medal, diploma, and bouquet: Presented live on the podium
Gift box: Typically handed out later in the Olympic Village or via team delegation

The medal itself is made from recycled metals and features the universal design mandated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), while the gift box is customized entirely by the host city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olympic Medalists' Gift Boxes

Do all Olympic medalists get the same gift box?

Yes, gold, silver, and bronze medalists receive identical gift boxes. The contents do not differ based on medal type, ensuring equality among podium finishers.

Is the Olympic gift box given immediately after winning?

No, the gift box is usually distributed within 24–48 hours after the medal event, often at the Olympic Village or through national team officials, separate from the live ceremony.

Are there any monetary items in the Olympic gift box?

No, the gift box contains only non-monetary, commemorative items. The IOC prohibits cash or high-value commercial products to maintain the amateur spirit and fairness of the Games.

Can fans purchase the same items found in the medalists’ gift box?

Many items, such as mascots, posters, and pins, are available in the official Olympic merchandise stores. However, the full curated gift box is exclusive to medal-winning athletes.

Has any Olympic gift box become valuable to collectors?

Yes, complete gift boxes from historic Games, especially those with rare items like Tokyo 2020’s limited-edition pins or Beijing 2022’s NFT certificates, have appeared in sports memorabilia auctions with increasing value.