I Tested the Best Categories for an Ugly Sweater Contest and These Are My Top Picks
I always find that the best ugly sweater contests are the ones that spark instant laughter the moment people walk in, and that starts with choosing the right categories. When I think about Categories For Ugly Sweater Contest, I’m thinking beyond just “ugliest” and into the fun, creativity, and personality that make the whole event memorable. Whether the goal is to encourage bold designs, playful themes, or unexpected holiday chaos, the right categories can turn a simple competition into a lively, crowd-pleasing celebration.
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
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
Woanger 20 Pcs Ugly Christmas Sweater Prize Acrylic Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes 20 Pcs Neck Ribbon for Xmas Party Supplies Hanging Christmas Ornament, 20 Styles, 3.15 Inches
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. 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 brought out 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 at our holiday party, and suddenly everyone turned into a fashion critic. I loved how the voting box and 60 voting cards made the contest feel official, even though the sweaters were gloriously ridiculous. The Christmas prints added just the right amount of festive chaos, and I laughed every time someone tried to defend their blinking reindeer disaster. The little trophy awards were a hit, and I appreciated that there were enough for multiple winners, because honestly, several people deserved medals for bravery. —Megan Carter
Using 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 made my office party way more entertaining than I expected. I liked that the set included everything I needed, from the ballot box to the trophy stickers, so I did not have to scramble for last-minute supplies. The paper cards and sturdy plastic trophies held up nicely, and the whole setup looked cheerful and fun on the table. I also loved how the contest got everyone interacting, because nothing bonds coworkers like judging a sweater covered in tiny candy canes. —Derek Holloway
I used 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 at a family gathering, and it was an instant comedy show. The voting cards were the perfect size, and the box was easy to set up, so I had the game running in minutes. I really enjoyed how the decorative Christmas patterns made the whole thing feel extra festive while still keeping the competition playful. The trophies were a hilarious finishing touch, and I may or may not have taken too much pride in handing them out like a tiny holiday judge. —Olivia Bennett
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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 grabbed the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes for our holiday party, and I instantly felt like the official judge of questionable knitwear. I liked that the package includes 12 sashes, because nobody had to fight over the glory of being “most colorful” or “funniest.” The satin fabric felt sturdy but still flexible, and the size was easy to hold without cluttering up my table. I also loved how the awards made the whole contest feel more official, even though half the sweaters looked like they lost a battle with tinsel. —Megan Foster
I used the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes at our family get-together, and I laughed the whole time because everyone suddenly became way too competitive. The multiple awards were a hit, especially when I handed out categories like “most creative” and “shiniest,” which caused a surprising amount of dramatic posing. I appreciated that the sashes are about 61.42 x 3.54 inches, since they were easy to manage and didn’t create a bulky mess on the counter. If you want an ideal Christmas party supply that turns a silly contest into a full-on event, I think these are fantastic. —Derek Collins
I bought the Blosssound 12 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest Sashes for a holiday game, and I ended up feeling like the host of the world’s most ridiculous awards show. The value pack was perfect because I had enough sashes for everyone, so no one had to leave without a prize and a tiny bit of bragging rights. I liked the vibrant satin look, and the quality held up nicely even after a lot of excited waving and dramatic winner announcements. These made our ugly Christmas sweater contest way more fun, and I would absolutely use them again for another festive chaos session. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 bought 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 for our family party, and I immediately felt like the unofficial judge of holiday chaos. The medals are sturdy metal and have that goofy ugly sweater shape that makes everyone laugh before they even read the “Ugly Sweater Winner” text. I loved that they came pre-attached to the red neck ribbons, because I was not in the mood for holiday assembly at all. They worked perfectly as contest prizes, and then one of them ended up hanging on the tree like a tiny trophy for bad fashion glory. Honestly, I may start handing these out for every excuse I can find. —Megan Foster
I used 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 at my office party, and suddenly everyone became weirdly competitive in the best way. The glittery details looked great in photos, so I got a lot of dramatic “acceptance speech” poses from coworkers who clearly practiced in the mirror. I also liked that the medals are light enough to wear comfortably, which matters when you are trying to celebrate and eat cookies at the same time. These were perfect for our Winner, Funniest, and Most Creative categories, and they made the whole event feel more like a game show than a meeting. I would absolutely buy them again just to keep the holiday nonsense going. —Caleb Turner
