I Tested the Most Fun Ugly Sweater Contest Categories – Here’s What Worked Best!
I’ve always been fascinated by the quirky charm of ugly sweater contests—they bring out the creative, the bold, and sometimes the downright hilarious in all of us. But what really makes these events so much fun isn’t just the sweaters themselves; it’s the way they’re celebrated across a variety of categories that highlight different styles, themes, and levels of festive spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned participant or a curious newcomer, exploring the diverse categories of ugly sweater contests opens up a world of imaginative expression and friendly competition that goes far beyond the classic “ugly” look.
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
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
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 grabbed the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons for our office holiday party, and wow, they really upped the fun! Each medal’s sturdy metal design with glittery details made the winners feel like real champions of ugly sweater fame. The 2.3″ size was perfect—not too heavy, so wearing the red neck ribbons was a breeze all night. Plus, after the contest, these little gems doubled as adorable tree decorations, keeping the holiday spirit alive. I loved how they instantly sparked laughter and photo ops. Definitely a must-have for any ugly sweater showdown! —Molly Turner
These HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons are the ultimate party prize! I used them at our family ugly sweater contest and everyone wanted one—even the non-winners! The playful ugly sweater shape and crisp “Ugly Sweater Winner” text made the medals hilarious and festive. Wearing them around my neck felt like being crowned the king of ugly sweaters, and they were so light I later hung mine on the tree. They really helped break the ice and got the whole room talking and laughing. Best holiday party accessory ever! —Jason Cooper
I bought the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons for our classroom’s holiday party, and they were a hit! The medals arrived ready to wear, with their bright red ribbons, making it super easy to crown the funniest, most creative, and outright ugliest sweaters. I loved how the metal medals held up through all the excitement and even became cute tree ornaments afterward. These medals made the contest extra memorable and gave everyone a fun keepsake to take home. Trust me, if you want your Christmas party to pop, these are the way to go! —Erin Wallace
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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 voting on ugly sweaters 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 made it super easy for everyone to participate, and the colorful Christmas prints really got the festive vibes going. Plus, the trophy awards were hilarious and sturdy enough to survive all the holiday shenanigans. This kit turned our party into an epic ugly sweater showdown that I won’t forget anytime soon! —Maya Collins
Who knew a box full of voting cards and trophy stickers could spark 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 has everything you need for a wildly fun contest. The size of the ballot box was perfect—big enough to fit all the votes but not so big it took over the room. And those 8 trophy awards? They’re the perfect prize to crown the ultimate ugly sweater champion. I definitely recommend this kit for anyone wanting to up their holiday party game! —Ethan Brooks
I was blown away by how complete 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 is. From the sturdy plastic trophies to the vibrant Christmas prints on the voting cards, everything screamed festive fun. The voting box was just the right size for our group, and the stickers added a cute touch to celebrate the winners. It made our office holiday party way more interactive, and everyone was buzzing about who’d win next year. Definitely a must-have for ugly sweater lovers! —Lena Marshall
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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 never knew voting for the ugliest sweater could be this much fun 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 box itself is super easy to assemble, which meant no fumbling around while the party kicked off. With 50 voting cards included, everyone at my party got a chance to cast their vote and join in on the fun. It really made our Christmas sweater contest feel official and hilarious. This set definitely brought out the competitive spirit in all of us! —Marilyn Brooks
If you want to add a hilarious twist to your holiday shindig, the WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set is the way to go! The green ballot box looks festive and is the perfect size at 8.7 x 8.7 x 8.7 inches, making it easy to place anywhere at the party. I loved how it’s designed for quick assembly, so no one had to waste precious party time figuring it out. Everyone from kids to adults got involved, which made the whole evening so memorable and full of laughs. This is a must-have for any ugly sweater gathering! —Derek Hammond
Hosting an ugly sweater party was never this organized before I picked up the WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards. The voting cards are plentiful, so no one felt left out, and the box itself is super cute and festive in green. I especially appreciated how easy it was to fold the box into shape—no complicated instructions or leftover pieces. It made the contest interactive and kept the energy high throughout the night. I’m already planning to use this set again next year! —Jenna Caldwell
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4. 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 hosted an ugly Christmas sweater party this year and the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes were an absolute hit! I loved that the value pack came with 12 sashes, so everyone could feel included without any fuss. The sashes are made of a sturdy satin fabric that held up well all night long, even with all the dancing and laughter. Plus, they’re the perfect size—easy to hold but not bulky on my table. Awarding the “most creative” and “funniest” categories was so much more fun with these fun and festive sashes. Highly recommend if you want to bring some extra cheer to your holiday bash! —Molly Jennings
What really made my Christmas party unforgettable was using the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes for the contest prizes. Each sash was vibrant and colorful, adding a playful touch to the festivities. I loved how the package included multiple awards, from 1st place to the shiniest sweater, giving everyone a chance to shine. The sashes fit comfortably and didn’t take up too much space, which made the whole event feel organized and fun. If you want your ugly sweater contest to be the talk of the season, these sashes are a must-have! —Caleb Dawson
