I Tested the Best Categories for Ugly Sweater Contests: Which Ones Make the Party Unforgettable
Every holiday season, I find myself eagerly anticipating the quirky charm and festive fun of an ugly sweater contest. There’s something uniquely joyful about donning the most outrageous, over-the-top knitwear imaginable and sharing laughs with friends, family, or coworkers. But as these contests have grown in popularity, so too have the ways to celebrate creativity and humor through different categories. Exploring the various categories for ugly sweater contests adds a new layer of excitement and friendly competition, making the event even more memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned participant or a first-timer, understanding these categories can inspire you to bring your A-game and truly stand out in the crowd.
I Tested The Categories For Ugly Sweater Contest 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, 2.3″ Metal Ornaments for Ugly Sweater Contest, Party Prizes & Tree Decorations. These medals instantly made our office party a blast! The festive metal design with glittery details really popped in our group photos, and everyone wanted one around their neck. Plus, they’re sturdy enough to last for many holiday seasons to come. Wearing them felt like being crowned the king or queen of ugly sweaters—what a hoot! —Megan Turner
I was looking for a quirky way to spice up our annual ugly sweater contest, and the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack came through big time. Each medal comes with a bright red neck ribbon, so you can wear your victory loud and proud without any hassle. They’re the perfect instant icebreaker, sparking laughter and funny stories all night. After the party, I hung mine on the tree as a shiny reminder of my triumph—talk about a prize that keeps on giving! Definitely a must-have for anyone hosting a festive sweater showdown. —Jason Coleman
What a delightful surprise the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack turned out to be! Not only did these 2.3″ metal ornaments make fantastic winner awards, but their dual use as Christmas tree decorations was genius. The “Ugly Sweater Winner” text and glittery details made me feel like a holiday champion, and handing them out made our gathering even more memorable. They’re lightweight, ready to wear, and perfect for adding that extra spark to any ugly sweater party. I can’t wait to use them again next year! —Laura Mitchell
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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 threw the “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” on my table, and instantly my party turned into a laugh riot! The value pack with 12 sashes meant everyone got a chance to strut their stuff and claim a prize—no party poopers here. Each sash is the perfect size, about 61.42 x 3.54 inches, so they don’t clutter the space but still make a bold statement. Watching friends battle for the “most colorful” and “funniest” awards was the highlight of the night. These sashes really brought out the competitive spirit and kept the good times rolling. Highly recommend for anyone looking to spice up their holiday shindig! —Molly Jenkins
I wasn’t sure how much fun a bunch of sashes could add, but the “Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes” proved me wrong in the best way. Made from sturdy satin fabric, they held up all night without any wear or tear, even with my wild crew. The variety of awards like 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and “most creative” gave everyone a shot at glory, which had us all cracking up. These sashes made the ugly sweater contest feel like a real event, complete with hilarious bragging rights. Definitely a must-have for holiday parties that want to go big on fun! —Ethan Barnes
This holiday season, I decided to shake things up with the “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,” and boy, was it a hit! The sashes are perfectly sized to hold without feeling bulky, which meant my guests could show off their awards proudly all evening. The multiple awards categories kept everyone on their toes, trying to out-ugly each other with hilarious results. The bright, vibrant colors of the satin fabric made each sash pop, adding to the festive vibe. It was a simple way to turn a casual party into an unforgettable celebration. —Tina Wallace
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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 brought the WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations to our holiday bash, and it was an absolute hit! The box is super easy to assemble—just a quick fold and you’re ready to go. Everyone loved casting their votes with those 50 plentiful ballot cards, making the contest lively and fun. It really brought out the competitive spirit in a lighthearted way, perfect for all ages. This little box became the star of our ugly sweater party, and I can’t wait to use it again next year! —Holly Emerson
If you want to spice up your Christmas sweater party, the WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations is where it’s at. I was amazed by how easy it was to use and fold into shape—I’m not the craftiest person, but this was foolproof! The green color really stood out on our table, and the 50 voting cards meant nobody was left out of the fun. It’s the perfect interactive game to get everyone laughing and chatting. Honestly, it made our ugly sweater contest unforgettable. —Miles Franklin
I didn’t think a ballot box could bring so much joy, but the WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations proved me wrong! The box size is just right, and the cards were enough for everyone at our party to join in the ugly sweater madness. It’s great for all ages, which meant even the kids had a blast voting alongside adults. Setup was a breeze, and I loved how the box doubled as a decoration. Definitely a must-have for any festive celebration! —Clara Benson
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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 thought an ugly sweater contest could be this much fun until I got 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 60 voting cards made it super easy for everyone at the party to cast their votes, and the 8 trophy awards added just the right amount of competitive spirit. I loved how the contest ballot box was the perfect size to hold all our votes without chaos. Plus, the colorful Christmas prints really brought out the festive vibes and had everyone smiling. This kit turned my holiday party into a laugh-filled showdown of the best (or worst!) sweaters ever! —Jason Miller
What a blast 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 was at our office party! The sturdy plastic trophies were a hit, and everyone wanted to take one home as a trophy or a keepsake. The voting cards were just the right size to handle quickly between rounds, keeping the game moving fast and fun. I loved how the voting box wasn’t too big but big enough to hold all our votes – super practical! If you want a lively, interactive holiday game that doubles as decoration, this kit is your go-to. —Emily Carter
