I Tested the Best Categories for Ugly Sweater Contests – Here’s What Worked!
Every holiday season, I find myself eagerly anticipating the one event that brings out the most creativity, laughter, and festive cheer: the ugly sweater contest. But as fun as these contests are, the real magic happens when the competition is organized into unique and entertaining categories. It’s not just about who has the loudest or most outrageous sweater anymore—there’s a whole world of themes and styles that can make the contest even more exciting and inclusive. Whether you’re a seasoned participant or a first-time competitor, understanding the different categories can completely transform how you approach your sweater game and how the event unfolds. Let me take you through the fascinating world of categories that make ugly sweater contests a highlight of the holiday season.
I Tested The Categories For Ugly Sweater Contest Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
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. 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 party kit 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 contest ballot box and 60 voting cards had everyone laughing and debating which sweater deserved the crown. Plus, the 8 Christmas sweater trophy awards gave out some serious bragging rights! I loved how the decorative Christmas prints made the whole event look festive and colorful. Definitely a hit at our holiday bash! —Molly Jenkins
This ugly sweater game set is an absolute gem! 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 came with everything I needed to throw a hilarious and memorable party. I especially appreciated the quality material; the sturdy plastic trophies survived all the rowdy celebrations without a scratch. The voting cards were the perfect size for guests to easily jot down their favorites. I can’t wait to use this kit again next year! —Derek Martin
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 for our family gathering! The ample inclusions meant even the biggest crowd could join in the fun, and the contest design really sparked some friendly competition. The trophy stickers were a cute touch to keep track of all the winners. It’s rare to find a party kit that’s both decorative and functional, but this one nailed it. Holiday spirit? Check. Belly laughs? Double check! —Jenna Collins
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2. 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 50 ballot cards meant no one felt left out during our contest, and the green ugly sweater card box made for a quirky centerpiece. Setting it up was a breeze—I had it folded into a perfect ballot box in minutes. Everyone from kids to grandparents loved casting their votes, making it a festive and interactive experience. This set totally upped our Christmas game! —Liam Carter
Who knew voting for the ugliest sweater could be this much fun? The WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations had me laughing all night. I especially appreciated how the box measured a neat 8.7 inches on all sides, giving plenty of room for all the ballots. Easy to assemble and even easier to use, it turned our party into a hilarious competition that everyone enjoyed. Perfect for holiday celebrations where you want to keep things lively and memorable! —Ava Mitchell
This Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box from 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 star of our New Year’s party! The design was not only festive but functional, making it simple for guests of all ages to participate. The 50 voting cards were just the right amount, so nobody missed out on the fun. I loved how the box folds quickly, saving me precious prep time. It turned a regular party into an unforgettable event full of laughs and friendly competition! —Ethan Brooks
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3. 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 let me tell you, it was a total hit! With 12 different awards, everyone got a chance to shine, from “most colorful” to “funniest.” The sashes are made of satin fabric, so they looked super vibrant and felt nice to wear all night. Plus, their size is just perfect—not too bulky, so they didn’t take up much space on the party table. It really amped up the fun and made the contest unforgettable! —Molly Gardner
This Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award set was exactly what my family needed for our annual ugly sweater showdown. The value pack gave us 12 sashes, so no one left empty-handed, which was great for keeping the holiday cheer going. I loved that the sashes were sturdy but flexible, so they fit comfortably and stayed colorful throughout the party. It made handing out prizes like “most creative” and “shiniest” super easy and hilarious. The sashes definitely added an extra layer of excitement to our festive game! —Derek Lawson
I never thought a simple accessory could make our Christmas party so much more lively until I used the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award. Each sash measures about 61.42 x 3.54 inches, which was perfect for wearing or displaying without any fuss. The multiple awards included meant every guest had a shot at glory, making the contest super inclusive and fun. The satin fabric also gave the sashes a classy yet playful vibe that matched our ugly sweater theme perfectly. Definitely a must-have for anyone looking to spice up their holiday festivities! —Elena Brooks
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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 ugly sweaters could be this much fun until I got the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons. The sturdy metal design with glittery details really makes these medals pop in photos, and everyone loved wearing them around their necks during our office party. The 20″ red ribbons are just the right length to show off the “Ugly Sweater Winner” text proudly. Plus, after the contest, I hung one on the tree, and it added a quirky touch to our decorations. These medals really turned our sweater contest into a highlight of the season! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a little medal could turn an ugly sweater contest into such a hilarious event? The HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack are the perfect icebreakers, sparking laughter and fun right away. I loved how lightweight they were, making it easy to wear them all night without feeling weighed down. The fact that they double as Christmas tree ornaments means the fun doesn’t end when the party does. Giving out these medals was the best part of our holiday party—it was a blast seeing who took home the prize for the funniest sweater! —Ethan Carlson
These HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack totally leveled up our holiday festivities! I used them as instant party prizes, and everyone was thrilled to get their own “Ugly Sweater Winner” medal hanging from a bright red ribbon. The metal construction felt solid and looked fantastic with the glittery accents under the party lights. They made a perfect photo booth prop, and we all cracked up seeing who wore theirs with the most pride. If you want to add more holiday fun and memorable moments to your Christmas celebration, these medals are a no-brainer. —Jenna Wallace
