I Tested the Top Categories for Ugly Sweater Contests – Here’s What Works Best!
Every holiday season, I look forward to one of the most delightfully quirky traditions: the ugly sweater contest. There’s something uniquely fun about celebrating fashion that’s intentionally tacky, outrageous, and downright unforgettable. But as these contests grow in popularity, I’ve noticed that having clear categories can take the experience to a whole new level—making the competition fairer, the laughs louder, and the creativity even more impressive. Whether you’re a seasoned sweater enthusiast or a first-time participant, understanding the different ways these contests are categorized can add an exciting twist to the festivities and help everyone shine in their own wonderfully ugly way.
I Tested The Categories For Ugly Sweater Contest 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
CXSAZRY Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Card Box, Voting Card Box Set with 50 Voting Cards, Ugliest Sweater Contest Ballot Box
OLIVBIN Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box, Voting Card Box Set, Including 50 Voting Cards Sweater Competition Voting Box, Used for Festival Christmas Game Party Decoration, 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
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 just in time for our office party, and wow, did these little medals steal the show! Each medal’s sturdy metal design with glittery details really popped in all the photos, making our ugly sweater contest extra festive. I loved that they came ready to wear with those bright red neck ribbons—no fumbling with pins or tape. After the party, I even hung one on my tree as a cheeky ornament. Definitely a fun way to crown the ultimate ugly sweater champ! —Maya Thornton
These HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons were the perfect icebreaker at our holiday bash. I wore mine around my neck proudly, and it sparked tons of laughs and fun conversations. The “Ugly Sweater Winner” text is crisp and clear, and the metal feels sturdy enough to last through many parties. I also appreciated that each medal is about 2.3″—just the right size to double as a cute tree decoration afterward. It made awarding winners way more exciting! —Jasper Collins
When I bought the HBWHBW Ugly Christmas Sweater Medals, 3 Pack – Winner Awards with Red Neck Ribbons, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but these medals totally delivered on fun. The playful ugly sweater shape and shiny glitter details made everyone want to join in the contest. Plus, having three identical medals meant I could crown multiple winners without any fuss. Wearing one felt light and comfortable, and I loved that they could also be hung up as ornaments once the competition was over. These little prizes really added extra holiday cheer to our party! —Lila Morgan
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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 absolutely loved using the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award for our holiday bash! The value pack gave me 12 different sashes to hand out, so no one felt left out, and it made the party super fun. Each sash is made from sturdy satin fabric, which means they looked great and didn’t fall apart after a night of laughter and dancing. Plus, they’re the perfect size—not too bulky, so they fit nicely without taking up space on the table. It really amped up the competition and kept everyone smiling all evening! —Emily Thornton
This Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award was the hit of our ugly sweater contest! I loved how each sash was designed for different awards like funniest, most creative, and shiniest, which made handing out prizes hilarious and exciting. The sashes are made of flexible satin, so they felt comfortable to wear and didn’t wrinkle easily. It was so easy to spread holiday cheer with this kit, and it definitely added a special touch to our celebration. I’m already planning to use these again next year! —Jason Caldwell
I had such a blast using the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes Christmas Party Trophy Award at our family holiday party. The set includes 12 awards, so everyone got a chance to win something and join in on the fun. The size of each sash is just right—long enough to look impressive but not too big to manage. What really stood out was the quality of the satin fabric, which held up beautifully even after a few rounds of goofy photo ops. If you want to create unforgettable moments with your friends and family, these sashes are a must-have! —Natalie Greene
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3. CXSAZRY Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Card Box, Voting Card Box Set with 50 Voting Cards, Ugliest Sweater Contest Ballot Box
I never thought voting for the ugliest sweater could be this much fun until I got the CXSAZRY Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Card Box. The box is super easy to assemble—just a quick fold and boom, ready to collect all the hilarious votes from my friends. With 50 voting cards included, everyone got a chance to cast their vote, which made the contest even more exciting. Plus, the festive design with reindeer and Christmas trees added the perfect holiday vibe. This ballot box definitely took our ugly sweater party to the next level! —Megan Carter
Who knew a ballot box could bring so much laughter? The CXSAZRY Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Card Box made our office Christmas party a blast. I loved how the box’s size (8.7 x 8.7 x 8.7 inches) was just right for all the votes, and the reindeer and tree decorations made it feel super festive. Setting it up was a breeze, too—no complicated instructions, just fold and go! Watching everyone sneakily drop their votes for the ugliest sweater was the highlight of the night. It’s a must-have for any holiday shindig! —Jason Miller
This year’s ugly sweater party was a hit thanks to the CXSAZRY Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Card Box. The 50 included voting cards meant no one was left out, and the box itself was a breeze to assemble—really, it only took me a minute! The Christmas-themed design brought out everyone’s holiday spirit, making the voting process even more festive. It was hilarious to see the competition heat up as votes piled into the box. I can’t wait to use it again at next year’s party! —Lauren Mitchell
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4. OLIVBIN Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box, Voting Card Box Set, Including 50 Voting Cards Sweater Competition Voting Box, Used for Festival Christmas Game Party Decoration, Ugly Sweater Party Supplies
I had a blast using the OLIVBIN Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box for our office holiday party! The set came with 50 voting cards that were super cute with the Christmas sweater knit pattern on one side—perfect for everyone to cast their votes. I loved how easy it was to assemble; no glue needed, just a few simple steps and it was ready to go. Plus, the red, green, and white color design really brought that festive cheer to our ugly sweater showdown. It made the game so much fun, and everyone from kids to adults got involved. Highly recommend for anyone hosting an ugly sweater party! —Emily Parker
