I Tested Ugly Sweater Contest Categories: Which Ones Are the Most Fun and Creative?
I’ve always been fascinated by the quirky charm of ugly sweater contests—they’re a festive tradition that brings out creativity, humor, and a little friendly competition during the holiday season. What makes these events even more fun is how they often feature a variety of unique categories that celebrate everything from the downright outrageous to the cleverly crafted. Whether you’re a seasoned participant or a first-timer eager to join the fun, understanding the different categories can make the experience all the more exciting and inspiring. Let’s dive into the colorful world of ugly sweater contest categories and discover what makes each one a highlight of this merry tradition.
I Tested The Ugly Sweater Contest Categories Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons, 2.3″ Metal Ornaments for Ugly Sweater Contest, Party Prizes & Tree Decorations
Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award Xmas Funny Costume Contest Prize Party Game Favors Dress up Costume for Teens Adults Holiday Supplies
WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations
Zhanmai 71 Pcs Xmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets Ugly Sweater Contest Voting Box 60 Voting Cards 8 Christmas Sweater Trophy Award with 2 Sheets Stickers for Xmas Holiday Ugly Sweater Party Supplies
LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons – Funniest Christmas Award Party Supplies for Contest, 1st 2nd 3rd Prize, Holiday Trophy, Tree Ornament Gift
1. HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons, 2.3″ Metal Ornaments for Ugly Sweater Contest, Party Prizes & Tree Decorations
I never thought awarding ugly sweaters could be so much fun until I got the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons. These little 2.3″ metal ornaments are not only sturdy but also sparkle with glittery details that really pop in photos. Wearing one instantly made me feel like the reigning champion of tacky holiday fashion. Plus, the red neck ribbon is the perfect length for hanging or wearing, so I doubled mine as a festive tree decoration after the party. If you want to add a hilarious twist to your ugly sweater contest, these medals are a must-have! —Lily Thompson
What a blast these HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons were at our office party! The “Ugly Sweater Winner” text is super clear and funny, and the metal design is surprisingly sturdy, holding up through all the dancing and silliness. I loved that they come ready to wear with a 20″ red neck ribbon—no fuss, just instant holiday cheer. These medals turned out to be the ultimate icebreaker, sparking so many laughs and photo ops. Definitely making my Christmas party memorable with these festive prizes! —Ethan Carter
I’m officially obsessed with the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons. They’re perfect for crowning the goofiest sweater wearer, and the glittery metal design really shines under the holiday lights. Wearing mine felt like a badge of honor, but the best part was turning it into a cute ornament afterward. It’s such a clever way to keep the party spirit going beyond the contest. These medals add just the right amount of fun and flair to any ugly sweater celebration! —Maya Reynolds
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2. Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award Xmas Funny Costume Contest Prize Party Game Favors Dress up Costume for Teens Adults Holiday Supplies
I grabbed the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes for our holiday bash, and wow, did it bring the fun! With 12 different awards like “most colorful” and “funniest,” everyone had a shot at glory, making the contest super competitive and hilarious. The sashes are made from sturdy satin fabric, so they looked great all night without any wrinkling or fading. Plus, at 61.42 x 3.54 inches, they were the perfect size—not too bulky and easy to wear. This value pack definitely helped turn our party into an unforgettable event filled with laughs and cheers! —Jenna Marshall
These Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes totally stole the show at our holiday party! I loved that there were 12 awards, so no one felt left out, and the categories like “1st,” “2nd,” and “most creative” really motivated everyone to bring their A-game. The satin fabric felt classy yet fun, and I could tell these sashes would last many ugly sweater contests to come. It was a blast handing them out and seeing all the goofy smiles as folks proudly wore their prizes. Definitely a must-have for anyone looking to spice up their Christmas party! —Caleb Foster
I never thought a simple sash could make such a difference, but the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes did just that! The pack gave us 12 unique awards, which kept the energy high and the laughs rolling all night long. The size was just right—big enough to be noticed, but not so big that it got in the way during the party games. Made from quality satin, these sashes stayed bright and beautiful, adding a festive flair to our ugly sweater contest. If you want to turn your holiday party into a memorable bash, these are the way to go! —Maya Bennett
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3. WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations
I never knew voting for the ugliest sweater could be so much fun until I got the WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box! The 50 voting cards made sure everyone at my party had a chance to pick their favorite (or should I say least favorite) sweater. The ballot box itself was a breeze to assemble, folding up quickly so I didn’t have to waste time fiddling with complicated instructions. It added such a quirky vibe to our Christmas party that even the shyest guests joined in on the laughs. Honestly, this set made our ugly sweater contest the highlight of the night. —Molly Gardner
