FOR millions, Blue Peter badges were the holy grail - and anyone could become the envy of the whole school just by flashing one of those bad boys on the playground.
But it turns out that there's more to the coveted badges than most of us ever realised, with a whole rainbow's worth of badges beside the plain old blue one.
Around 22,000 Blue Peter badges are handed out every year and - as the show approaches its 60th anniversary (yes, it's still going strong) - there have been more than half a million happy recipients.
But while it seemed like the ultimate prize back in the day, the fact that anyone can now apply for them online may take the shine off the badges a bit.
And if you're a massive cheat then you can also always try eBay, where hundreds of badges are being flogged for just a few quid a pop.
Winning your own badge still gets you free access to Blue Peter attractions around the country, though, so it's worth it for that.
Celebs like Mo Farah, Davina McCall and Tim Peake show their Blue Peter badges
These are mostly zoos, wildlife parks and museums, with the odd castle or stately home - not exactly a kids' favourite - thrown in.
Highlights include the The Derwent Pencil Museum (home to the world's longest colour pencil) and the British Lawnmower Museum in Southport, where you can see some of the world's fastest bush trimmers in action.
However, everyone knows the real Blue Peter prize is the bragging rights and, with the show celebrating its birthday in October, there's a whole new limited-edition badge up for grabs.
And what about all the other different kinds of Blue Peter badge which you never knew about? Here's your nostalgia-inducing guide...
Blue
The iconic award is given to anyone who appears on the show - but you can also apply for a badge by sending in an interesting letter, story, poem, make, or an idea for the show.
Blue Peter says most kids who write in will get a badge, but it'll take up to eight weeks for it to be sent.
The only catch is that you have to be aged between six and 15 to apply.
So, unfortunately, most of us have missed the boat.
Diamond
Released as part of the show's 60th birthday celebrations, the diamond badge is only available to members of the smug elite who have already earned a Blue Peter badge.
It's been designed as the limited-edition upgrade to the plain old blue badge, and to get one your child will need to fill out a longer, more strenuous online application.
Why is it called Blue Peter?
In keeping with the show's naval imagery, Blue Peter is named after a blue and white flag which ships hoist when they're ready to set sail from port.
The naval Blue Peter flag symbolises being ready to embark on a new voyage, while the show aims to constantly explore new topics and take viewers on a voyage of discovery.
Green
Similar to the faithful old blue badge, this hippy version can also be earned by sending in letters, pictures or arts and crafts to Blue Peter HQ.
But the difference here is that it must have something to do with the environment, nature or conservation.
Silver
For a shot at the silver badge, you have to already have the standard blue pin.
You can upgrade to a silver badge by sending something different and making an extra effort, so it's a way to stand out from the mere blue badge holders.
Orange
If you want to get your hands on an orange badge then you'll need to enter a Blue Peter competition and land one of the top spots.
Only winners and runners-up are awarded this accolade, however.
Purple
You probably had no idea this was even a thing, but if your child reviews an episode of Blue Peter then then can earn a purple badge.
Your kid can apply for one by filling out all of the details on this online form, which asks ten questions about which segments work and how the show can be improved.
Multi-coloured
The sports badge is a multi-coloured version designed to reward kids who have taken up a new sport in 2018.
To apply for one, there's a form to fill which asks your child to tell Blue Peter all about why they love taking part in their new sport.
Gold
The rarest of the rare, gold badges are unique because so few are given out, and they're the only badge which can be awarded to adults.
With a handful up for grabs each year, gold badges are only awarded in "exceptional circumstances".
According to Blue Peter, you can get them for "outstanding achievements" like showing unique bravery or being a model citizen.
Bizarrely, the CBBC website gives the example of being "solely responsible" for saving someone's life as an achievement worthy of a gold badge.
If your child already has one of the other, lesser badges, they can apply for a gold one online, but they'll need to explain why they deserve it.
On rare occasions, adults have been given gold badges for being high-profile role models who inspire kids to do great things.
The Queen, David Attenborough, JK Rowling and Steven Spielberg are all holders of this prestigious badge, which is also traditionally given to Blue Peter presenters when they leave the show.
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But, in the biggest scandal to rock the Blue Peter boat, when Richard Bacon was axed from the show for doing cocaine he was forced to hand over his golden badge.
He writes in his book: “As I got up to leave, they demanded one more thing of me.
"This must be the only formality a Blue Peter presenter has in common with being in the Los Angeles Police Department – when you leave they ask you to hand in your badge.”
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