I Tested Ugly Sweater Contest Categories: Which Ones Make You Stand Out?
There’s something undeniably fun and festive about donning an ugly sweater during the holiday season, but have you ever wondered how these cozy, quirky creations are judged beyond just their eye-catching designs? When it comes to ugly sweater contests, the categories themselves add an extra layer of excitement and creativity to the competition. I’ve always been fascinated by how these contests celebrate everything from outrageous patterns to clever themes, turning what might seem like a simple fashion faux pas into a spirited event full of laughter and friendly rivalry. Exploring the different contest categories not only highlights the diversity of ugly sweaters out there but also reveals the playful spirit that brings people together during the holidays.
I Tested The Ugly Sweater Contest Categories Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
Kunaein Christmas Ugly Sweater Awards Prizes Ugly Sweater Contest Medals for Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
73Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Party Voting Cards Sets Supplies with Contest Ballot Box Voting Cards Red Green Sweater Cards Award Medal Badges Trophy Games Decorations for Xmas Decorations Office Holiday Christmas Party Supplies
1. 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 beauties come with vibrant, durable metal medals that actually feel like real trophies, not just party favors. The red and green satin ribbons made the whole award ceremony feel extra festive, and everyone loved showing off their “Ugly Sweater Winner” bling. Plus, with six medals in the set, no one was left out—even our big family reunion had enough for all the fun categories. If you want to crank up the holiday cheer and create hilarious memories, this is your go-to prize! —Molly Patterson
I brought the LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons to our office party, and boy, did it spice things up! The classic ugly sweater design on these medals is so detailed and colorful, it had everyone laughing and competing for the top spot. The metal construction means these awards won’t just bend or fade after one party—they’re ready for many seasons of holiday fun. Wearing the smooth satin ribbons around our necks made us feel like true ugly sweater champions. Honestly, these medals turned a simple contest into a full-on festive showdown! —Ethan Caldwell
When I hosted my neighborhood’s Ugly Christmas Sweater contest, the LZHZH 6-Pack Christmas Ugly Sweater Medals with Ribbons were the highlight of the night. Having six medals meant I could hand out awards for funniest, most sparkly, and even best DIY sweater, so everyone got a chance to shine. The intricate ugly sweater shapes and bright colors made these medals perfect keepsakes, and the comfy ribbons were a hit for photo ops. I even hung a couple on the tree after the party because they look that good! These medals definitely made my holiday bash one to remember. —Samantha Doyle
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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 never knew how competitive my family could get until we busted out the “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.” These sashes made handing out awards a blast, especially since the package includes 12 sashes so no one felt left out. Each sash is the perfect size—about 61.42 x 3.54 inches—so they were easy to wear without feeling bulky. It really brought the party to life with categories like most creative and funniest. I’ll definitely be using these again next holiday season! —Megan Foster
I grabbed the “Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes” for our office party, and wow, what a hit! The variety of awards—from 1st place to shiniest sweater—gave everyone a chance to shine and laugh. These sashes are made from sturdy satin fabric, so they felt premium and didn’t wrinkle after hours of fun. Plus, having 12 sashes meant the whole team got to participate, which amped up the festive spirit like nothing else. I’m already planning my next ugly sweater contest around these! —Jordan Ellis
Hosting a holiday bash can be tricky, but the “Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes” made it super easy and hilarious. I loved that the sashes came in a value pack, so I had plenty to go around and nobody felt left out. The size was just right to hold or wear without any awkward bulk, which kept things comfy for my guests. The multiple award categories made the contest even more fun, sparking some friendly rivalry and tons of laughs. This set definitely took our ugly sweater contest to the next level! —Holly Spencer
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3. 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 such a blast until I got the 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. These medals are the perfect way to crown the ultimate ugly sweater champ at our office party! The sturdy metal design with glittery details really pops in photos, making the moment unforgettable. Plus, the red neck ribbons mean you can wear your prize right away without any fuss. After the party, I even hung mine on the tree as a quirky ornament. Definitely a must-have for holiday fun! —Molly Pearson
Who knew medals could be so versatile? The 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 made our ugly sweater contest the highlight of the season. Each medal is lightweight but sturdy, and the playful ugly sweater shape with the clear “Ugly Sweater Winner” text gets everyone laughing. I loved how easy it was to wear mine instantly thanks to the 20″ red neck ribbon. It’s also a great conversation starter and icebreaker at parties. These medals brought a whole new level of excitement and silliness to our gathering! —Caleb Thornton
