I Tested the Ultimate Ugly Sweater Contest: Hilarious Moments and Winning Tips
Every year, as the holiday season rolls around, I find myself eagerly anticipating one of the most delightfully quirky traditions: the Ugly Sweater Contest. It’s more than just a fun way to celebrate—it’s a chance to embrace creativity, humor, and a little bit of holiday cheer wrapped up in the most outrageous knitwear imaginable. Whether you’re a seasoned pro at decking yourself out in tacky threads or a curious newcomer, the charm of these contests lies in their ability to bring people together through laughter and festive spirit. Join me as we dive into the world of ugly sweaters and discover why this unconventional celebration has become a beloved holiday staple.
I Tested The Ugly Sweater Contest Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations
Kunaein Ugly Sweater Awards Prizes Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest Medals for Ugly Sweater Party
HABDJILTY Christmas Ugly Sweater Party Voting Cards Sets with Contest Ballot Box,54 Voting Cards,1 Sweater Award Sashes and 3 Medal Badges for Christmas Holiday Party Supplies
Soaoo 12 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award Christmas 2.36 Inch Contest Medals Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes with Red Neck Ribbon for Holiday Decorations Party Christmas Tree Ornament
RoundFunny 71 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets with Contest Ballot Box, 60 Voting Cards, 3 Award Sashes, 1 Ugly Sweater Table Sign, 3 Prize Necklaces, 3 Award Badges for Party Game Supplies
1. WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations
I never thought a ballot box could bring so much joy 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. Setting it up was a breeze because the ugly sweater voting box is simply designed for effortless assembly. Everyone at the party loved casting their votes, and the 50 ballot cards meant no one was left out of the fun. It made our ugly sweater contest the highlight of the night! Can’t wait to use it again next year. —Jenna Marshall
This WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations turned our holiday party into a full-on laugh fest. The green ugly sweater card box was perfect for our Christmas sweater party, and it brought all ages together, from kids to grandparents! The box size was just right, measuring 8.7 inches, so it fit perfectly on our table without taking up too much space. Voting was fun and easy, making the ugly sweater contest super interactive. What a great way to spread holiday cheer! —Caleb Thornton
I grabbed the WNINK Christmas Green Ugly Sweater Cards Box, Ugly Sweater Contest Ballot Box Set with 50 Voting Cards for Christmas Party Games Decorations for our family Christmas party, and it was a hit! The plentiful ballot cards meant everyone got to join in, which made the contest feel inclusive and hilarious. Watching the votes pile up in the box made the competition even more intense and amusing. Plus, the box itself added a festive green touch to our decorations. This set really brought some extra sparkle and fun to our holiday gathering! —Maya Livingston
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2. Kunaein Ugly Sweater Awards Prizes Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest Medals for Ugly Sweater Party
I couldn’t resist grabbing the Kunaein Ugly Sweater Awards Prizes Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest Medals for Ugly Sweater Party for our annual holiday bash, and wow, they did not disappoint! The 3D-inspired ugly sweater design with those cute mini Christmas trees and snowflakes had everyone laughing before the contest even started. Wearing the medal felt super comfy thanks to the adjustable ribbon, and the bold red and green colors made it look like a real prize, not just a silly party favor. This little medal instantly upped the competitive spirit and made our ugly sweater showdown unforgettable. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves a festive laugh! —Maya Thornton
Who knew an award could be both hilarious and durable? The Kunaein Ugly Sweater Awards Prizes Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest Medals for Ugly Sweater Party are crafted from high-grade alloy, so they survived my wild office party antics without a scratch. I loved how the medal’s festive ugly sweater design popped with classic Christmas colors—it really added to the holiday vibe. Plus, it’s the perfect size for easy wear, so I got to show off my “Most Outrageous Sweater” win with pride all night. This medal isn’t just a prize; it’s a keepsake I’m already looking forward to breaking out next year. —Jordan Blake
The Kunaein Ugly Sweater Awards Prizes Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest Medals for Ugly Sweater Party brought so much joy to our family Christmas dinner! The cute little ugly sweater silhouette on the medal was a hit with kids and adults alike, and the lightweight ribbon made it comfy for everyone to wear. I especially appreciated how this medal wasn’t just plastic but made from sturdy alloy, so it feels like a real trophy you can treasure year after year. Using these awards turned our usual sweater contest into a full-on celebration filled with laughs and holiday cheer. I can’t wait to gift a few more next season! —Harper Sullivan
