What's Inside Olympic Medal Winners' Gift Boxes?

By Sarah Miller · April 4, 2026

The boxes given to Olympic medal winners at the Paris 2024 Games contain a commemorative gift set including a plush toy, a pin, a guidebook, and a mini reproduction of the official poster — not the medals themselves, which are presented separately during the ceremony.

What Do Olympic Medal Winners Receive in Their Gift Boxes?

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, athletes who win medals receive a special gift box alongside their medal, diploma, and bouquet. This box is not the medal container but rather a souvenir package curated by the Local Organizing Committee to celebrate French culture and sustainability.

Contents of the Paris 2024 Olympic Gift Box

A plush version of the official Olympic mascot, Phryge
An enamel pin featuring the Games' logo
A miniature reproduction of the official Paris 2024 poster
A guidebook highlighting cultural landmarks and sustainable practices
Eco-friendly packaging made from recycled materials

These items are designed to reflect France’s artistic heritage and environmental commitments. Unlike past Olympics where gift boxes included tech gadgets or luxury items, Paris 2024 emphasizes symbolic keepsakes over material value.

History of Olympic Winner’s Boxes and Gifts

The tradition of giving additional gifts to medalists has evolved significantly. While medals, diplomas, and bouquets have been standard since early modern Olympics, commemorative boxes became prominent in recent decades.

Notable Examples from Past Games

Tokyo 2020: Medallists received a wooden smartphone stand made from sustainably sourced timber, symbolizing Japan’s craftsmanship.
Rio 2016: Athletes got a box with local snacks, a Carioca mascot plush, and a cultural guide.
London 2012: A branded gift bag included pins, a notebook, and a map of the city.

Paris 2024 continues this trend but shifts focus toward lasting mementos rather than consumables.

Medal Presentation vs. Gift Boxes: Clarifying the Process

It's important to distinguish between the medal presentation and the gift box distribution. The medal, olive branch bouquet, and diploma are handed out on the podium during the official ceremony.

Key Differences

Medals: Awarded live on podium by IOC officials.
Diplomas: Given to top eight finishers in each event.
Gift Boxes: Distributed off-podium, often in the mixed zone or athlete village.

The gift box is not part of the formal award but serves as a token of appreciation from the host city.

Games	Host City	Gift Box Contents	Sustainability Focus
Paris 2024	Paris, France	Phryge plush, pin, mini-poster, guidebook	Recycled materials, low carbon footprint
Tokyo 2020	Tokyo, Japan	Wooden smartphone holder, mascot pin	Reforestation-linked timber sourcing
Rio 2016	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	Mascot plush, snacks, cultural booklet	Limited recyclability
London 2012	London, UK	Branded bag, pins, city map	Partially recycled packaging

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows a clear shift toward eco-conscious gifting, with Paris 2024 leading in sustainable design. Tokyo 2020 also prioritized environmental responsibility, while earlier editions like Rio 2016 focused more on cultural promotion than sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olympic Medal Winners’ Gift Boxes

Do Olympic medal winners get to keep the gift box?

Yes, the gift box is a personal keepsake for athletes to take home. It is not reused or collected after the Games.

Are the contents of the gift box the same for gold, silver, and bronze medalists?

Yes, all medalists receive identical gift boxes regardless of medal color. The only differences are in the medals themselves and the order of podium placement.

Why does Paris 2024 include a mini poster in the box?

The mini poster is a nod to Paris’s legacy as an artistic capital and promotes the official artwork of the Games, created by French designer Ugo Gattoni.

Is the Phryge plush the actual Olympic medal?

No, the Phryge plush is a souvenir. The actual medal is made of metal and awarded separately on the podium.

Have Olympic gift boxes always been part of the medal ceremony?

No, structured gift boxes became common only in the 21st century. Early Olympics did not include such souvenirs, focusing solely on medals and diplomas.