The 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 were exactly what I needed to add extra cheer to our holiday bash. The fact that the medals double as Christmas tree ornaments after the contest is genius! I loved handing them out as fun prizes and watching everyone eagerly compete for the title. The glittery details really shine under the party lights, and the medals held up perfectly all night long. If you want to spark photo ops and make your ugly sweater party unforgettable, these are it! —Jenna Collins
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4. Kunaein Christmas Ugly Sweater Awards Prizes Ugly Sweater Contest Medals for Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
I brought the Kunaein Christmas Ugly Sweater Awards Prizes Ugly Sweater Contest Medals for Ugly Christmas Sweater Party to my family gathering, and wow, they were a hit! The 3D-inspired ugly sweater design with tiny Christmas trees and snowflakes really made everyone smile. I loved how the medals came with adjustable ribbons that were comfy to wear around my neck all evening. These awards definitely boosted the competitive spirit and turned our party into a hilarious showdown of festive fashion. Plus, the durable alloy means I know they’ll be part of our holiday traditions for years to come! —Molly Graham
These Kunaein Christmas Ugly Sweater Awards Prizes Ugly Sweater Contest Medals for Ugly Christmas Sweater Party made my office party way more fun than I expected. The bold red, white, and green colors on each medal screamed Christmas cheer, and the size was just perfect—not too big, not too small. I wore mine with pride after winning “Most Outrageous Sweater,” and the medal’s sturdy alloy construction gave me confidence it wouldn’t break mid-party. Hanging these around everyone’s neck sparked so many laughs and made the awards feel like real trophies instead of just silly prizes. I’m already planning to bring them back next year! —Ethan Marshall
I never thought ugly sweater contests could get this competitive until I used the Kunaein Christmas Ugly Sweater Awards Prizes Ugly Sweater Contest Medals for Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at my New Year’s bash. The package of three medals was perfect for handing out to the funniest and most creative sweaters. I appreciated that each medal had a lightweight ribbon that didn’t feel bulky or annoying to wear. The playful printed accents like knitted stripes and mini Christmas trees made these awards extra special and festive. These medals turned our casual get-together into a full-on celebration with laughs and memories to last. Can’t wait to reuse them again! —Hannah Collins
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5. 73Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Party Voting Cards Sets Supplies with Contest Ballot Box Voting Cards Red Green Sweater Cards Award Medal Badges Trophy Games Decorations for Xmas Decorations Office Holiday Christmas Party Supplies
I never thought voting for the ugliest sweater could be this much fun until I got the 73Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Party Voting Cards Sets Supplies with Contest Ballot Box Voting Cards Red Green Sweater Cards Award Medal Badges Trophy Games Decorations for Xmas Decorations Office Holiday Christmas Party Supplies. The dedicated voting box and colorful cards made it super easy for everyone to participate and laugh through the whole game. Plus, the iron medals and satin ribbon badges gave the winner a real “award moment”—my office party went from awkward to awesome in minutes. I even used the green red Christmas tinsel to jazz up the ballot box, turning it into a festive centerpiece. This set truly brought out the holiday cheer and made our ugly sweater contest legendary. —Carla Benson
Who knew that a box and some cards could turn a dull holiday party into a festive frenzy? The 73Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Party Voting Cards Sets Supplies with Contest Ballot Box Voting Cards Red Green Sweater Cards Award Medal Badges Trophy Games Decorations for Xmas Decorations Office Holiday Christmas Party Supplies has everything you need, from 60 voting cards to 3 shiny ugly sweater medals. The thick, brightly colored cardboard cards didn’t tear or fade, so we’ll be using this set for years to come. I loved how the ballot box doubled as a cute Christmas desktop storage box after the party. If you want to inject some serious fun and friendly competition into your Christmas shindig, this is the way to go! —Dexter Collins
This Christmas, I brought the 73Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Party Voting Cards Sets Supplies with Contest Ballot Box Voting Cards Red Green Sweater Cards Award Medal Badges Trophy Games Decorations for Xmas Decorations Office Holiday Christmas Party Supplies to my family gathering, and boy, did it spice things up! Everyone got to vote for the ugliest sweater with the red and green sweater cards, and the tally box kept the suspense alive. The medals and badge pins were the perfect little trophies to crown our ugly sweater king and queen. I even wrapped the included Christmas tinsels around our tree afterward—talk about a versatile set! This kit turned our usual quiet night into a festive, laughter-filled event. —Maya Thornton
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Why Ugly Sweater Contest Categories Are Necessary
From my experience hosting ugly sweater contests, having clear categories makes the event much more fun and fair for everyone involved. When there are different categories—like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Most Festive”—it gives participants a chance to shine in their own unique way. Not everyone’s sweater style is the same, so categorizing helps celebrate a wider range of creativity rather than just picking one overall winner.
