Destination Imagination Trading Pins
Destination Imagination Pins and Odyssey of the Mind pins are a popular way to share in the fun of these great academic competition programs. Trading Pins Direct is the spot to get the best custom pins for these and other scholastic groups. Our talented artists can help you create a pin design that’s perfect for your team, and your budget.
We feature a wide selection of pin styles, sizes and options, giving you plenty of room to use your imagination in your design. Artwork and revisions are free, and we back every pin we sell with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Count on Trading Pins Direct for all your Destination ImagiNation and Odyssey of the Mind pin needs!
| Size | 100 | 200 | 300 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.25" | $3.17 | $2.62 | $1.83 | $1.27 | $1.14 | $1.01 | $0.99 |
| 1.5" | $3.40 | $2.85 | $2.05 | $1.54 | $1.46 | $1.25 | $1.15 |
| 1.75" | $3.58 | $3.20 | $2.50 | $1.90 | $1.83 | $1.54 | $1.36 |
| 2" | $4.02 | $3.35 | $2.77 | $2.17 | $2.01 | $1.78 | $1.68 |
| 2.25" | $5.64 | $4.24 | $3.58 | $2.81 | $2.60 | $2.52 | $2.23 |
| 2.5" | $6.40 | $4.70 | $4.32 | $3.58 | $3.35 | $3.27 | $2.97 |
| 2.75" | $7.16 | $5.50 | $4.91 | $4.16 | $3.93 | $3.83 | $3.51 |
| 3.00" | $7.92 | $6.31 | $5.49 | $4.72 | $4.49 | $4.37 | $4.05 |
DI Pins: Creativity in Every Design
Destination Imagination pins are as creative as the program itself. DI teams design pins reflecting their specific challenge solutions and team personalities. At Global Finals, the international championship, pin trading becomes a cultural exchange as teams share designs from different countries and states.
Regional and affiliate tournaments feature active trading, with teams eager to collect pins showcasing different challenge interpretations. Pins commemorate months of creative problem-solving and innovative thinking that define the DI experience.
Challenge-Themed Pin Designs
The best DI pins represent each team's challenge solution. Incorporate challenge-specific elements— technical components for engineering challenges, theatrical elements for fine arts, or service themes for community challenges. Add team names (often punny!), mascots, and visual representations of solutions.
Include state or country identification for Global Finals trading. Inside jokes from practice, team mottos, and creative wordplay make pins memorable. Glitter, special effects, and unique shapes help pins stand out and spark conversations.
Pin Quantities and Tournament Planning
For regional tournaments: Most teams order 100 pins. Perfect for a 5-7 person team to have 15-20 pins each for trading and keeping.
For affiliate/state tournaments: Order 125-150 pins to ensure adequate supply for increased trading opportunities.
For Global Finals: Order 150-200 pins. This multi-day international event features extensive trading with teams from dozens of countries. Includes opening ceremonies, pin trading events, and informal trading throughout the week.
Timing matters! Order immediately after qualifying (late March/early April). Standard production takes 2-3 weeks plus shipping. Most DI teams choose 1.5-1.75 inch pins—great detail while budget-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is Destination Imagination and why are pins popular?
-
Destination Imagination (DI) is a creative problem-solving competition where teams tackle open-ended challenges in STEM, fine arts, and service learning. Pin trading is hugely popular at DI tournaments—especially at Global Finals—as a way for teams to celebrate creativity, trade with teams from different states and countries, and commemorate their challenge solutions. Pins showcase each team's unique creative identity and solution theme.
-
Can we design pins around our DI challenge theme?
-
Absolutely! That's exactly what makes DI pins special. Teams design pins reflecting their specific challenge solution—whether it's technical, scientific, theatrical, or improvisational. Common themes include challenge names, team mascots, creative solutions, and inside jokes from practice. Many teams incorporate their challenge number, team name, state/country, and tournament year. The more creative and unique, the better for trading!
-
How many pins should our DI team order?
-
Most DI teams order 100-150 pins. For smaller teams (5-7 members) attending regional tournaments, 100 pins provide about 15-20 pins per team member. Teams advancing to Global Finals often order 150-200 pins since trading is extensive at this multi-day international event with teams from around the world. Consider ordering more if you want extras for parents, supporters, and trading with international teams.
-
What size pins work best for DI teams?
-
Most DI teams choose 1.5-1.75 inch pins that provide space for creative designs, team names, and challenge themes. Elementary teams might prefer 1.5 inch for affordability. Middle and high school teams often choose 1.75-2 inch pins for more intricate designs that showcase their creative solutions. The 1.5 inch size offers the best balance of detail and budget for most academic competition teams.
-
When should we order pins for Global Finals?
-
Order as early as possible! Once your team qualifies for Global Finals (typically late March/early April), place your order immediately. Standard production is 2-3 weeks, and shipping takes additional time. Many teams order right after State/Affiliate tournaments to ensure pins arrive well before the late May Global Finals event. Rush service is available but costs more and may have limited availability during peak season.
