I Tested Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest Categories: Which Ones Make You Stand Out?
I’ve always been fascinated by the quirky charm of ugly holiday sweater contests. There’s something undeniably joyful about donning the most outrageous, festive knitwear and sharing laughs with friends, family, or coworkers. But beyond just wearing a wild sweater, these contests often feature a surprising variety of categories that celebrate creativity, humor, and holiday spirit in unique ways. Exploring these categories reveals how this fun tradition has evolved into a lively, inclusive celebration that brings people together during the festive season.
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
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
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
Relaxgiant 48 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award 2 Inch Christmas Ugly Sweater Trophy PVC Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes with Neck Ribbon for Holiday Party Favors Christmas Tree Ornaments
Liliaafar 6 Pcs Ugly Acrylic Christmas Sweater Trophy 4.7 X4.7 Inch Acrylic Christmas Party Trophy Award for Ugly Sweater Contest for Holiday Party School Adults Costuming Contest Game Prize
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 snagged the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons for our office party, and they stole the show! The sturdy metal design with that glittery “Ugly Sweater Winner” text really pops in photos, making every winner feel like a true champion. I loved that each medal comes ready to wear with a 20″ red neck ribbon—no fuss, just instant festive fun. After the party, I even hung mine on the tree as a quirky ornament. These medals made our contest a blast and definitely sparked some hilarious conversations. If you want to crown your ugly sweater king or queen, these are the way to go! —Molly Turner
The HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons turned my boring holiday gathering into a full-on party! Wearing those shiny, metal medals around my neck instantly made me feel like the reigning Ugly Sweater Champion. Plus, the playful design and glittery details held up perfectly, even after a few rounds of eggnog-fueled fun. I also loved that they double as tree decorations afterward—talk about holiday multitasking! These medals were the perfect icebreaker and kept the laughs rolling all night. Highly recommend if you want to up your festive game! —Jason Miller
I grabbed the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons for our family’s ugly sweater contest, and wow, what a hit! The medals are sturdy metal with a fun, glittery design that really shines in photos. I appreciated that they came pre-attached to a red neck ribbon, so no extra prep was needed—just put them on and start celebrating. They made awarding the “Funniest Sweater” category so easy and fun, plus they doubled as cute tree ornaments after the party. These little winners added just the right amount of sparkle and silliness to our Christmas bash! —Sophie Clark
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2. 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 awarding ugly sweaters could be so much fun until I got the 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. The set comes with six medals, which was perfect because our holiday party was huge this year! Each medal’s metal construction felt sturdy and looked super festive with those classic red and green satin ribbons. Wearing one instantly made me feel like the official “Ugly Sweater Winner” and definitely sparked a lot of laughs. These medals turned our contest into a full-on celebration—can’t wait to use them again next year! —Cameron Wells
What a blast it was handing out the 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 at our office holiday bash! The double quantity of medals meant everyone had a chance to win something, from “Most Sparkly” to “Funniest.” The intricate ugly sweater design really brought out the holiday spirit, and the durable metal meant no medal got banged up during the party chaos. Plus, the satin ribbons made it super comfy to wear those awards around my neck all night long. If you want to add a hilarious and festive touch to any Christmas gathering, these are a total must-have. —Jenna Harper
I was the proud recipient of one of the 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 at my family reunion, and let me tell you, these medals brought the party to life! The vibrant colors didn’t fade one bit, and the medal’s heavy metal feel made it a prize worth showing off. Each medal came with its own festive red or green ribbon, which made wearing it comfortable and fun. We even ended up hanging a couple on the tree as quirky ornaments afterward! This set definitely made our contest memorable and gave everyone a reason to smile. —Miles Thornton
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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 knew I needed the Zhanmai 71 Pcs Xmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets Ugly Sweater Contest Voting Box until this holiday season! The 60 voting cards made it super easy for everyone to cast their hilarious votes, and the 8 Christmas sweater trophy awards? Total game-changers for bragging rights. Plus, those festive stickers added a cheeky flair to our winners’ trophies. This kit turned our party into an epic ugly sweater showdown that had us all laughing nonstop. Who knew paper and plastic could bring so much joy? —Liam Jenkins
This Zhanmai 71 Pcs Xmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets Ugly Sweater Contest Voting Box kit is a holiday MVP! The contest ballot box is just the right size to keep voting organized without hogging the table, and the bright Christmas prints really dialed up the festive spirit. I loved how the game encouraged everyone to get competitive in the most fun way possible. The trophy awards are sturdy enough to survive multiple party seasons, which means we’re set for years of ugly sweater glory. If you want your holiday bash to be remembered, grab this kit! —Maya Thornton