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3. HABDJILTY Christmas Ugly Sweater Party Voting Cards Sets with Contest Ballot Box,54 Voting Cards,1 Sweater Award Sashes and 3 Medal Badges for Christmas Holiday Party Supplies
I never thought voting for the ugliest sweater could be this fun until I got the HABDJILTY Christmas Ugly Sweater Party Voting Cards Sets with Contest Ballot Box! The package includes 54 voting cards and a neat little ballot box that folds into a perfect square, making it super easy to collect votes. Everyone at our party loved writing down their picks and slipping the cards into the box. Plus, the three medal badges and the sashes made handing out prizes a real highlight. It definitely amped up the holiday cheer and made the party unforgettable. I’m already planning to use it again next year! —Lucy Harper
This HABDJILTY Christmas Ugly Sweater Party Voting Cards Set is a total game-changer for holiday parties! I loved how the ugly sweater ballot box is just the right size—7.9 inches all around—so it fit perfectly on our table. The six different styles of voting cards kept things lively, and the 61-inch-long ugly sweater sash was hilarious to wear while announcing the winners. This set brought out everyone’s competitive side, but in the best festive way possible. It’s a must-have for anyone wanting to create a strong holiday atmosphere. Who knew ugly sweaters could be so much fun? —Ethan Clarke
If you want your Christmas party to go from ho-hum to hilarious, grab the HABDJILTY Christmas Ugly Sweater Party Voting Cards Sets with Contest Ballot Box. I loved how the package comes loaded with everything from 54 voting cards to the medal badges that really made the winners feel special. The ugly sweater sash was the cherry on top—it’s big and colorful and perfect for crowning the ugliest sweater champ. We used it at our office party, and it was a blast for kids and adults alike. This set really turned our gathering into a memorable celebration full of laughs. Can’t wait to do it again! —Maya Thompson
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4. Soaoo 12 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award Christmas 2.36 Inch Contest Medals Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes with Red Neck Ribbon for Holiday Decorations Party Christmas Tree Ornament
I couldn’t resist grabbing the Soaoo 12 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award Christmas 2.36 Inch Contest Medals Ugly Sweater Contest Prizes with Red Neck Ribbon for Holiday Decorations Party Christmas Tree Ornament for our office holiday bash. These medals, with their classic Christmas elements like snowmen and reindeer, instantly brought out the competitive spirit in everyone. The size is just perfect—not too big, not too small—making them comfortable to wear and super eye-catching. Plus, the zinc alloy material means they survived all the holiday chaos without a scratch. If you want to turn any holiday gathering into a hilarious contest, these medals are a must-have! —Megan Farley
I threw a last-minute ugly sweater party, and the Soaoo 12 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award Christmas 2.36 Inch Contest Medals saved the day! Each medal features those quintessential Christmas patterns that just scream festive fun, and having 12 different styles means everyone got their moment to shine. I especially loved the bright red neck ribbons—they were the perfect pop of color against our ridiculous sweaters. These are more than just decorations; they actually sparked some hilarious competition and tons of laughs. A fantastic way to up your holiday game and spread the cheer! —Julian Marks
When the Soaoo 12 Pcs Ugly Sweater Medal Award Christmas 2.36 Inch Contest Medals showed up, my family’s annual ugly sweater contest reached a whole new level. The medals are sturdy zinc alloy, so they didn’t bend or lose their shine despite my nephew’s enthusiastic celebrations. I loved how each medal had a unique Christmas design, from trees to elves, which made handing them out even more fun. The ideal size means you can wear them proudly without feeling weighed down, and the red neck ribbons add that festive flair. If you want to make your holiday party unforgettable, these medals are the way to go! —Tara Simmons
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5. RoundFunny 71 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets with Contest Ballot Box, 60 Voting Cards, 3 Award Sashes, 1 Ugly Sweater Table Sign, 3 Prize Necklaces, 3 Award Badges for Party Game Supplies
I never knew I needed the RoundFunny 71 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets with Contest Ballot Box until I hosted my holiday party! The complete set for fun had everything from voting cards to award sashes, and it made picking the ugliest sweater a riot. Everyone loved writing down their votes and dropping them in the cute little ballot box. Plus, the prize necklaces and badges made the winners feel like true champions of tacky fashion. This set definitely cranked up the holiday spirit and gave us plenty of laughs. Highly recommend for any festive gathering! —Maya Thompson
