Funny 2nd place trophies are gag awards that mock runner-up status with humor, available from trophy retailers in many styles.
Finishing second stings a little, but a well-chosen gag trophy turns that sting into a running joke. A 2nd place trophy funny enough to hand out at a sports banquet, office event, or holiday party does more than acknowledge the near-miss — it gives everyone a laugh and gives the recipient a story. The trick is knowing what these trophies actually look like, where they come from, and why some designs land better than others.
What Makes A Funny 2nd Place Trophy Different
Novelty trophies for second place are a category, not a single standardized product. Retailers sell them alongside traditional awards, but the designs lean into the joke of losing by a hair. Trophy Central’s funny awards line, for example, includes gag options that playfully cover all three podium spots rather than celebrating only the winner. These trophies serve a simple purpose: they celebrate the runner-up with a wink instead of a consolation prize that feels like pity.
The humor usually comes from one of three angles:
- The visual gag — trophies shaped like rear ends, raised legs, or animals doing something ridiculous
- The inscription punchline — text that makes losing sound like an achievement
- The trophy itself — deliberately cheap or absurd materials that mock the formality of awards
Most funny runner-up trophies ship with customization options, so you can engrave a personalized punchline that lands even harder for your specific group.
Where To Buy Funny Second Place Trophies
Trophy retailers stock these gag awards in dedicated categories. Crown Awards runs a specific 2nd Place Chaplet Cup funny trophies line, while Trophy Central groups its comedic options under a broader funny trophies and gag awards collection that includes 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place variants. Trophy.com focuses on standard second place awards rather than joke-specific models, so stick with the specialty gag categories if outright humor is the goal.
Before you buy, check what each store’s funny section actually includes. Crown Awards and Trophy Central both keep separate categories for their comedic lines, which makes browsing easy. If you want a more conventional second place trophy to engrave with your own joke, Trophy.com’s standard line works fine too. For a quick comparison of popular models and price points, our roundup of the best 2nd place trophy options pulls together top picks in one place.
What Funny Trophies Cost And How They’re Made
Pricing for novelty awards varies widely by retailer, material, and customization. Basic gag trophies with plastic figures tend to run cheaper than engraved metal or resin options, but no single universal price exists across the category. The same applies to dimensions — a funny trophy might be a small desk ornament or a towering centerpiece, depending on the specific listing.
| Retailer | What They Offer | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Awards | 2nd Place Chaplet Cup funny trophies, engraving options | Playful but still trophy-shaped awards |
| Trophy Central | Funny trophies and gag awards across all podium places | Over-the-top visual gags and group events |
| Trophy.com | Standard 2nd place trophies, not joke-specific | Conventional awards you inscribe with your own joke |
Materials follow the same pattern: metal and crystal options cost more, while plastic and resin gag trophies stay budget-friendly. Whatever you choose, confirm the engraving policy before ordering — some funny trophy lines only allow text on certain plaques or bases.
When A Funny Trophy Makes Sense
A gag second place award fits best when the audience already shares the joke. Sports teams handing out a “you got served” style trophy to the runner-up, office parties mocking the person who lost the fantasy league, and family gatherings roasting a competitive relative all create the right context. The humor depends on good-natured ribbing, not embarrassment — if the recipient would genuinely feel bad, skip the gag and buy something sincere.
One popular meme circulating online jokes that the French Open’s runner-up trophy looks like a serving tray, suggesting it exists because second place “got served.” That’s a fan joke, not official tournament documentation, but it captures the spirit of the category: second place deserves a laugh, not a lecture about coming closer to winning.
These trophies also work as white elephant gifts, retirement party bits, and holiday party prizes. The key is matching the trophy’s humor level to the event’s tone.
FAQs
Can I engrave a custom joke on a funny 2nd place trophy?
Most retailers offer engraving on gag trophies, though the options vary by model. Crown Awards and Trophy Central both provide customization on many of their funny lines, usually on a base plate or plaque. Check the specific product listing before ordering.
Are funny trophies appropriate for kids’ events?
Some gag designs work well for children’s parties, but the more adult-oriented visual jokes do not. Shop the specific design and keep your audience in mind. A silly animal trophy lands fine with kids; a racy visual gag does not.
Do gag trophies cost more than standard second place awards?
Not necessarily. Prices track material and size more than humor level. Plastic gag trophies frequently cost less than engraved metal or crystal standard awards, while larger or more elaborate novelty pieces can run higher.
References & Sources
- Crown Awards. “2nd Place Chaplet Cup Funny Trophy.” Dedicated funny trophy category for runner-up awards.
- Trophy Central. “Funny Trophies & Gag Awards.” Includes 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place humorous trophy variants.
- Trophy.com. “Second Place Trophies.” Standard runner-up trophy listings without joke-specific designs.