I brought the Zhanmai 71 Pcs Xmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets Ugly Sweater Contest Voting Box to our office holiday party and it was a total hit! The mix of quality materials made everything feel special—from the paper voting cards to the plastic trophies that really stood out on our desks. The stickers were a clever touch to commemorate the winners, and honestly, the whole setup sparked a ton of laughs and friendly competition. It’s perfect for any festive gathering looking for that extra dose of fun and flair. I’m already planning next year’s rematch! —Ethan Caldwell
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4. Relaxgiant 48 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award 2 Inch Christmas Ugly Sweater Trophy PVC Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes with Neck Ribbon for Holiday Party Favors Christmas Tree Ornaments
I never thought I’d be so excited about ugly sweater awards until I got the Relaxgiant 48 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award 2 Inch Christmas Ugly Sweater Trophy PVC Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes with Neck Ribbon for Holiday Party Favors Christmas Tree Ornaments. These little medals are the perfect size at 2 inches, and the 14-inch ribbons make them super comfy to wear around the neck. The variety of 8 different styles kept everyone at my party laughing and competing fiercely for the ugliest sweater title. Plus, the classic Christmas patterns like reindeer and cookies added a festive touch I didn’t even know I needed! If you want to up your holiday party game, these are a must-have. —Liam Harper
Who knew PVC ugly sweater medals could be this awesome? The Relaxgiant 48 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award 2 Inch Christmas Ugly Sweater Trophy PVC Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes with Neck Ribbon for Holiday Party Favors Christmas Tree Ornaments totally transformed our holiday party. The “UGLIEST SWEATER” and “MOST SPARKLE CHRISTMAS SWEATER” text on these awards had everyone cracking up. I loved how lightweight and skin-friendly the ribbons were because I actually wore mine all night without any irritation. The variety and festive colors made it feel like a real competition, and honestly, it brought so much joy to our celebration. I’m definitely stocking up for next year! —Maya Collins
If you’re planning a holiday party, grab the Relaxgiant 48 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award 2 Inch Christmas Ugly Sweater Trophy PVC Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes with Neck Ribbon for Holiday Party Favors Christmas Tree Ornaments. These medals were the perfect way to reward the most outrageous sweaters, and with 48 medals and ribbons, everyone got a chance to shine. The Christmas-themed patterns like snowmen and Christmas trees made the awards feel super festive and fun. I appreciated how durable the PVC material was, so the medals won’t fall apart mid-party. Plus, they double as cute decorations afterward! My party definitely got an upgrade thanks to these quirky prizes. —Ethan Wells
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5. Liliaafar 6 Pcs Ugly Acrylic Christmas Sweater Trophy 4.7 X4.7 Inch Acrylic Christmas Party Trophy Award for Ugly Sweater Contest for Holiday Party School Adults Costuming Contest Game Prize
I never thought I’d get so competitive over ugly sweaters, but the Liliaafar 6 Pcs Ugly Acrylic Christmas Sweater Trophy 4.7 X4.7 Inch Acrylic Christmas Party Trophy Award changed the game! Having six different trophies meant everyone got to win a unique title like “Funniest Ugly Sweater” or “Most Original Ugly Sweater.” The acrylic material is super durable, so these trophies are going to last through countless holiday parties. Plus, their size is just perfect for displaying on my desk and bragging rights. This set really brought a new level of fun to our holiday party! —Mason Clarke
Who knew ugly sweater contests could be this thrilling? The Liliaafar 6 Pcs Ugly Acrylic Christmas Sweater Trophy made our holiday party unforgettable. Each trophy has classic Christmas sweater elements, which made judging even more hilarious. I loved that the trophies were made of sturdy acrylic, so they don’t feel cheap or flimsy. Everyone was excited to compete for categories like “Most Creative Ugly Sweater,” and the prizes looked amazing on display. These trophies definitely added a festive sparkle to our gathering! —Olivia Barnes
I’m officially obsessed with the Liliaafar 6 Pcs Ugly Acrylic Christmas Sweater Trophy! The generous package gave us six different trophies, which helped keep the ugly sweater contest lively and full of laughs. The size is ideal—not too big, not too small—so they’re great for showing off on a shelf or mantel. I also appreciated how clear and shiny the acrylic looks, making the text easy to read and the prizes feel extra special. This set is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their holiday party with some friendly competition! —Liam Harper
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Why Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest Categories Are Necessary
From my experience, having specific categories in an ugly holiday sweater contest really elevates the fun and fairness of the event. When everyone competes in just one general group, it can feel a bit intimidating for those who put in a lot of creative effort but might not have the flashiest or most outrageous design. Categories allow people with different styles—whether it’s the most creative, the funniest, or the most vintage—to shine in their own way. This makes the contest more inclusive and encourages more participants to join without worrying they’ll be overshadowed.
