What's in the Box That Olympians Get?

By Sarah Miller · September 12, 2037

The box that Olympians receive is the official medal ceremony gift package, which includes the Olympic medal, a plush mascot, a commemorative poster, and various sponsor-provided items such as tech gadgets or skincare products, varying by host city and edition.

What Do Olympians Receive in Their Official Gift Box?

At each Olympic Games, athletes who podium are presented with a gift box during the medal ceremony. While the iconic element is the Olympic medal, the full package has expanded over recent editions to include both symbolic and practical gifts from organizers and sponsors. These items celebrate athletic achievement and promote the culture and commercial partners of the host nation.

Core Components of the Olympian Gift Box

Olympic Medal: Gold, silver, or bronze, designed uniquely for each Games.
Official Plush Mascot: A soft toy version of the Games' mascot, popular among athletes for photos and trading.
Commemorative Poster: Featuring official artwork and design elements of the host city.
Sponsor Gifts: Items like smartphones, headphones, skincare kits, or sportswear from official partners.
Cultural Tokens: Locally inspired souvenirs, such as traditional crafts or snacks.

Evolution of the Olympic Athlete Gift Package

The tradition of gifting athletes has evolved significantly. Early Olympics offered only medals and diplomas. By the 2000s, host cities began including branded merchandise. The trend accelerated in recent years, especially during the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, where sustainability and brand engagement became central themes.

Tokyo 2020: High-Tech and Eco-Friendly Gifts

Tokyo 2020 introduced recyclable medals made from electronic waste and included a smiling blue mascot plush (Miraitowa). Athletes also received tablets preloaded with cultural content and digital guides, showcasing Japan’s technological innovation.

Paris 2024: Luxury and Sustainability Blend

Paris 2024 elevated the gift box with a fragment of original Eiffel Tower iron embedded in each medal. The package included a chic mascot plush (The Phryges), organic French skincare samples, and a reusable tote bag made from recycled materials, aligning with France’s eco-conscious values.

Games	Medal Feature	Mascot Plush	Sponsor Items	Special Additions
Rio 2016	Recycled materials	Vinicius & Tom	Smartphones (Samsung)	Brazilian coffee, capoeira guide
Tokyo 2020	Medals from e-waste	Miraitowa	Tablets (Panasonic)	Digital culture kit
Beijing 2022	Double-layer design	Bing Dwen Dwen	Skincare (L’Occitane)	Lucky red envelopes
Paris 2024	Eiffel Tower iron	The Phryges	Headphones (SanDisk)	Organic toiletries, art book

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows a clear trend toward sustainability and national branding. Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2020 emphasized eco-innovation, while Rio and Beijing highlighted cultural heritage. Sponsor integration remains consistent, with tech and beauty brands playing prominent roles.

Why Do Organizers Include Extra Gifts Beyond the Medal?

The additional items serve multiple purposes:

Athlete Appreciation: Recognizing the immense effort behind Olympic success.
Brand Exposure: Sponsors gain visibility when athletes share gifts on social media.
Cultural Diplomacy: Host nations use the box to showcase their identity and values.
Memorabilia Value: Unique items become collectibles, enhancing the legacy of the Games.