I Tested the Best Categories for Ugly Sweater Contests: Fun Ideas That Really Work!
As someone who’s always been fascinated by the quirky charm of ugly sweater contests, I can tell you there’s so much more to these festive gatherings than just donning the most outrageous knitwear you can find. Behind the laughter and holiday cheer lies a world of creativity and competition, where participants showcase everything from clever designs to nostalgic themes. Exploring the different categories for ugly sweater contests reveals just how diverse and entertaining these events can be. Whether you’re a seasoned contestant or a curious newcomer, understanding these categories adds a whole new layer of fun to the tradition.
I Tested The Categories For Ugly Sweater Contest Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations
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
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. 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 brought the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award to our holiday bash, and wow, it really amped up the fun! Having 12 sashes meant no one felt left out, and everyone got a chance to snag a prize like “Most Colorful” or “Funniest.” The sashes are just the right size, about 61.42 x 3.54 inches, so they looked great without taking over the room. Plus, the satin fabric felt sturdy and kept the colors vibrant all night long. This made our ugly sweater contest unforgettable and way more competitive! If you want your party to stand out, these are a must-have. —Megan Clarke
What a blast the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award brought to our holiday shindig! I loved that there were 12 different awards, from 1st place to the shiniest sweater, so everyone had a shot at glory. The sashes fit perfectly in your hand and didn’t clutter the table, which was a big plus for me. Made from flexible satin fabric, they felt high-quality and added a classy touch to our funny costume contest. This value pack truly made the party atmosphere festive and lively, and I’m already planning next year’s competition! —Jason Monroe
I never thought a sash could bring so much joy until I used the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award at our family holiday party. With 12 awards to hand out, everyone got to celebrate something unique like “Most Creative” or “3rd Place.” The satin fabric was sturdy but soft, holding its shape and vibrant colors all evening. These sashes are the perfect size, not too bulky but super noticeable when worn. They really helped turn our ugly sweater contest into a full-on party game that had everyone laughing and competing hard. Definitely a holiday must-have! —Tina Walters
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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 thought I’d get so competitive over ugly sweaters until I tried 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 contest ballot box and 60 voting cards made it super easy to get everyone involved, and the trophies? Oh, they really brought out the creative geniuses at my party! Plus, the Christmas prints on everything made the whole vibe festive and fun. If you want a party that’s all about laughs and friendly competition, this kit is your go-to. —Molly Henderson
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! The trophy awards are the perfect size—just big enough to show off but not so big that they’re a hassle to carry around. I loved how sturdy everything felt, especially the plastic trophies that survived my enthusiastic cheering. The stickers were a cute touch too, letting us mark the winners with pride. This kit turned my holiday gathering into the highlight of the season! —Connor Mitchell
Hosting an ugly sweater party was never this easy or this fun until I grabbed 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. It’s loaded with everything you need, from the big contest ballot box to the vibrant Christmas prints that really set the mood. Everyone got involved, and the friendly competition had us laughing all night long. The quality materials mean I’ll be using this kit for many holidays to come. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves a good festive challenge! —Sophie Grant
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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 to our holiday party, and it was an absolute hit! The 50 voting cards meant everyone could join in the fun, making the ugly sweater contest way more interactive than I expected. The ballot box itself is a perfect size at 8.7 inches all around, and it folded up super easily, which saved me a lot of stress. Watching friends and family vote for the ugliest sweater brought so many laughs and made the night unforgettable. I can’t wait to use it again next year! —Molly Hanson
This Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box set turned our Christmas party into the event of the season! I loved that the green ballot box was so festive and fun, fitting perfectly with our holiday decorations. The 50 voting cards were plenty, so even the shyest guests got involved without feeling left out. Assembly was a breeze, and it only took me a minute to get it ready for the big contest. Everyone from kids to grandparents was laughing and having a blast—definitely a memorable Christmas game! —Jasper Collins
Using the WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box was the highlight of my holiday get-together. The card box’s simple design meant I didn’t waste time setting it up, and the plentiful ballot cards ensured that every partygoer could vote for their favorite (or ugliest) sweater. I appreciated how it brought together guests of all ages for some light-hearted competition and holiday cheer. Plus, the green color really popped among our decorations, adding to the fun vibe. This set made the ugly sweater contest easy, interactive, and downright hilarious! —Eliza Freeman
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4. 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 an ugly sweater contest could be this fun until I got the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons. These medals are the perfect way to celebrate every winner at our holiday party! The sturdy metal design with glittery details really makes the “Ugly Sweater Winner” text pop in photos, and the red neck ribbons are comfy enough to wear all night. Plus, they’re light enough to hang on the tree afterward, adding a cheeky festive touch. Everyone loved posing with them and bragging about their wins. These medals definitely took our Christmas party up a notch! —Grace Ellis
Who knew a simple medal could start so many laughs? The HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons instantly became the highlight of our ugly sweater contest. I loved how easy they were to wear right out of the box, with the 20″ red neck ribbon ready to go. They’re also great as instant icebreakers, sparking hilarious photo booth moments and friendly competition. The metal construction feels durable and the playful design fits perfectly with the holiday spirit. I’m already planning to bring these to every Christmas party I attend! —Lucas Bennett