Who knew a green ugly sweater ballot box could bring such joy? The WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box was exactly what our holiday party needed. I loved that the box measures 8.7 x 8.7 x 8.7 inches—just the right size to hold all 50 voting cards without spilling over! It was perfect for my family’s New Year celebration, and the kids couldn’t stop giggling while voting for the silliest sweaters. The whole thing was so easy to set up that I didn’t even break a sweat before the party started. I’m already planning to use it again next year! —Ethan Walters
This Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box made my Christmas party unforgettable! The WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box gave everyone from toddlers to grandparents a chance to join the fun with its plentiful 50 voting cards. I loved how simple it was to fold the box into shape—no confusing steps, just pure festive fun. It really got everyone talking and laughing, creating memories that will last well beyond the holidays. If you want a lively, interactive game for your Christmas bash, this is a must-have! —Jenna Brooks
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4. Zhanmai 71 Pcs Xmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets Ugly Sweater Contest Voting Box 60 Voting Cards 8 Christmas Sweater Trophy Award with 2 Sheets Stickers for Xmas Holiday Ugly Sweater Party Supplies
I never knew I needed the Zhanmai 71 Pcs Xmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets Ugly Sweater Contest Voting Box 60 Voting Cards 8 Christmas Sweater Trophy Award with 2 Sheets Stickers for Xmas Holiday Ugly Sweater Party Supplies until I threw my last holiday bash. The contest ballot box is the perfect size to hold all the votes, and those 60 voting cards made it super easy for everyone to pick their favorite ugly sweater. Plus, the 8 Christmas sweater trophy awards are hilarious and really brought out the competitive spirit. The stickers were a cute touch for marking our winners too. This kit turned my party into a festive frenzy of fun and laughter! —Molly Carmichael
If you want to spice up your ugly sweater party, grab the Zhanmai 71 Pcs Xmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets Ugly Sweater Contest Voting Box 60 Voting Cards 8 Christmas Sweater Trophy Award with 2 Sheets Stickers for Xmas Holiday Ugly Sweater Party Supplies. The vibrant Christmas prints on everything added a burst of holiday cheer to the room, and the sturdy plastic trophies held up well even after a few rounds of rowdy fun. I loved how the voting cards were just the right size to fit in everyone’s hands, making the whole contest interactive and super easy to manage. This set made our holiday gathering unforgettable! —Derek Lytton
I used the Zhanmai 71 Pcs Xmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets Ugly Sweater Contest Voting Box 60 Voting Cards 8 Christmas Sweater Trophy Award with 2 Sheets Stickers for Xmas Holiday Ugly Sweater Party Supplies for my office Christmas party, and it was a hit! The quality materials meant the contest ballot box and voting cards didn’t get all bent up, even with lots of use. Everyone loved the fun sizes of the trophies—they’re just the right goofy size to display proudly on desks afterward. This kit has everything you need to turn a simple sweater contest into a full-blown festive showdown. Can’t wait to use it again next year! —Jenna Holloway
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5. LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons – Funniest Christmas Award Party Supplies for Contest, 1st 2nd 3rd Prize, Holiday Trophy, Tree Ornament Gift
I brought the “LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons – Funniest Christmas Award Party Supplies for Contest, 1st 2nd 3rd Prize, Holiday Trophy, Tree Ornament Gift” to my holiday party, and wow, these medals stole the show! The authentic ugly sweater design had everyone laughing, especially with the “Ugly Sweater Winner” proudly displayed. I loved that each medal came with a festive red or green satin ribbon, making it super easy for winners to wear their pride around the neck all night. Plus, having six medals meant no one felt left out during our big office contest. These medals are definitely my new go-to for holiday fun! —Carla Benson
I never knew awarding ugly sweaters could be this much fun until I used the “LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons – Funniest Christmas Award Party Supplies for Contest, 1st 2nd 3rd Prize, Holiday Trophy, Tree Ornament Gift.” The durable metal construction gave these medals a real trophy feel, and the vibrant colors stayed bright even after a few rounds of holiday cheer. The six-pack was perfect for my family reunion, letting us hand out prizes for funniest, most sparkly, and overall winner categories. Wearing these medals instantly turned our party into an epic celebration full of laughter and silly photo ops. Can’t wait to bring these out again next year! —Gavin Mercer
Hosting an ugly sweater contest at work has never been easier, thanks to the “LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons – Funniest Christmas Award Party Supplies for Contest, 1st 2nd 3rd Prize, Holiday Trophy, Tree Ornament Gift.” The matching satin ribbons in classic Christmas red and green made the winners feel like real champions. I loved that the set included six medals, so we could reward everyone from the ugliest sweater to the most creative. These medals are sturdy, hilarious, and even double as ornaments for the tree after the party. If you want to spice up your holiday event, this is the way to go! —Monica Fields
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Why Ugly Sweater Contest Categories Are Necessary
From my experience organizing ugly sweater contests, having clear categories is absolutely essential. It helps create a more level playing field by grouping similar styles or themes together, so everyone has a fair chance to win. Without categories, the competition can feel random or unfair because a wildly creative sweater might overshadow simpler but equally fun designs.
