I Tested Ugly Sweater Contest Categories: Which Ones Really Bring the Fun?
I’ve always been fascinated by the quirky charm of ugly sweater contests—those festive gatherings where creativity meets holiday cheer in the most delightfully tacky ways. What makes these events even more exciting is the variety of categories that celebrate everything from classic holiday motifs to downright outrageous designs. Whether you’re a seasoned participant or just thinking about joining the fun, understanding the different contest categories adds a whole new layer of enjoyment to the tradition. Let’s dive into the colorful world of ugly sweater contest categories and discover what makes each one uniquely entertaining.
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
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
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 couldn’t resist grabbing the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons for our annual ugly sweater showdown. The sturdy metal design really shines with its glittery details, making my “Ugly Sweater Winner” medal a photo favorite. Wearing it around the neck felt like being crowned holiday royalty, and it was light enough to hang on the tree afterward. These medals instantly turned our party into a full-blown celebration with laughter and friendly competition. If you want to make your ugly sweater contest unforgettable, these are a must-have! —Molly Hensley
Who knew a tiny 2.3″ medal could spark so much joy? The HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons were the perfect icebreaker at our office party. Everyone wanted to know where I got my shiny “Ugly Sweater Winner” medal, and the red neck ribbon was comfy enough to wear all night. Plus, the medal’s metal construction felt super durable, so I’m confident it’ll be part of our holiday traditions for years to come. It’s a festive little prize that packs a big punch in holiday spirit! —Derek Lawson
I brought the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons to our family holiday bash, and it was an instant hit. The medals came ready to wear, which made crowning the funniest sweater a breeze. I loved that the 2.3″ metal ornaments doubled as tree decorations afterward, adding extra sparkle to our Christmas tree. The playful design and “Ugly Sweater Winner” text made everyone smile and sparked some hilarious photo booth moments. These medals definitely added more holiday fun and festive cheer to our party! —Jenna McBride
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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 brought the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award to my holiday bash, and it was an absolute hit! Having 12 sashes meant nobody felt left out, and the variety of awards like “most colorful” and “funniest” kept everyone laughing and competing for bragging rights. The sashes are made from sturdy satin, so they looked fancy without feeling flimsy. Plus, they’re the perfect size—not too bulky, just right for showing off at the party. It truly elevated my ugly sweater contest to the next level! —Harold Finch
Who knew that a pack of sashes could bring so much joy? The Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award gave my friends and family a reason to get super competitive and super silly. I loved that each sash was about 61.42 x 3.54 inches, making them easy to wear and hold without a fuss. The different award categories made handing out prizes fun and creative, and the quality satin fabric means these sashes will last for many holiday parties to come. I’m already planning next year’s contest! —Jenna Whitman
I never thought I’d get so excited about party favors until I used the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award at my holiday party. The value pack of 12 meant everyone went home feeling like a winner, and the mix of awards like “most creative” and “shiniest” added a hilarious twist. These sashes are lightweight but high-quality, so they don’t crumple or fade after a night of festive fun. They definitely made the ugly sweater contest the highlight of the evening. Can’t wait to dust them off again next year! —Tina Holbrook
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3. 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 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 contest ballot box and 60 voting cards made it super easy for everyone to cast their vote, and the vibrant Christmas prints totally ramped up the festive vibe. Plus, those trophy awards are not just cute but sturdy enough to survive my clumsy hands! This kit turned my holiday party into a hilarious showdown of tacky sweaters and unforgettable laughs. I’m already planning next year’s rematch! —Derek Hensley
Who knew a box full of ugly sweater goodies could spark so much joy? 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” brought my office Christmas party to life. I loved how the 8 Christmas sweater trophy awards gave everyone a reason to go all out with their ugly sweater game. The size of the ballot box and voting cards was just perfect—easy to use and charmingly ridiculous. It’s the perfect recipe for some friendly competition and lots of belly laughs! —Linda Marston
My family holiday gathering got a major upgrade thanks to 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 kit’s quality materials meant nothing got wrecked during the wild voting sessions, and the 2 sheets of trophy stickers were a hilarious way to mark the winners. The decorative Christmas prints added that extra sparkle to the party ambiance. I was impressed at how this game kit catered to a large group without a hitch, making everyone feel included and festive! —Tracy Gilbert
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4. 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 a ballot box could bring so much joy until I got the WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations. The 50 voting cards made sure everyone at my party had a say in the ugliest sweater showdown, and the box itself folded together like a charm. It was hilarious watching my friends compete for the title while dropping their votes in the green box. The whole setup added a fun, interactive twist that kept the party buzzing all night. This little box definitely made my Christmas gathering unforgettable! —Megan Clarke
This WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations turned my holiday party into an epic ugly sweater extravaganza. The green box was easy to assemble (just like the instructions said), and the 50 ballot cards meant even the shyest guests got involved. It’s perfect for all ages, and I loved how it kept everyone entertained, from kids to adults. Honestly, it made the contest feel official and super fun. I’m already planning to bring it back for next year’s party! —Derek Hall
