What to Bring to an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party (Gift Guide)?

There’s something wonderfully chaotic about an ugly sweater christmas party. The sweaters are loud. The vibes are warm. The photos are hilarious. And the energy sits somewhere between “wholesome holiday fun” and “friendly competition to see who can wear the most unhinged knitwear of the season.”

But even with the best sweater picked out, many guests still wonder: What should I bring? Should it be funny? Practical? Cute? Silly? Useful? Surprisingly thoughtful?

Whether it’s a family gathering, an office party, a friends-only event, or a neighborhood get-together, this guide breaks down the best, easiest, and most crowd-pleasing items to bring. From clever gifts to themed snacks to photo-ready props, here’s your complete checklist for showing up prepared—and leaving with compliments.

Before Anything Else: Show Up in the Right Sweater

Yes, the question is “What to bring,” but let’s be honest—your outfit is part of what you're bringing to the party.

A great ugly sweater sets the tone for the night. Go bold, go funny, go sparkly, go weird. Anything works as long as it fits the holiday chaos. If you’re still deciding, explore christmas party outfit ideas that match your personality: cute knits, vintage-inspired patterns, light-up sweaters, or full meme energy.

Whatever you choose, make sure it feels comfortable enough to mingle, dance, pose, snack, and laugh in.

Gift Idea #1: A Crowd-Pleaser Snack or Dessert

You can never go wrong with food—especially at holiday parties. Bring something nostalgic, colorful, or playful.

Great options include:

• peppermint brownies or cookies

• Christmas tree-shaped cupcakes

• charcuterie boards with festive touches

• chocolate bark with sprinkles

• a giant cookie decorated like a sweater

Even better? Match your snack to your sweater theme for extra creativity points.

Gift Idea #2: Ugly Sweater-Themed Treats

If the party has a strong theme, lean into it. You can bring:

• sweater-shaped sugar cookies

• ugly-sweater-decorating kits

• mini gingerbread sweaters to paint

• hot cocoa bombs decorated like knit patterns

People love edible novelties—they’re cute for photos and fun to share.

Gift Idea #3: A Cozy, Funny, or Whimsical White Elephant Gift

Most ugly sweater parties include some kind of gift exchange. This is your chance to bring something that gets a laugh or becomes the most-stolen item of the night.

Ideas include:

• a funny mug (bonus if it's sweater-themed)

• fuzzy holiday socks

• festive candles

• meme-inspired Christmas gifts

• cozy throw blankets

• silly kitchen accessories

If you want to lean into humor, bring something mildly ridiculous but still useful. No one needs a potato clock, but everyone loves a marshmallow-scented candle or a punny dish towel.

Gift Idea #4: Photo Props

Ugly sweater parties are a goldmine for photos. Help elevate the aesthetic by bringing a small bag of photo props.

Ideas:

• Santa hats

• elf ears

• reindeer antlers

• oversized candy canes

• glittery signs (“Naughty,” “Nice-ish,” “Jingle All the Way”)

They’re low-effort, inexpensive, and instantly boost the fun.

Gift Idea #5: A Drink That Fits the Theme

Whether the group prefers cocktails, mocktails, or simple seasonal beverages, drinks are always welcome.

You can bring:

• mulled cider

• peppermint hot chocolate mix

• a festive punch

• a holiday-themed bottle of wine

• a sweater koozie wrapped around a six-pack

If you bring something homemade, label it clearly—people love signature drinks at holiday gatherings.

Gift Idea #6: A DIY Mini Gift

If you enjoy making things, the holidays are the perfect excuse for creativity. A handmade gift adds charm even if it’s simple.

People adore receiving:

• handmade ornaments

• mini candles

• knitted coasters

• personalized gift tags

• hot cocoa jars layered with toppings

These gifts feel thoughtful and are especially cute in a festive setting.

Gift Idea #7: A Sweater Repair Kit (Funny but Useful)

Consider this the most unexpectedly practical thing you could bring.

Inside the kit:

• safety pins

• mini sewing kit

• fabric glue

• double-sided tape

• replacement pom-poms

• ornament hooks

It’s humorous—but helpful. Someone always loses a bell, pom-pom, or sequin during the night.

Gift Idea #8: A Backup Sweater for Someone Who Forgot

Let’s be honest: every year, someone forgets to wear a sweater. A spare sweater can save them from embarrassment and make you the unexpected hero of the party.

Choose something:

• over-the-top

• goofy

• bright

• crowd-pleasing

This little gesture adds to the party spirit in a memorable way.

Gift Idea #9: Host Appreciation Gift

If someone is opening their home for the party, bring a small thank-you item.

Perfect host gifts include:

• a seasonal candle

• fancy chocolates

• a cozy blanket

• a bottle of wine

• a holiday-themed kitchen towel

Hosts rarely expect gifts—but they always appreciate the gesture.

Gift Idea #10: A Themed Accessory for Your Outfit

While not technically something to bring, accessories help complete your look and elevate the party atmosphere.

Think:

• jingle bell necklaces

• light-up earrings

• Santa belts

• glitter nail designs

• elf shoes

• holiday beanies

Accessories transform good sweaters into unforgettable festive ugly sweater looks.

Gift Idea #11: A Fun Game

If you’re attending a casual gathering, a game can take the party from “fun” to “legendary.”

Bring games like:

• holiday trivia

• ugly sweater bingo

• meme card games

• truth-or-dare ornaments

• party charades

Games encourage mingling, laughing, and building memories.

Gift Idea #12: Extra Wrapping Supplies

Strangely enough, wrapping supplies turn into the star of white elephant parties. People grab them for fun, use them for props, or even use ribbon to decorate sweaters during the event.

Ribbon, bows, tape, or mini gift bags are shockingly useful.

Final Thoughts

A great ugly sweater christmas party isn’t about the fanciest gifts or the most expensive items. It’s about bringing something that adds to the joy, laughter, warmth, and playful chaos of the season. Whether you bring a themed dessert, a cozy gift, a clever game, or simply arrive in an unforgettable sweater, what matters most is that you contribute to the festive energy.

And don’t overthink it—holiday spirit thrives on simple, heartfelt effort. If it sparks a smile, it’s party-perfect.

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