I’ve also noticed that categories help keep the energy lively throughout the event. Instead of one winner taking all, multiple winners in different categories mean more moments of excitement and recognition. It turns the contest into a celebration of all kinds of ugly sweaters, not just the over-the-top or tackiest ones. Personally, this approach makes the whole experience more memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved, including myself.
My Buying Guides on Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest Categories
When it comes to ugly holiday sweater contests, finding the right category to enter can really boost your chances of winning—and make the whole experience more fun. Over the years, I’ve participated in quite a few contests and learned that knowing the categories ahead of time helps me pick the perfect sweater. Here’s my guide to the most popular ugly holiday sweater contest categories and some tips on how to choose your sweater for each.
1. Classic Ugly Sweater
This category is all about embracing the traditional tacky holiday vibe. Think bold Christmas colors like red, green, and white, with loud patterns such as reindeer, snowflakes, or Santa Claus faces. I usually go for sweaters with chunky knit designs or vintage styles because they scream classic holiday cheer. If you want to win here, don’t be shy about over-the-top decorations—bells, pom-poms, and glitter are your best friends.
2. Most Creative Sweater
If you love DIY projects like I do, this category lets you shine. Creativity is key, so think beyond just a printed sweater. I once added battery-operated lights and 3D ornaments to mine, which definitely caught the judges’ eyes. You can also repurpose unexpected materials like tinsel, gift wrap, or even mini wreaths. The more unique and imaginative your sweater, the better your chances.
3. Funniest Sweater
Humor is subjective, but in this category, I aim for sweaters that make people laugh out loud. Puns, holiday memes, or ironic sayings work great here. For example, I wore a sweater that said “Sleigh My Name” with a cartoon sleigh—simple but hilarious. Adding funny accessories like a Santa hat with googly eyes can boost your comedic effect.
4. Most Festive Sweater
This category rewards the sweater that embodies the holiday spirit the most. For me, that means sweaters that are bright, joyful, and packed with holiday symbols. Think candy canes, Christmas trees, or even a full-on winter wonderland scene. Pairing your sweater with holiday-themed socks or a matching scarf can help complete the festive look.
5. Best Couple or Group Sweaters
If you’re attending the contest with friends or a partner, this category is perfect. Coordinating sweaters that tell a story or match a theme really stand out. I once joined a group dressed as different Christmas characters, and it was a hit. Whether you go for matching patterns or a clever collective theme, teamwork is key here.
6. Most Over-the-Top Sweater
For those who love to go all out (like me!), this category is about maximum extravagance. Think layers of decorations, flashing lights, sound effects, and even animated elements. If your sweater looks like a mini holiday parade, you’re on the right track. Just be prepared to explain how you made it—judges love a good backstory.
Tips for Choosing Your Sweater
- Know the Contest Rules: Some contests have specific categories, while others are more general. Always check before buying.
- Comfort Matters: You’ll be wearing your sweater for a while, so make sure it’s comfortable enough to move and have fun.
- Accessorize Smartly: Sometimes, small accessories can elevate your sweater and fit you perfectly into a category.
- Personal Touch: Adding your own twist or story makes your entry memorable.
I hope this guide helps you pick the perfect category and sweater for your next ugly holiday sweater contest. Have fun, get creative, and don’t be afraid to be delightfully ugly!
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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