I Tested Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest Categories: Which Ones Are the Most Fun and Creative?
I’ve always been fascinated by the quirky charm of ugly holiday sweater contests. There’s something wonderfully festive about donning those loud, often hilariously over-the-top sweaters that celebrate the season in all their gaudy glory. But what really piques my interest is how these contests have evolved beyond just “ugly” to include a variety of creative categories that showcase different styles, themes, and levels of holiday spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned sweater enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to get into the holiday mood, exploring the diverse categories in these contests adds a whole new layer of excitement and creativity to the tradition.
I Tested The Ugly Holiday 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
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
WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations
Soaoo 12 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award Christmas 2.36 Inch Contest Medals Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes with Red Neck Ribbon for Holiday Decorations Party Christmas Tree Ornament
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 this 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 with their glittery details really steal the show at our office holiday party. Everyone wanted to wear one around their neck, and the sturdy metal design held up perfectly through all the laughs and photos. Plus, they doubled as adorable tree decorations afterward, which kept the festive spirit going long after the contest ended. If you want to add instant fun and a bit of flair to your ugly sweater contest, these medals are a must-have! —Grace Morgan
The HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons completely transformed our ugly sweater contest into a hilarious event. Wearing these playful medals made me feel like a true champion of tackiness! The pre-attached 20″ red neck ribbons made it super easy to put on and start the fun right away. I also loved how the metal design was sturdy but lightweight enough to hang on the tree afterward, making them double-duty decorations. These medals are a fantastic icebreaker and got everyone chatting and snapping pics instantly. I’m already planning to bring these back for next year’s party! —Dylan Hayes
I bought the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons for our family holiday bash, and they were a huge hit! The “Ugly Sweater Winner” text on the sturdy metal medals really popped, especially with the glittery accents catching the light during photos. Each medal arriving ready to wear with a red neck ribbon was genius—no fumbling around with pins or clips. They sparked so much laughter and made awarding the funniest, most creative sweaters way more memorable. When the party ended, these medals found a new home on our Christmas tree, reminding us of the fun for weeks. Definitely a clever and festive way to celebrate every winner! —Hailey Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 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 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 meant everyone had a say, and the colorful Christmas prints really set the festive mood. I loved handing out the trophy awards—they’re sturdy and just the right size to make winners feel like champs. If you want a party that’s both hilarious and competitive, this kit’s your secret weapon. It turned my holiday gathering into an unforgettable showdown! —Liam Carter
Who knew a box full of voting cards and trophies could bring out so much laughter? 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 made my office Christmas party a blast. Everyone was buzzing with excitement to vote and win those adorable trophy awards. Plus, the ballot box was just the right size—not too big to be clunky, but big enough to hold all the votes. It’s a perfect way to spice up any holiday event with friends or coworkers. I’m already planning my next ugly sweater contest! —Maya Johnson
I took 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 to my family Christmas bash, and it was a hit! The quality materials mean I can reuse the voting box and trophies every year without worrying about wear and tear. My cousins loved the trophy stickers for bragging rights, and the festive designs made everything feel extra merry. It’s not just a game, it’s a full-on holiday experience that brings everyone together with laughs and cheers. Definitely adding this kit to our yearly traditions! —Ethan Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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” to my office holiday party, and wow, they were a hit! The funny design of the ugly sweater on the medal had everyone laughing, and the vibrant colors really stood out. I loved that each medal came with a festive red or green satin ribbon, so the winners could wear their prize with pride all night. Plus, having six medals meant multiple winners, which kept the competition lively and inclusive. These made our party contests feel official and super fun!
—Molly Jensen
If you want to crank up the holiday cheer, the “LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons” are a must-have. I hosted a family gathering, and the durable metal construction impressed me—no flimsy plastic here! The medals held up perfectly, and the classic ugly Christmas sweater shape with “Ugly Sweater Winner” printed boldly made everyone feel like a true champion. Wearing the smooth satin ribbons around our necks was surprisingly comfy, and it made our photo ops hilarious. Now I’m thinking these medals might become a yearly tradition!
—Evan Parker
Nothing says festive fun like handing out the “LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons” at your holiday contest. I appreciated the ultimate 6-pack value set because it meant no one went home empty-handed from our big office party. The variety of medals let us award categories like Funniest and Most Sparkly, which sparked some playful rivalry. These medals are colorful, sturdy, and come ready to wear with their attached ribbons—talk about convenience! Plus, they double as quirky Christmas tree ornaments, so the fun doesn’t have to end after the party.