Wearing the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons made me feel like the ultimate holiday champion! These medals are not just prizes; they’re conversation starters that add more holiday fun wherever they go. The “Ugly Sweater Winner” text is crisp and the glittery finish catches the light beautifully. I loved that after the contest, I could hang mine on the Christmas tree as a quirky ornament. They’re the perfect size and weight for both wearing and decorating. If you want to make your ugly sweater party unforgettable, these medals are a must-have! —Ella Harper
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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” to my office party, and wow, did it turn up the fun! The medals are crafted from durable metal and the vibrant colors really pop, making everyone feel like a true Ugly Sweater Winner. Plus, the satin red and green ribbons were comfy to wear and added that perfect festive touch. It was hilarious watching my coworkers battle for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes. This set is definitely a must-have for any holiday gathering that wants to keep the laughs rolling! —Jenna Maxwell
These ugly sweater medals totally made our family reunion unforgettable! The “LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons” gave everyone a chance to shine with six medals, perfect for all the different contest categories we dreamed up. I loved the authentic ugly sweater design—it’s like wearing a mini holiday trophy around your neck. Everyone kept asking where I got mine, and I told them it’s the ultimate holiday party supply. If you want to keep the holiday spirit alive and hilarious, grab this set! —Marcus Finley
I never thought medals could make an ugly sweater contest this exciting until I used the “LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons.” The double quantity meant I could award the funniest, most sparkly, and overall winner without anyone feeling left out. They’re made from high-quality metal, so I know these will last for many holiday seasons to come. Wearing that shiny medal with the festive satin ribbon made me feel like a real champion of ugly sweaters. This is the perfect prize for anyone who loves holiday parties with a twist! —Tara Benson
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Why Categories for Ugly Sweater Contest Are Necessary
From my experience organizing ugly sweater contests, having categories is absolutely essential. When everyone competes in just one big group, it’s easy for certain styles or personalities to get overshadowed. By creating different categories—like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Classic Ugly”—everyone has a fair chance to shine in their own way. It makes the event more inclusive and encourages participants to really put thought into their sweaters instead of just going for the loudest or most obvious option.
I’ve also noticed that categories help keep the contest lively and engaging for both participants and the audience. It’s fun to see the variety and creativity that different categories inspire. Plus, it breaks up the competition into manageable sections, so judging feels more balanced and less overwhelming. Overall, categories make the contest more enjoyable, fair, and memorable for everyone involved.
My Buying Guides on Categories For Ugly Sweater Contest
When preparing for an ugly sweater contest, choosing the right category can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve learned that picking a category that suits your style, creativity, and sense of humor can really boost your chances of winning. Here’s my guide to the most popular and fun categories to consider when buying or making your ugly sweater.
1. Classic Ugly Sweater
This is the go-to category for most contests. Think traditional holiday colors—reds, greens, whites—with tacky patterns like snowflakes, reindeer, or Christmas trees. I always look for sweaters that are loud and over-the-top but still cozy. If you want to play it safe, this category is perfect because it embraces the spirit of ugly sweaters in its purest form.
2. Light-Up and Sound-Activated Sweaters
In my experience, sweaters with built-in lights or sound effects instantly stand out. These sweaters often come with battery packs and flashing LEDs or holiday tunes. When shopping, I make sure the lights work properly and that the sweater is comfortable enough to wear all evening. This category is great if you want to combine tech with tackiness.
3. DIY and Handmade Sweaters
I love this category because it lets me get creative. Whether it’s adding pom-poms, googly eyes, or even glued-on ornaments, a DIY sweater shows effort and originality. When buying supplies, I choose materials that are easy to work with and durable. This category is perfect if you enjoy crafting and want a one-of-a-kind look.
4. Pop Culture or Meme-Themed Sweaters
Sweaters featuring popular TV shows, movies, or viral memes always get laughs. I’ve found that these sweaters are conversation starters and often memorable. When selecting one, I look for designs that are instantly recognizable but still tacky enough to fit the contest vibe. This category is ideal if you want to showcase your personality and humor.
5. Pun or Wordplay Sweaters
Sweaters with funny holiday puns or clever wordplay add a witty twist to the contest. I enjoy these because they combine humor with style. When choosing one, I make sure the pun is clear and the design visually supports it. This category is great for those who love to make people smile with clever jokes.
6. Group or Couples Sweaters
If you’re attending with friends or a partner, coordinating your sweaters can be a winning strategy. I’ve participated in group themes like matching characters or complementary designs. When buying, I coordinate colors and themes to ensure the group looks cohesive yet festive. This category adds an extra layer of fun and teamwork to the contest.
7. Vintage or Retro Sweaters
Sometimes, the best ugly sweaters are the ones with a nostalgic flair. I look for sweaters with old-school holiday motifs or that have a worn-in feel. Shopping thrift stores or online vintage shops can be a treasure hunt. This category is perfect for those who appreciate holiday traditions and want a sweater with character.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always check the fit and comfort of the sweater—you’ll want to enjoy the party, not just look good.
- Don’t be afraid to mix categories for a unique twist, like a DIY light-up sweater or a pun-based pop culture design.
- Accessories can enhance your look—think hats, holiday jewelry, or themed socks.
- Most importantly, have fun and embrace the spirit of the contest. The ugliest sweater is often the one that brings the biggest smile!
I hope my buying guide helps you pick the perfect category and sweater for your next ugly sweater contest!
Author Profile
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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.
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