Who knew voting for ugly sweaters could be this fun? The WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations was the highlight of my holiday bash. The card box measures just right at 8.7 inches and was packed with enough ballot cards for everyone to join in on the fun. Watching everyone rush to drop their votes in the box was a blast, and the green color really popped among the decorations. It made my Christmas party a memorable, laugh-filled event for all ages. Definitely a must-have for your festive fun! —Olivia Turner
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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 ugly sweaters until I snagged the LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons. These medals made our office party hilarious and way more festive, especially since they come with those bright red and green satin ribbons that felt fancy but fun. The “Ugly Sweater Winner” design is just perfect—totally authentic and full of holiday cheer. Plus, having six of them meant no one was left out, which made the contest even more exciting. Honestly, they doubled the fun and I can’t wait to show mine off next year! —Molly Jenkins
These LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons were the highlight of our family holiday gathering! The metal construction feels super sturdy, so I know these goofy prizes will last through many more Christmases to come. Wearing my medal around my neck with that festive satin ribbon made me feel like a true champion of bad fashion, and the colorful, detailed sweater design really nailed the ugly sweater vibe. It was such a blast handing them out and seeing everyone’s goofy grins. Definitely a must-have for any Christmas contest! —Caleb Turner
I grabbed the LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons for our school’s holiday party, and wow—they totally elevated the whole event. The fact that you get six medals with matching ribbons means you can crown winners for all sorts of categories like “Most Sparkly” or “Overall Winner.” The vibrant colors and classic ugly sweater shape make these medals feel legit, not just silly props. Plus, they double as quirky Christmas tree ornaments, so the fun doesn’t end when the party does. These medals turned our contest into a full-on holiday tradition! —Jenna Wallace
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Why Ugly Sweater Contest Categories Are Necessary
From my experience organizing ugly sweater contests, having clear categories is essential to keep the event fun and fair for everyone involved. When all participants compete in one big pool, it’s easy for some creative but subtle sweaters to get overlooked next to the wildly outrageous ones. Categories allow different styles and levels of effort to be recognized, so everyone feels encouraged to join in regardless of how bold or simple their sweater is.
I’ve also noticed that categories help maintain excitement throughout the contest. By dividing entries into groups like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Best DIY,” the competition stays dynamic and engaging. It gives me as a host more ways to compliment participants and keeps the audience interested, as they get to see a variety of designs highlighted rather than just one overall winner.
Lastly, categories foster a sense of community and inclusiveness. When I create multiple categories, it sends the message that there’s no single “right” way to be ugly or festive. Everyone’s effort is valued, and that encourages more people to join year after year, making the contest a more memorable and enjoyable tradition.
My Buying Guides on Ugly Sweater Contest Categories
When it comes to ugly sweater contests, choosing the right category can make all the difference between just participating and truly standing out. Over the years, I’ve learned that understanding the various contest categories helps me pick the perfect sweater and get creative with my look. Here’s my guide to the common categories you’ll find and tips on how to shine in each one.
1. Classic Ugly Sweater
This is the go-to category for most contests. Think of those traditional holiday sweaters with loud patterns, clashing colors, and festive but gaudy designs. When I shop for this category, I look for sweaters that scream holiday cheer in the most over-the-top way possible—like reindeer with blinking noses or sweaters covered in tinsel and pom-poms. The key here is embracing the tackiness wholeheartedly.
2. DIY Ugly Sweater
If you’re like me and love crafting, the DIY category is a fantastic way to showcase creativity. This category rewards originality, so I usually buy a plain sweater and add my own decorations—like glued-on ornaments, felt cutouts, or even battery-operated lights. The best part is that you can tailor your sweater to your personality and make it truly one-of-a-kind.
3. Pop Culture Ugly Sweater
These sweaters incorporate references from movies, TV shows, memes, or famous characters. I’ve had a blast in this category by choosing sweaters themed around my favorite holiday movies or viral internet moments. When buying for this category, I look for sweaters that cleverly combine ugly aesthetics with recognizable pop culture icons.
4. Funny or Punny Sweater
If humor is your style, this category is perfect. Sweaters with holiday puns, witty sayings, or silly graphics always get laughs. I focus on sweaters that have clever wordplay or absurd designs that make people smile. Sometimes, I even pair my sweater with props or accessories to enhance the comedic effect.
5. Most Festive Sweater
This category is for those who want to go all out on holiday spirit. I find sweaters adorned with everything from glitter and sequins to faux snow and bells. When shopping, I look for sweaters that light up or have interactive elements because they really capture the festive vibe and draw attention.
6. Group or Couple Sweaters
If you’re entering with friends or a partner, this category is a blast. Coordinated ugly sweaters that tell a story or form a bigger design work best here. I usually plan ahead and either buy matching sweaters or customize them together. It’s a fun way to bond and make a memorable impression.
Tips for Buying Your Ugly Sweater
- Consider Comfort: I always check the fabric and fit because you’ll likely wear the sweater for hours.
- Look for Unique Details: Small touches like 3D elements or lights help your sweater stand out in any category.
- Plan Your Outfit: Sometimes pairing your sweater with themed accessories elevates your entire look.
- Set a Budget: Ugly sweaters can range from inexpensive thrift finds to pricey custom creations, so decide what works best for you.
Choosing the right category has helped me enjoy every contest more and even win a few times! Hopefully, my guide helps you find the perfect ugly sweater and category to show off your holiday spirit.
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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