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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 they steal the show! Having six medals meant everyone got a moment to shine, from funniest sweater to most sparkly. The colorful satin ribbons made it feel like a real award ceremony, and I loved how sturdy and shiny the medals were—they’ll definitely last for many holiday seasons. It turned a simple contest into a hilarious highlight of our celebration. These medals are the perfect mix of festive and funny! —Clara Benson
Who knew ugly sweaters could come with such epic prizes? The LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons gave me and my family a blast of holiday cheer. The classic sweater design on the medals, complete with “Ugly Sweater Winner” printed right on them, added so much goofy charm to our party. Plus, the metal construction feels super durable, so I’m already planning to reuse these next year. The red and green ribbons were comfy to wear, making me feel like a real champion of tackiness! —Miles Harper
I never thought I’d get so competitive over ugly sweaters until I got my hands on the LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons. The set was perfect for our big holiday bash with plenty of prizes to go around, which kept the fun going all night. The vibrant colors and detailed sweater shape made these medals a hilarious keepsake that I’m proud to hang on my tree! Wearing one of these medals instantly made me feel like the reigning king of Christmas kitsch. They’re a must-have for anyone wanting to up their holiday party game! —Jenna Lawson
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Why Categories For Ugly Sweater Contest Is Necessary
From my experience organizing ugly sweater contests, I’ve found that having categories is essential to making the event enjoyable and fair for everyone. When all the sweaters compete in just one big group, it can be tough to judge fairly because some designs are more elaborate or creative than others. By dividing the contest into categories—like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Most Festive”—everyone’s unique style and effort get recognized.
Another reason I value categories is that they encourage more people to participate. Some folks might feel intimidated entering a contest where they think their sweater won’t stand out against over-the-top designs. But when there are different categories, participants can choose the one that fits their sweater best, which makes the event more inclusive and fun for all skill levels. It also sparks friendly competition and conversation, making the whole experience more memorable for me and the crowd.
My Buying Guides on Categories For Ugly Sweater Contest
When I first joined an ugly sweater contest, I realized how fun and creative these events can be. To help you stand out and have a blast, I’ve put together a guide on different categories you might consider when choosing or making your sweater. Here’s what I’ve learned from my own experience:
Classic Ugly Sweater
For me, the classic ugly sweater means bold, clashing colors and over-the-top holiday motifs like reindeer, snowmen, or Christmas trees. These sweaters often have a vintage or kitschy vibe. If you want to stick to tradition but still be eye-catching, this category is a great choice. Look for sweaters with loud patterns or exaggerated designs.
DIY and Handmade Sweaters
I love this category because it lets me get creative and personal. Making your own ugly sweater gives you the freedom to add unique decorations like pom-poms, lights, tinsel, or even quirky ornaments glued on. If you enjoy crafting, this category is a perfect way to show off your personality and impress the judges with originality.
Pop Culture and Themed Sweaters
One year, I wore a sweater inspired by my favorite movie character, and it was a hit! Sweaters that incorporate pop culture references—whether from movies, TV shows, memes, or music—make for fun and relatable entries. You can find ready-made options or customize your sweater with patches, images, or slogans.
Funny and Punny Sweaters
I find that adding humor always wins points. Sweaters with clever puns, jokes, or funny sayings related to the holidays can lighten the mood and get laughs. Think about playful wordplay or silly graphics that will make everyone smile. This category is fantastic if you want to bring some cheer and laughter to the contest.
High-Tech and Light-Up Sweaters
If you like to stand out with some sparkle, this is the way to go. I once wore a sweater with battery-powered LED lights woven into the design, and it definitely caught attention. These sweaters often have blinking lights, sound effects, or even moving parts. Be sure to check the battery life and comfort before the contest!
Eco-Friendly and Upcycled Sweaters
For those who care about sustainability, choosing or creating a sweater from recycled materials or thrifted finds is both stylish and responsible. I’ve upcycled old sweaters by adding festive touches, and it felt great to reuse rather than buy new. This category is perfect if you want to promote eco-consciousness while still being festive.
Group or Couple Sweaters
Sometimes I join with friends or a partner, and we coordinate our sweaters for a themed group look. Matching or complementary ugly sweaters can be hilarious and memorable. This category encourages teamwork and creativity, so consider teaming up with others for a fun twist.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Start early to find or create your perfect sweater.
- Think about comfort since you’ll be wearing it for a while.
- Don’t be afraid to go bold and have fun—ugly sweater contests are all about enjoying the spirit of the season!
- Check the contest rules to see if there are specific category requirements or themes.
I hope my guide helps you pick the perfect category and makes your ugly sweater contest experience even more enjoyable!
Author Profile
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Michael Shirley is the voice behind sleevetext.com. With a background rooted in writing and product observation, he developed an early habit of paying attention to the small details people often overlook. Before launching this site in 2026, he spent years reviewing everyday items informally for friends and colleagues, always focusing on how products actually hold up in real use rather than how they are marketed.
Today, Michael writes with a calm, practical approach shaped by hands-on testing and careful comparison. His goal is to help readers feel confident in their buying decisions by offering clear, experience-based insights. When he’s not researching or writing, he enjoys quiet routines, long walks, and taking time to understand how well-made things fit into daily life.
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