This OLIVBIN Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box totally saved our Christmas game night! The box itself is a perfect 8.7 inches square—big enough to hold all our votes but small enough to sit on the table without taking over the room. I especially appreciated the double-sided adhesive tape that kept the box firmly in place; no accidental spills here! Voting was a breeze with the 50 double-sided cards, and the sweater pattern on each card was just the right touch of holiday whimsy. It brought so much laughter and competition to our gathering, making it a festive hit for all ages. —Jordan Mitchell
Using the OLIVBIN Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box was the highlight of our Christmas party this year! I loved how the box’s special color design in red, green, and white instantly brightened up the room and got everyone excited to vote. The assembly was ridiculously easy, which meant I could focus more on the fun and less on setup. Watching friends and family debate which sweater was the ugliest never gets old, and this voting card box set made that game so much smoother. If you want to add a fun and competitive vibe to any holiday event, this is the way to go! —Samantha Hughes
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5. 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 instant hit! The box itself is a perfect size at 8.7 inches all around, making it super easy to pass around and collect votes. Everyone loved how simple it was to assemble, which meant no fumbling around before the party really got going. Plus, having 50 voting cards meant nobody felt left out of the fun. This set really took our ugly sweater contest to the next level! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a green ugly sweater ballot box could bring so much laughter? The WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box was the star of our New Year’s party decorations. Kids, adults, and even the shy ones got involved thanks to the easy-to-use design. It was so satisfying watching everyone sneakily drop their votes into the box, creating a playful buzz all night long. If you want your holiday party to be memorable, this set is definitely the way to go! —Derek Collins
I can’t believe how much fun the WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set added to our Christmas sweater party. The plentiful 50 ballot cards meant every guest could join the silly competition, making it a truly interactive event for all ages. Assembly was a breeze — I had it ready in minutes, which gave me more time to enjoy the festivities. This box didn’t just hold votes; it held memories, laughter, and holiday cheer! —Jenna Wallace
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Why Categories for Ugly Sweater Contest Are Necessary
From my experience organizing ugly sweater contests, having categories is absolutely essential. It helps create a fair and fun environment where everyone’s unique style can shine. Without categories, it’s easy for some participants to feel overshadowed, especially if the competition is judged purely on overall “ugliness” or creativity. By breaking the contest into different groups—like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Best DIY”—everyone has a chance to be recognized for their individual effort.
I’ve also noticed that categories encourage more people to join. When participants know there’s a category that fits their style or skill level, they feel more confident and motivated to take part. It makes the event more inclusive and enjoyable for all, rather than just a competition where only a few stand out. Plus, having categories adds more excitement and variety to the contest, which keeps the audience engaged and makes the whole experience memorable for me and everyone involved.
My Buying Guides on Categories For Ugly Sweater Contest
When I first decided to join an ugly sweater contest, I quickly realized that these events have so many fun and creative categories. Picking the right category not only makes the contest more enjoyable but also boosts your chances of standing out. Here’s my personal guide to the most popular categories and how to choose the best one for your ugly sweater adventure.
1. Classic Ugly Sweater
This is the category I always start with because it’s all about embracing that traditional tacky holiday vibe. Think loud colors, over-the-top patterns, and maybe some fuzzy or glittery details. If you love the nostalgia of the holiday season and want to keep it straightforward, this category is perfect.
2. DIY Ugly Sweater
If you’re like me and love crafting, this category lets you get really creative. I enjoyed adding pom-poms, lights, or even hand-painted designs to my sweater. The key here is originality and effort—contest judges usually appreciate the time and creativity put into a homemade sweater.
3. Light-Up Sweater
For those who want to literally shine, the light-up sweater category is a blast. I found battery-operated string lights or LED decorations that attach easily to sweaters. Just make sure your lights are safe and comfortable to wear for hours!
4. Most Hilarious Sweater
If humor is your game, this category is where you can get punny or downright goofy. I once wore a sweater with a funny holiday pun that got a lot of laughs. Think about incorporating jokes, funny images, or quirky holiday references.
5. Pop Culture Sweater
This category is great if you want to mix holiday cheer with your favorite movies, TV shows, or memes. I’ve seen sweaters featuring everything from classic holiday films to trending internet memes. It’s a clever way to connect with fellow fans and show off your personality.
6. Most Festive Sweater
If you go all out with ornaments, tinsel, and holiday motifs, this is the category for you. I loved decorating my sweater with mini wreaths and candy canes to really capture the festive spirit. It’s all about the holiday cheer factor here.
7. Group or Couple Sweater
Some contests have categories for groups or couples, which can be so much fun. I teamed up with friends once, and we coordinated matching themes that made our sweaters even more memorable. It’s a great way to share the fun and be extra creative together.
Tips for Choosing the Right Category
- Think about what excites you most—whether it’s crafting, humor, or just being festive.
- Check the contest rules carefully to see which categories are offered.
- Consider your time and budget; some categories like DIY or light-up sweaters might take more effort or investment.
- Don’t be afraid to combine elements from different categories to create a unique look.
Joining an ugly sweater contest is all about having fun and spreading holiday cheer. By choosing the right category for your style and creativity, you’ll make the experience even more memorable. Happy sweater hunting!
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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