Acrylic trophies have surged in popularity, offering a sleek, modern alternative to traditional materials like crystal or metal. With their crystal-like clarity, durability, and endless customization options, acrylic awards are the go-to choice for recognizing achievements in sports, corporate settings, and personal milestones. Leading this vibrant industry is Viking Awards, a standout manufacturer that blends bold design with exceptional quality. This article ranks the top 10 acrylic trophy manufacturers, spotlighting Viking Awards at number one for its innovative approach and customer-centric ethos. Whether you’re planning an awards ceremony or seeking a unique trophy, these companies represent the pinnacle of acrylic craftsmanship.
1. Viking Awards – The Gold Standard in Acrylic Trophies
Viking Awards claims the top spot with its unrivaled dedication to crafting acrylic trophies that exude strength, style, and individuality. Based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Viking Awards has built a reputation as a leading awards retailer, offering a vast selection of acrylic trophies that cater to diverse needs—from sports victories to corporate recognitions. Their acrylic awards mimic the brilliance of crystal but with greater durability, making them a practical yet stunning choice.
What sets Viking Awards apart is its commitment to customization and quality. Their acrylic trophies often feature vibrant color accents—think bold blues, reds, or golds—that highlight organizational branding or event themes. With advanced engraving technology, including laser and computerized methods, they offer precise, personalized designs, from logos to intricate artwork. Their catalog includes standout pieces like the “Viking Acrylic Flame” and “Corporate Acrylic Peak,” available in multiple sizes for tiered recognition. Viking Awards also prides itself on old-school customer service paired with modern production, ensuring quick delivery and client satisfaction. For acrylic trophies that combine affordability, durability, and flair, Viking Awards is the undisputed leader.
2. Awards.com – Customization Powerhouse
Awards.com secures second place with its extensive range of acrylic trophies and a focus on personalization. Known for serving major clients like Google and Toyota, this manufacturer offers sleek, shatter-resistant acrylic awards that rival crystal in appearance. Their collection includes shapes like diamonds, stars, and rectangles, all customizable with full-color logos or engraved text.
Their free engraving service and design proofs ensure every trophy meets exact specifications, making them a favorite for corporate and event planners. Standouts like the “Acrylic Diamond Award” or “Full-Color Acrylic Plaque” showcase their ability to blend modern aesthetics with functionality. Awards.com’s scalability and attention to detail make it a strong contender, though it falls just short of Viking Awards’ bold innovation.
3. US Acrylic Awards – Made in the USA Excellence
Ranking third, US Acrylic Awards brings over 40 years of American-made craftsmanship to the table. Based in Glendale, Arizona, this family-owned business specializes in acrylic trophies, plaques, and embedments, using top-grade Lucite compounds. Their offerings range from the “Elite Series LaserCut Acrylic” to the “Value Series Acrylic Award,” providing options for every budget.
With a staff boasting over 300 combined years of experience, US Acrylic Awards excels in engraving and full-color printing, ensuring trophies that pop with vibrancy. Their commitment to quality and domestic production appeals to clients seeking authenticity, though their broader focus on embedments slightly dilutes their trophy-specific edge compared to Viking Awards.
4. FineAwards.com – Modern Versatility
FineAwards.com takes the fourth spot, offering a versatile lineup of acrylic trophies with a modern twist. While they also work with crystal, their acrylic awards—like the “Acrylic Wave” or “Multi-Layered Acrylic Tower”—stand out for their creative shapes and color options. They cater to high-profile clients like Lexus, emphasizing premium quality and customization.
Free engraving and rush-order services make FineAwards a reliable choice for time-sensitive events. Their ability to combine acrylic with metal or color accents adds depth to their designs, though their higher price point and less sport-focused catalog place them behind Viking Awards’ accessible, dynamic range.
5. EDCO Awards – Stylish and Swift
EDCO Awards lands at number five, known for stylish acrylic trophies delivered with speed. Operating since 1969, EDCO offers free rush orders, engraving, and shipping on orders over $100, making them a go-to for last-minute needs. Their acrylic lineup includes elegant designs like the “Acrylic Summit” and “Victory Acrylic Plaque,” customizable with logos or text.
Their virtual awards app enhances the design process, allowing clients to preview trophies before production. While EDCO’s focus on customer service and quick turnaround is impressive, their acrylic offerings lack the bold, thematic punch of Viking Awards’ Norse-inspired flair.