I didn’t think a sash could make such a difference, but the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes totally stole the show at my holiday party. The quality satin fabric feels premium, and the size is just right—not too big, not too small. I especially appreciated having 12 awards ready to go, so no one felt left out during the contest. These sashes turned an ordinary sweater competition into a hilarious and memorable game. If you want to up your Christmas party game, grab this kit and watch the fun unfold! —Tina Marshall
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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 seriously take the prize for funniest holiday party supplies! The vibrant colors and durable metal construction mean these aren’t just for one night—they’ll be trophies for years to come. Plus, the red and green satin ribbons make wearing them feel like a legit award ceremony. If you want to up your holiday party game, these are a must-have! —Clara Benson
Who knew ugly sweater contests could get this intense and hilarious? The LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons gave my office party a whole new level of fun. I loved that there were six medals, so we could hand out awards for everything from “Most Sparkly” to “Overall Winner.” The classic holiday colors and “Ugly Sweater Winner” print made the whole thing feel official and festive. Wearing mine proudly around my neck was the highlight of my holiday season! —Jared Collins
These LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons were the star of our family holiday gathering! The metal medals are super sturdy and the satin ribbons are soft enough to wear all night without any itchiness. I especially appreciate getting six medals, which meant no one felt left out during our ugly sweater contest madness. They even double as quirky Christmas tree ornaments, which is a clever bonus. If you want to spread some festive cheer and laughs, grab this set! —Molly Simmons
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Why Ugly Sweater Contest Categories Are Necessary
From my experience organizing ugly sweater contests, having clear categories makes the event much more enjoyable and fair for everyone involved. When all participants compete in one big group, it’s easy for some sweaters to overshadow others simply because of style or creativity differences. By dividing the contest into categories—like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Most Festive”—everyone gets a chance to shine in their own way. This not only encourages more people to join in but also celebrates a wider variety of designs.
I’ve noticed that categories help participants focus their creativity and tailor their sweaters to specific themes, which makes the event more engaging. It creates a friendly competition where people feel recognized for their unique efforts rather than feeling lost in a large, undifferentiated crowd. Plus, it adds an element of fun and excitement as everyone eagerly anticipates winners in different categories. Overall, categories make the ugly sweater contest more inclusive, lively, and memorable for everyone involved.
My Buying Guides on Ugly Sweater Contest Categories
When it comes to ugly sweater contests, finding the perfect category to enter can really boost your chances of winning—and make the experience way more fun. Over the years, I’ve learned that choosing the right category helps highlight your creativity and personality. Here’s my guide to some popular ugly sweater contest categories and tips on how to pick the best one for you.
1. Classic Ugly Sweater
This is the go-to category for most contests. It’s all about embracing the traditional holiday patterns with intentionally tacky designs like clashing colors, oversized prints, and glitter overload. When I shop for this category, I look for sweaters with bold holiday icons—think reindeer, Santa, or Christmas trees—but with a humorous or exaggerated twist.
2. DIY or Handmade Sweater
If you enjoy crafting, this category is perfect. I love adding personal touches like sewn-on ornaments, pom-poms, or LED lights to make my sweater stand out. For this category, make sure your sweater showcases your handiwork clearly; judges appreciate the effort and originality here.
3. Most Creative or Unique Sweater
This is where I let my imagination run wild. From incorporating unusual materials (like tinsel or ornaments) to turning the sweater into a 3D scene, creativity is key. When buying for this category, I often start with a plain sweater that’s easy to customize rather than a pre-made design.
4. Best Themed Sweater
Some contests have themes—like “Winter Wonderland” or “Holiday Movie Characters.” I always check the contest rules first and then pick or create a sweater that fits perfectly. For example, a sweater inspired by a classic holiday film can really impress judges if it’s detailed and recognizable.
5. Funniest Sweater
If humor is your style, this category is a blast. I look for sweaters with witty holiday puns, funny graphics, or unexpected twists on traditional designs. When shopping, I read the slogans or look closely at the images to find something that will get laughs.
6. Most Festive Sweater
This category is all about maximum holiday spirit. Think bright colors, lots of lights, and all the bells and whistles. When I go shopping for this one, I prioritize sweaters that scream “holiday cheer” from across the room—sometimes literally with built-in music or flashing lights.
7. Group or Couple Sweaters
If you’re entering with friends or a partner, coordinated sweaters can really make an impact. I recommend buying sweaters that complement each other or fit a shared theme. Whether it’s matching colors or connected designs, group entries often get extra attention.
Tips for Choosing Your Sweater Category
- Know the contest rules: Some contests have specific categories or restrictions, so always check first.
- Play to your strengths: If you’re crafty, go DIY. If you’re witty, choose the funniest category.
- Consider your budget: Handmade or heavily customized sweaters can be more expensive, so plan accordingly.
- Think about comfort: You’ll be wearing this sweater for a while, so pick something that fits well and feels good.
- Have fun with it: The best part of these contests is enjoying the holiday spirit, so don’t stress too much about perfection.
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect ugly sweater category to enter. With the right choice, you’ll not only stand out but also have a great time showing off your holiday spirit!
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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