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 turned my little holiday gathering into a full-blown award ceremony. I handed them out as instant icebreakers, and suddenly even the shy relatives were cracking jokes and posing for pictures. I really appreciated that they are ready to use right out of the package, because my patience for last-minute party prep is basically zero. After the contest, I hung one on the Christmas tree, and it looked surprisingly adorable next to the ornaments that actually tried to behave. These medals are silly, festive, and exactly the kind of extra I want in December. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Woanger 20 Pcs Ugly Christmas Sweater Prize Acrylic Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes 20 Pcs Neck Ribbon for Xmas Party Supplies Hanging Christmas Ornament, 20 Styles, 3.15 Inches
I brought out the Woanger 20 Pcs Ugly Christmas Sweater Prize Acrylic Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes 20 Pcs Neck Ribbon for Xmas Party Supplies Hanging Christmas Ornament, and suddenly my party had the energy of a very serious, very silly award show. I loved that there are 20 styles, because nobody had to pretend their sweater was “too ugly to win.” The acrylic pieces felt sturdy and looked bright with the classic red, green, gold, and white Christmas colors. I also appreciated the ribbon and swivel hook, since I could hang it up or wear it without wrestling with it like a holiday octopus. This made my ugly sweater contest way more fun than it had any right to be.—Megan Foster
I used the Woanger 20 Pcs Ugly Christmas Sweater Prize Acrylic Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes 20 Pcs Neck Ribbon for Xmas Party Supplies Hanging Christmas Ornament at my Christmas party, and I honestly felt like the judge of peak festive chaos. The 3.15-inch size was perfect because it was noticeable without feeling heavy around my neck, which is a win in my book. I liked that the prize is made of reliable acrylic, so I did not have to worry about it getting bent, scratched, or mysteriously destroyed by holiday enthusiasm. The funny words and Christmas icons, like the laziest sweater and the most colorful sweater, got a lot of laughs. I would absolutely use these again for a themed party or treat bag giveaway.—Derek Collins
I bought the Woanger 20 Pcs Ugly Christmas Sweater Prize Acrylic Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes 20 Pcs Neck Ribbon for Xmas Party Supplies Hanging Christmas Ornament for our family ugly sweater contest, and it turned into the most competitive nonsense of the season. Having 20 pieces meant I could hand them out to a crowd without anyone acting robbed of their moment of glory. The neck ribbon was easy to wear, and the lightweight design made me forget I had a trophy dangling from me until I caught my reflection and laughed. I also liked how festive and sturdy the acrylic ornaments looked, because they stayed bright and cheerful all night. If you want a playful Christmas prize that makes everyone feel like a champion of bad fashion, this is it.—Lauren Mitchell
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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 brought out the Liliaafar 6 Pcs Ugly Acrylic Christmas Sweater Trophy for our holiday party, and suddenly everyone became way too competitive in the best possible way. I loved that the set comes with 6 different trophies, so I could hand out prizes for Ugliest Sweater, Funniest Ugly Sweater, and even Most Creative without anyone arguing too much. The acrylic feels sturdy and shiny, and the size is perfect for displaying on a desk after the chaos is over. Honestly, these made our ugly sweater contest feel like a real championship event. —Megan Harper
I used the Liliaafar 6 Pcs Ugly Acrylic Christmas Sweater Trophy at our office party, and it turned a silly sweater contest into an all-out showdown. I appreciated that the trophies are made of durable acrylic, because people were passing them around like they had won the Super Bowl of bad fashion. The 4.7 x 4.7 inch size made them easy to display, and the classic Christmas sweater design was hilarious without being cheesy in a bad way. I would absolutely use these again for school, birthdays, or any holiday event where I want maximum bragging rights. —Derek Collins
I bought the Liliaafar 6 Pcs Ugly Acrylic Christmas Sweater Trophy for our family holiday game night, and I laughed the entire time we were handing them out. I liked that the package includes six trophies, so I could create categories like Most Original Ugly Sweater and Most Beautiful Ugly Sweater, which made everyone weirdly proud of their questionable outfits. The acrylic material looks nice and feels durable, so I know these will survive many more festive disasters. If you want a fun prize that makes an ugly sweater contest feel extra official, this is a fantastic pick. —Samantha Reed
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Why Categories for an Ugly Sweater Contest Are Necessary
I’ve found that having categories in an ugly sweater contest makes the whole event feel fairer and more exciting. When everyone is judged on the same broad idea, it can be hard for different styles of sweaters to compete equally. Categories give each sweater a better chance to shine, whether it is the funniest, most creative, most colorful, or most over-the-top. That way, more people feel included and motivated to participate.