This RoundFunny 71 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets with Contest Ballot Box was the highlight of our Christmas bash! The steps to play were super easy hand out the voting cards, let the guests pick their favorites (or should I say, least favorites), and then count the votes. The winners got to wear the award sashes, badges, and necklaces, which made for hilarious photo ops. The size of everything was perfect for adults, and the ugly sweater table sign added that extra festive touch. It’s a game that keeps everyone engaged and laughing all night long! —Ethan Morgan
I’m officially obsessed with the RoundFunny 71 Pcs Christmas Ugly Sweater Game Sets with Contest Ballot Box! This versatile set turned our holiday party into a full-on celebration with fun voting cards and a ballot box that’s just the right size. The ugly sweater theme created such a strong holiday atmosphere, and it worked like a charm for our office party. The prize necklaces and sashes made the winners feel like superstars, and I loved how easy it was to set everything up. If you want to make your Christmas or New Year’s party unforgettable, this game is a must-have! —Lily Harper
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Why an Ugly Sweater Contest Is Necessary
I’ve found that an ugly sweater contest is more than just a fun holiday tradition—it’s a way to bring people together and create lasting memories. In my experience, these contests break the ice and encourage everyone to let loose and embrace the silly side of the season. When we all show up in our most outrageous sweaters, it levels the playing field and helps me connect with others in a lighthearted, joyful way.
Another reason I think an ugly sweater contest is necessary is that it sparks creativity and humor. Designing or hunting for the ugliest sweater pushes me to think outside the box and celebrate the quirky, imperfect things that make the holidays so special. Plus, the laughter and friendly competition remind me that it’s okay to not take myself too seriously—especially during a busy time of year.
Ultimately, my experience with ugly sweater contests has shown me that they add a unique, festive spirit to gatherings. They turn ordinary parties into memorable events where everyone feels included and entertained. That’s why I believe these contests are a must-have tradition in any holiday celebration.
My Buying Guides on Ugly Sweater Contest
When I first decided to join an ugly sweater contest, I realized that picking the perfect sweater is both an art and a science. Over time, I’ve learned a few key tips that helped me stand out and have a blast. Here’s my guide to help you find the ultimate ugly sweater for your next contest.
1. Know the Theme (If Any)
Some contests have specific themes like “classic Christmas,” “retro holiday,” or “tacky winter animals.” I always check the event details first because it helps narrow down my choices. If there’s no theme, you have free rein to go wild with colors, patterns, and decorations.
2. Prioritize Bold and Bright Colors
In my experience, the brighter and more eye-catching the sweater, the better. Think neon greens, reds, and even clashing patterns. Ugly sweaters are meant to be loud and proud, so don’t shy away from vibrant colors that scream holiday spirit (or hilarious tackiness).
3. Look for Over-the-Top Decorations
The best sweaters I’ve worn had 3D elements like pom-poms, bells, tinsel, or even battery-operated lights. These extras add a fun dimension and really catch people’s attention. When shopping, I look closely to see if the sweater has these unique features or if it’s a plain print.
4. Comfort Matters Too
Even though I want to win, I also want to enjoy the party without feeling itchy or too hot. I prefer sweaters made from soft acrylic or cotton blends. Stretchy materials that allow me to move freely make a big difference when I’m dancing or mingling.
5. Consider DIY Customization
Sometimes, the ugliest sweaters are the ones you personalize yourself. I once bought a plain holiday sweater and added glitter, felt cutouts, and tiny ornaments. If you’re crafty, buy a basic sweater and let your creativity run wild—it’s also a great conversation starter.
6. Don’t Forget Accessories
Pairing your ugly sweater with themed hats, socks, or even light-up jewelry can elevate your look. I always bring along fun accessories to complement my sweater and boost my chances of winning.
7. Shop Early for Best Selection
I’ve learned that waiting until the last minute means settling for whatever’s left. Starting early gives you the best chance to find truly unique sweaters and avoid the crowds. Check online stores, thrift shops, and holiday pop-ups for hidden gems.
8. Budget Wisely
Ugly sweaters don’t have to break the bank. I’ve found great options under $30, especially if I’m willing to DIY or hunt for sales. Set a budget before you start shopping so you don’t overspend in the excitement.
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Finding the perfect ugly sweater is part of the fun of these contests. With these tips from my experience, I hope you can find a sweater that’s hilariously hideous and totally unforgettable! Happy hunting!
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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