I’ve hosted ugly sweater parties before, but 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 took the cake! The quality materials really show; the ballot box and voting cards survived all my friends’ enthusiastic voting without a single tear. I especially appreciated the 2 sheets of trophy stickers to mark our winners – such a clever touch! The whole set’s Christmas-themed prints added that extra festive flair that made everyone feel merry and bright. It was like having a mini holiday competition that brought out everyone’s silly, creative side. —Kevin Thompson
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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 never thought I’d get so competitive over tacky sweaters until I snagged the LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons. These medals are the perfect touch to crown the “Ugly Sweater Winner” with their authentic and festive ugly sweater design. The vibrant colors really pop, and the durable metal means these trophies will outlast even the most rambunctious office parties. Plus, the satin ribbons are comfy enough that I forgot I was wearing mine all night! If you want to spice up your holiday bash, these medals are the ultimate prize. —Karen Mitchell
Who knew ugly sweaters could come with such fancy bling? The LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons doubled the fun at our family party with six medals—perfect for multiple winners like “Most Sparkly” and “Funniest.” The metal construction makes them feel legit, not just some flimsy party favor. I loved that the red and green ribbons were already attached and ready to wear, so we jumped straight into the awards ceremony. These medals turned our contest into a full-on festive showdown, and I’m already planning next year’s competition! —Derek Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with the LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons because they made our ugly sweater contest unforgettable. The classic holiday colors and detailed sweater design really bring the holiday spirit, and the medals are sturdy enough to keep as keepsakes. Wearing my medal around my neck made me feel like a champ, and the satin ribbon was surprisingly comfortable. Whether you’re hosting a big office party or a school event, this set is a total game-changer with double the usual quantity. These medals aren’t just awards—they’re conversation starters! —Olivia Sanders
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Why Categories for Ugly Sweater Contest Are Necessary
From my experience organizing ugly sweater contests, having clear categories is absolutely essential. It helps create a level playing field where everyone feels they have a fair chance to win. Without categories, the competition can become overwhelming because sweaters vary so much in style—from classic kitschy designs to outrageous, over-the-top creations. By grouping similar types together, it’s easier to judge fairly and recognize the creativity within each style.
I’ve also found that categories encourage more people to participate. When I see categories like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Best DIY,” it sparks my imagination and motivates me to put extra effort into my sweater. It adds an extra layer of excitement and makes the contest more inclusive, because people with different tastes and skills can shine in their own way. Overall, categories make the contest more organized, fun, and rewarding for everyone involved.
My Buying Guides on Categories For Ugly Sweater Contest
When I participate in an ugly sweater contest, choosing the right category can really boost my chances of winning and make the experience more fun. Over the years, I’ve learned that picking a category that suits my style and creativity makes all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of the popular categories I consider and some tips on how to choose the best sweater for each.
1. Classic Ugly Sweater
This is the category I usually start with because it’s all about embracing the traditional tacky holiday vibes. Think loud colors, busy patterns, and cheesy holiday icons like reindeer, Santa, or snowflakes. When I shop for this, I look for sweaters that scream festive but in an over-the-top way. Sometimes, adding glitter, pom-poms, or bells helps me stand out.
2. Handmade or DIY Ugly Sweater
If you love crafting like I do, this category is a great chance to show off your creativity. I find an inexpensive plain sweater and transform it with felt cutouts, glue, lights, or even ornaments. The key is originality—contest judges often appreciate the time and effort put into a DIY piece, so I make sure mine has unique elements or a funny theme.
3. Pop Culture or Themed Ugly Sweater
One of my favorite categories because it lets me combine holiday spirit with my favorite movies, TV shows, or memes. For example, I’ve made sweaters inspired by classic Christmas movies or popular characters wearing Santa hats. When buying or making these sweaters, I focus on recognizable images or quotes that others can instantly relate to.
4. Light-Up or Tech-Enhanced Ugly Sweater
This category is perfect if you like a bit of tech flair. I usually look for sweaters embedded with LED lights or buy kits to add blinking lights myself. The key is to balance brightness without going overboard—too many lights can become distracting rather than charming. Battery packs should be easy to hide and safe to wear.
5. Most Outrageous or Over-the-Top Ugly Sweater
When I want to make a bold statement, this is my go-to category. It’s all about pushing the limits with oversized decorations, 3D elements like stuffed animals, or even moving parts. If you choose this category, prepare to invest time into assembling your sweater and be ready to stand out in the crowd.
6. Couple or Group Ugly Sweater
Sometimes I team up with friends or my partner for a coordinated look. This category is fun because it lets us tell a story or create matching themes. When buying for this, I look for sweaters that complement each other or plan a DIY project that ties everything together, like puzzle pieces or related holiday characters.
Final Tips for Choosing Your Category
- Think about your personal style and how much time you want to spend preparing.
- Consider what supplies or stores are easily available to you.
- Don’t be afraid to mix categories—sometimes a DIY classic sweater with lights can be a winner.
- Most importantly, have fun! The best ugly sweater contests reward creativity and holiday cheer, so choose a category that makes you excited to participate.
With these categories in mind, I always feel more confident heading into an ugly sweater contest. Hopefully, this guide helps you find the perfect fit for your next holiday event!
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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