During my schooling days, I love custom pins that was sold in the school.  They are so beautiful that I make it my hobby.    No doubt schooling days is the greatest chance of opportunity to get hold of badges easily.  They are mostly come in metal form with a little safety pin at the back where you can pin it to your school bag.  For my case, I have it fasten to a hat.  Yea, now they looks like a fishing hat.