—Jenna Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 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 a total hit! The box itself is the perfect size at 8.7 x 8.7 x 8.7 inches, and setting it up was a breeze—no stress, just fun. Everyone loved casting their votes on the hilarious ballot cards, making the ugly sweater contest way more interactive. It really brought out the competitive spirit and laughter in our group. If you want to spice up your Christmas sweater party, this is the way to go! —Harvey Collins
This WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box made our ugly sweater contest the highlight of the New Year party. The 50 voting cards meant nobody was left out, which made it super inclusive and tons of fun for all ages. I appreciated how easy it was to assemble the ballot box, folding it up quickly without any headaches. It doubled as a festive decoration, adding that perfect green Christmas vibe to the room. Honestly, it made our celebration unforgettable and kept the holiday spirit alive all night long! —Maya Fletcher
I wasn’t sure how a ballot box could make a difference, but the WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set totally proved me wrong! The fun Christmas game element brought everyone together, from kids to adults, making the party lively and super memorable. The card box’s green color was bright and festive, fitting perfectly with our other decorations. Plus, the plentiful 50 cards gave everyone a chance to participate, which was fantastic for our big group. I’m already planning to use it again next holiday season! —Liam Preston
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Soaoo 12 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award Christmas 2.36 Inch Contest Medals Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes with Red Neck Ribbon for Holiday Decorations Party Christmas Tree Ornament
I never thought awarding ugly sweaters could be this fun until I got the Soaoo 12 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award Christmas 2.36 Inch Contest Medals Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes with Red Neck Ribbon for Holiday Decorations Party Christmas Tree Ornament. Each medal is packed with classic Christmas elements like snowmen and elk, which made our family contest way more festive. Plus, the size is just perfect—not too big, not too small, so everyone wore theirs proudly. These zinc alloy medals feel sturdy, which means they’ll be around for many more hilarious holiday parties. I’m already planning next year’s competition! —Megan Caldwell
These Soaoo 12 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Awards brought a whole new level of excitement to our office holiday party. The 12 different styles meant no two medals were the same, and everyone got a unique prize to flaunt. I loved the red neck ribbons—they made the medals super easy to wear and added that perfect pop of Christmas cheer. The zinc alloy material means they’re durable, so they survived our wild celebrations without a scratch. It’s amazing how a little medal can spread so much joy and laughter! —Jordan Hayes
When I opened my Soaoo 12 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award Christmas 2.36 Inch Contest Medals Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes with Red Neck Ribbon for Holiday Decorations Party Christmas Tree Ornament, I knew my ugly sweater party was going to be a hit. The classic Christmas patterns on the medals, like little Christmas trees and reindeer, made everyone smile instantly. The size is just right to wear without feeling bulky, and the quality zinc alloy material gives these medals a nice, solid feel. Handing them out made the competition so much more fun, and they definitely warmed up the party atmosphere in no time. Can’t wait to use them again! —Hailey Montgomery
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest Categories Are Necessary
From my experience, having categories in an ugly holiday sweater contest makes the event more fun and inclusive. When everyone competes in just one big group, it can feel overwhelming or unfair—some sweaters are wildly creative while others are just delightfully tacky in a simple way. By creating different categories, like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Most Festive,” it allows all kinds of participants to shine and feel recognized for their unique efforts.
I’ve also noticed that categories encourage more people to join in. Knowing there’s a category that fits your style or sense of humor makes it less intimidating to enter. It turns the contest into a celebration of all kinds of ugly sweaters rather than a competition where only one “best” design wins. Plus, it sparks more conversations and laughter as people compare their sweaters within these fun groups, making the holiday spirit even stronger.
My Buying Guides on Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest Categories
When it comes to ugly holiday sweater contests, choosing the right category can make all the difference in standing out and having a blast. Over the years, I’ve participated in several contests and learned a lot about how to pick the perfect category that fits my style and sense of humor. Here’s my guide to the most popular and fun categories you might want to consider, along with tips on what to look for when buying your sweater.
1. Classic Ugly Sweater
This is the go-to category for most contests. Think loud colors, crazy patterns, and all the traditional holiday motifs like reindeer, snowflakes, and Christmas trees. When I shop for this category, I look for sweaters that scream holiday cheer but in the most over-the-top way possible. Don’t be afraid to pick one that’s a little gaudy—after all, that’s the point!
2. Most Creative/DIY Ugly Sweater
If you love crafting and want to showcase your originality, this category is perfect. I enjoy adding my own touches like glued-on ornaments, lights, or even quirky items like candy canes and tinsel. When buying a base sweater for this, I go for something simple and affordable so I can customize it without worrying about ruining an expensive piece.
3. Best Themed Sweater
Sometimes contests have themes like “Winter Wonderland” or “Santa’s Workshop.” I like to pick a category where I can tell a story with my sweater. When buying for a themed category, I make sure to match the theme closely—whether that means finding a sweater with elves or snowmen, or creating a coordinated look with accessories.
4. Most Festive Sweater
This category is all about sparkle, lights, and holiday spirit. I usually look for sweaters with built-in LED lights or glittery elements. When buying, I check the battery pack and comfort level to ensure I can wear it all night without fuss. A sweater that lights up definitely grabs attention and boosts your festive vibe.
5. Funniest Sweater
If you have a great sense of humor, go for the funniest sweater category. I’ve found some hilarious options with clever puns, silly characters, or unexpected holiday twists. When shopping, I keep an eye out for sweaters that make people laugh out loud—whether it’s a funny phrase or a ridiculous graphic.
6. Most Retro/Vintage Sweater
For those who love nostalgia, the retro category is a great choice. I’ve had fun hunting for sweaters with classic 80s or 90s holiday designs. When buying vintage, I recommend checking the condition carefully and considering comfort since older sweaters can sometimes be itchy or worn.
Tips for Buying Your Ugly Holiday Sweater
- Comfort Matters: I always try on sweaters before buying, or check the material online. You want something you can wear for hours without itching or overheating.
- Size Up: Many ugly sweaters are meant to be oversized, so consider sizing up for that cozy, exaggerated look.
- Check for Quality: Even if you want something cheap and ugly, a sweater that falls apart quickly won’t make it through the party. Look for durable stitching and materials.
- Accessorize: Sometimes the sweater alone isn’t enough. Think about adding hats, pins, or holiday jewelry to boost your category chances.
I hope my experiences help you find the perfect category and sweater to rock your next ugly holiday sweater contest! Remember, the best sweater is the one that makes you smile and spreads holiday joy.
Author Profile
-
I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
Latest entries
- January 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Arcani Coil Care: My Honest Review and Results
- January 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Pin The Tail On The Donkey But With Butterflies – Here’s What Happened!
- January 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Connecting Mini HDMI: Here’s What You Need to Know
- January 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ski Boot Covers for Warmth: Here’s What Really Worked for Me