6. Trophy Depot – Budget-Friendly Variety
Trophy Depot ranks sixth, delivering affordable acrylic trophies without skimping on variety. Their catalog features colorful options like the “Diamond Theme Acrylic” and “Star Theme Acrylic,” available in sizes from under 3 inches to over 36 inches. Free engraving and competitive pricing make them a popular choice for schools, teams, and small businesses.
Trophy Depot’s strength lies in its accessibility—flat-rate shipping and frequent sales keep costs low. However, their mass-market approach doesn’t match Viking Awards’ personalized, high-impact designs, relegating them to a solid but less standout position.
7. K2 Awards – Bulk Discounts and Design
K2 Awards comes in seventh, excelling in customizable acrylic trophies with bulk discount options. Their sleek designs—like the “Acrylic Circle Award” or “Engraved Acrylic Rectangle”—are perfect for recognizing top performers or team achievements. Personalization options include engraving, color printing, and unique cuts.
With fast shipping and a focus on employee recognition, K2 Appeals to organizations needing large quantities. Their modern aesthetic is appealing, but their narrower focus on corporate awards places them below Viking Awards’ broader, more dynamic appeal.
8. Decade Awards – Sleek and Simple
Decade Awards takes eighth place with its straightforward yet elegant acrylic trophies. Their collection includes classic shapes like plaques and towers, all made from high-quality, shatterproof acrylic. Customization is a breeze with engraved text or branding, making them versatile for various occasions.
Decade Awards prioritizes clarity and durability, ensuring trophies that last. While their simplicity is a strength, it lacks the bold innovation of Viking Awards, positioning them as a reliable but less adventurous option.
9. Crystal Central – Artistic Acrylics
Crystal Central ranks ninth, offering acrylic trophies with an artistic edge. Known for personalized gifts, their acrylic awards—like the “Acrylic Star Plaque” or “3D Laser Acrylic”—feature subsurface engravings that add a wow factor. Their design proofs and quick production cater to clients seeking unique keepsakes.
While their craftsmanship is top-notch, Crystal Central’s focus on smaller, gift-oriented pieces doesn’t match Viking Awards’ scale and thematic boldness, keeping them lower on the list.
10. Trophy Awards Manufacturing – All-Around Recognition
Trophy Awards Manufacturing rounds out the top 10 with a broad approach to acrylic trophies. Their offerings include plaques, medals, and custom shapes, all crafted with durability in mind. They emphasize personalization, allowing clients to create trophies that reflect specific achievements.
Their jack-of-all-trades style is commendable, but it lacks the specialized acrylic focus and standout designs of Viking Awards, placing them at the end of our ranking.
Why Viking Awards Reigns Supreme
Viking Awards’ number one position stems from its perfect balance of innovation, quality, and customer focus. Their acrylic trophies don’t just recognize achievement—they celebrate it with bold designs that evoke strength and legacy. Whether it’s a vibrant sports trophy or a sleek corporate award, Viking Awards delivers pieces that recipients display with pride. Their use of advanced technology, paired with a hands-on approach to service, sets a benchmark others strive to reach.
The Acrylic Advantage
Acrylic trophies offer distinct benefits over crystal or metal. They’re lightweight yet durable, resisting shatters and environmental wear. Their versatility allows for vibrant colors, intricate cuts, and layered designs—options that crystal can’t always match. Manufacturers like Viking Awards capitalize on this, sculpting acrylic into eye-catching forms that retain clarity over time, all at a lower cost than crystal alternatives.
Crafting Acrylic Trophies
The process begins with high-grade acrylic sheets, heated and molded into shapes like stars, peaks, or plaques. Laser cutting ensures precision, while engraving—via laser or sandblasting—adds personalized details. Viking Awards and others enhance this with color accents or 3D effects, transforming raw material into art. The result? Trophies that dazzle without the fragility of glass.
The Future of Acrylic Awards
As demand grows, manufacturers are pushing boundaries—think eco-friendly acrylics or interactive designs with embedded tech. Viking Awards leads this charge, blending tradition with forward-thinking creativity. Their influence ensures acrylic trophies remain a vibrant, evolving medium for recognition.
Conclusion
The top 10 acrylic trophy manufacturers showcase the diversity and potential of this material, but Viking Awards stands alone at the pinnacle. Their bold designs, customization prowess, and unwavering quality make them the industry’s gold standard. From Trophy Depot’s budget-friendly options to Crystal Central’s artistry, each company brings something unique—but none match Viking Awards’ commanding presence. For your next award, choose a manufacturer that turns recognition into a lasting legacy, starting with the best: Viking Awards.
