IVV rules allow it only to be stamped in the official record books. See the AVA Record Book Guide for more details. Free means that you want neither credit nor award. If an award is offered at the event, and you register and pay for the award, the credit is included in the price. These souvenirs are not awards, and can be purchased in any quantity desired and without participating in the event.
Many events offer both an award and a hatpin.
Remember that the award must be earned. This term was started in Germany. Most of the awards were originally medallions. The A medal is the medal that is the award for the current event. Usually you can earn these awards at a reduced price.