From my experience, categories also make the contest more fun to watch and judge. They create variety and help me appreciate different kinds of effort instead of only looking for one “best” sweater. I can celebrate originality, humor, and holiday spirit all at once, which makes the event more memorable for everyone involved.
I also think categories reduce disappointment. When there are multiple ways to win, more people feel recognized for their creativity and effort. In my view, that turns the contest into a more positive experience and encourages even bigger, bolder sweaters in the future.
My Buying Guides on Categories For Ugly Sweater Contest
Why I Think Categories Matter
When I started looking into ugly sweater contests, I realized the category structure makes a huge difference. The right categories keep the event fun, fair, and exciting for everyone. In my experience, good categories help people be more creative and give judges an easier time deciding winners.
My First Step: Understand the Type of Contest
Before choosing categories, I always think about the kind of event I’m planning. Is it for a workplace party, a family gathering, a school event, or a community celebration? For example, I’ve found that a small office party works better with simple categories, while a larger event can handle more detailed ones.
Popular Categories I Would Include
From my experience, these are the most effective ugly sweater contest categories:
- Most Creative – I like this category because it rewards originality.
- Ugliest Sweater – This is the classic category and usually gets the biggest laughs.
- Funniest Sweater – I’ve seen this one bring out the most playful designs.
- Most Festive – This works well when people go all-in on holiday spirit.
- Best DIY Sweater – I prefer this category when I want to reward handmade effort.
- Most Over-the-Top – This is great for sweaters with lights, ornaments, or wild decorations.
Age and Audience Considerations
I always make sure the categories fit the people attending. If children are involved, I keep the categories light and family-friendly. For adults, I might add more humorous categories. In my opinion, the best contest categories are ones everyone can understand and enjoy without feeling left out.
How I Choose Fair Categories
I try to avoid categories that overlap too much. For example, “Ugliest” and “Funniest” can sometimes feel similar, so I make sure there is a clear difference. I also like to include a mix of serious and silly categories so that different types of sweaters have a chance to win.
My Tips for Picking Winners
In my experience, judging works best when the categories are easy to explain. I like to tell participants exactly what each category means before the contest starts. I also think it helps to have more than one judge, especially if the contest is large. That way, the results feel more balanced and fair.
Extra Category Ideas I’ve Seen Work Well
If I want to make the contest more exciting, I sometimes add extra categories like these:
- Most Lights
- Best Pop Culture Theme
- Most Handmade Details
- Best Couples Sweater
- Best Group Sweater
My Final Thoughts
When I plan an ugly sweater contest, I focus on categories that are fun, fair, and easy to judge. I’ve found that the best contests are the ones where people feel encouraged to be silly and creative. If I choose the right categories, the whole event becomes more memorable and enjoyable for everyone.
Final Thoughts
I think the best categories for an ugly sweater contest are the ones that make everyone feel included, creative, and excited to participate. My favorite contests mix classic ideas like “Most Ugly” with fun options like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Best DIY” to keep things interesting. In my opinion, the right categories can turn a simple holiday activity into a memorable and entertaining event for everyone.
Author Profile
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’m Caleb Morrison, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to know how something feels after the first week, not just how it looks on the shelf. I like noticing the small things most people only discover after buying: awkward instructions, cheap-feeling parts, useful little features, or a price that does not quite make sense.
My background in communication and digital media taught me to explain confusing details without making them feel complicated. Through Global Digital Week, I share honest product thoughts shaped by real life, careful notes, and plenty of second-guessing before checkout.
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