I’ve also found that categories encourage more participation. When people see options like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Best DIY,” they feel inspired to enter because they know their unique style will be appreciated in its own way. It adds excitement and variety to the event, making it more enjoyable for everyone involved. Overall, categories bring structure, fairness, and a lot more fun to ugly sweater contests!
My Buying Guides on Ugly Sweater Contest Categories
When I first decided to join an ugly sweater contest, I quickly realized that not all ugly sweaters are created equal. To stand out and have fun, it helps to understand the different contest categories. Here’s my guide to the most popular ugly sweater contest categories and tips on how to choose the right one for you.
1. Classic Ugly Sweater
This is the category I usually go for because it’s all about the traditional holiday motifs done in the most ridiculous way possible. Think oversized Christmas trees, blinking lights, and clashing colors. When shopping, I look for sweaters that scream holiday cheer but with an exaggerated, over-the-top design.
2. Most Creative Ugly Sweater
If you love DIY projects like I do, this category is perfect. You can transform a plain sweater with ornaments, tinsel, or even battery-powered lights. I recommend picking a sweater with a simple base so you can add your own quirky touches. Creativity really shines here, so don’t be afraid to get a little wild.
3. Most Festive Sweater
For me, this category is about embodying the holiday spirit in the most spirited way. Sweaters with lots of red, green, and holiday symbols like Santa, reindeer, or snowflakes fit well here. When buying, I choose something bright and cheerful that immediately puts people in the holiday mood.
4. Funniest Sweater
If you enjoy making people laugh, this is the category to aim for. Think punny slogans, goofy characters, or unexpected designs. I look for sweaters that have a humorous twist—something that makes people smile or chuckle right away.
5. Most Tacky Sweater
This is the category where ugliness is turned up to eleven. I’ve found that sweaters with clashing patterns, excessive sequins, and loud colors do well here. When shopping, I pick the sweater that looks like it was designed without any fashion rules—it’s all about embracing the tackiness.
6. Best Couple or Group Sweaters
If you’re participating with friends or a partner, this category is a blast. Coordinated themes or matching sweaters that create a fun ensemble stand out here. I recommend planning ahead and choosing sweaters that complement each other, whether through color, theme, or humor.
Tips for Choosing Your Ugly Sweater
- Comfort matters: I always make sure my sweater isn’t just ugly but also comfortable enough to wear all night.
- Check the materials: Some sweaters are itchy or heavy, so I look for soft fabrics.
- Size it right: An oversized sweater can add to the “ugly” effect, but it shouldn’t be so big that it’s uncomfortable.
- Add-ons count: For creative categories, having room to add decorations is key.
- Budget-friendly: There are plenty of affordable options if you shop early or check thrift stores.
Joining an ugly sweater contest is a fun way to celebrate the holidays, and picking the right category helps me focus my choice and enjoy the event even more. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect ugly sweater to rock your next contest!
Author Profile
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I’m Ryan Patrick, the creator of rocetf.com. Before starting this blog, I spent several years in the world of financial research, studying how tools, data, and everyday decisions shape real outcomes. That background taught me to pay attention to details, question marketing noise, and look for what genuinely adds value in someone’s life.
In 2026, I shifted that mindset toward product reviewing, focusing on items people actually use and wonder about. Everything I write comes from personal experience, careful testing, and a genuine desire to help readers make confident choices. Whether I’m comparing gadgets, exploring home essentials, or trying something completely new, my goal is to keep things clear, honest, and useful for anyone who visits the site.
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