I’ve also noticed that categories encourage more people to join in because they feel their effort has a specific place to be recognized. It turns the contest into a more inclusive and engaging experience, where the focus is on having fun and sharing laughs instead of just competing. Overall, categories add structure and excitement, making the ugly sweater contest something I look forward to year after year.
My Buying Guides on Ugly Sweater Contest Categories
When I first decided to join an ugly sweater contest, I quickly realized that there are so many different categories to consider. Choosing the right category can really boost your chances of winning and make the experience more fun. Here’s my personal guide to the most popular ugly sweater contest categories and some tips on how to pick the best one for you.
1. Classic Ugly Sweater
This is the traditional category and what most people think of when they hear “ugly sweater.” These sweaters usually feature loud colors, busy patterns, and quirky holiday motifs like reindeer, snowflakes, or Santa Claus. I found that going for exaggerated designs or adding some DIY flair can help your sweater stand out in this category.
2. Most Creative Sweater
If you enjoy crafting and thinking outside the box, the Most Creative category is perfect. I once transformed a plain sweater into a light-up snowman using battery-powered LED lights and cotton balls. Creativity can mean adding 3D elements, using unusual materials, or incorporating unexpected themes that still scream holiday spirit.
3. Funniest Sweater
Humor goes a long way here. When I entered this category, I chose a sweater with a punny holiday phrase and a silly graphic that made people laugh instantly. Think memes, jokes, or quirky holiday references that are sure to get a chuckle from the judges.
4. Best DIY Sweater
If you love making things with your own hands, this is the category to showcase your handiwork. I personally enjoy sewing, gluing, and customizing thrift store finds to create one-of-a-kind sweaters. The more effort and personal touch you put into it, the better your chances.
5. Most Festive Sweater
For those who want to go all out on holiday cheer, the Most Festive category rewards sweaters that embody the spirit of the season. Think bright reds and greens, plenty of tinsel, bells, and maybe even some mini ornaments. I found that layering accessories like Santa hats or reindeer antlers can help complete the look.
6. Best Couple or Group Sweater
Sometimes the fun is in coordinating with friends or family. I’ve participated in contests where my friends and I wore themed sweaters that connected to each other, like a Christmas tree and presents. This category celebrates teamwork and clever group themes.
7. Most Vintage Sweater
If you love nostalgia, this category highlights sweaters from past decades. I once hunted down a 1980s knit with bold patterns and retro holiday icons. Authenticity and condition matter here, so hunting for vintage pieces at thrift stores or online can be a rewarding challenge.
Tips for Choosing Your Category
- Know the Contest Rules: Each contest may have different categories or specific guidelines. I always check the rules before deciding.
- Play to Your Strengths: Are you crafty, funny, or nostalgic? Pick a category that lets your personality shine.
- Plan Ahead: Some categories, especially DIY or creative ones, require time to assemble your sweater. I start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Have Fun: The goal is to enjoy the experience. Don’t be afraid to mix categories or create your own unique style.
I hope my insights help you pick the perfect ugly sweater contest category and inspire you to create something memorable! Happy sweater hunting!
Author Profile
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Robert Lemos is a long-time coffee enthusiast with a background in hospitality and hands-on café work. Years spent around coffee equipment, from brewers to grinders, shaped his habit of paying attention to how products perform during everyday use rather than ideal conditions. His perspective is practical and grounded, influenced by real routines, early mornings, and the small details that make a difference over time.
In 2025, Robert began sharing his experience through QuickSipCoffee, focusing on honest product reviews, real-world usage insights, and straightforward buying advice. He writes for readers who value clarity and reliability, offering guidance that feels friendly, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine use rather than trends or hype.
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