Add Kids' Ugly Christmas Sweaters to Your Holiday Traditions

Ever wondered where the ugly Christmas sweater tradition came from? It all started in the mid-20th century when festive, decorative sweaters began popping up during the holiday season. But the real rise of the "ugly" sweater happened in the 1980s, thanks to pop culture. According to Dr. Maya Weir, a clinical psychologist and founder of Thriving California, their popularity skyrocketed after National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Clark Griswold's hilariously tacky holiday sweater became iconic.

Today, these sweaters are available in a variety of styles and sizes, with their appeal lying in their deliberate garishness. Joseph Tito, a parenting expert and founder of The Dad Diaries, describes them as "delightfully hideous creations that scream, 'I'm festive, and I know it!'"

The enduring popularity of ugly sweaters can also be attributed to their ability to provide a lighthearted way to alleviate holiday stress. As Tito explains, "Let's face it, the holidays are stressful—why not ease the tension by wearing something so over-the-top that it forces you to laugh?"

Kids love ugly Christmas sweaters

Kids love family traditions and ugly Christmas sweaters is a fun one. Weir explains, "It helps them learn they can rely on a certain rhythm of life. It also symbolizes quality time with parents and encourages play, crucial for children's self-expression and learning."

Tito adds that ugly Christmas sweaters appeal to children because they combine festivity with silliness. "It's like wearing Christmas magic on their sleeves—literally! Anything with flashing lights, pom-poms and glitter is an instant hit with my girls."

How to make an ugly Christmas sweater for a kid

If you're wondering how to make an ugly Christmas sweater for a kid, you'll be pleased to know that it doesn't require many materials to create something special.

Tito recommends, "Start with a plain sweater and gather some felt, googly eyes, non-toxic glue, tinsel, and perhaps a few old Christmas ornaments you're not too attached to." He adds a safety tip, "For kids, avoid anything sharp or overly sparkly—trust me, glitter is notoriously difficult to clean up."

For further inspiration, you can also turn to online platforms like YouTube and Pinterest, where you'll discover a treasure trove of DIY ideas and tutorials to guide your ugly sweater creation.

Where to buy a new ugly Christmas sweater for a kid

If you're not up for the DIY chaos, Tito says it's easy to find kids ugly Christmas sweaters in-store and online.

"There's a whole industry waiting to sell you the loudest, proudest ugly sweaters for kids," he explains. "Check out popular spots like Target, Walmart and Amazon. And for a more curated selection, Etsy's got some gems where 'ugly' truly becomes an art form."

How to choose cheap ugly Christmas sweaters for kids

Fortunately, there's no shortage of affordable, ugly Christmas sweaters for kids available in local thrift stores and online. Tito advises considering three key factors when shopping: cost, quality and durability.

"It's unwise to invest heavily in an item that might only be worn once, especially since children often outgrow clothing quickly," he points out. "Additionally, you'll want to avoid sweaters with loose embellishments that could fall off during festive activities like baking cookies together!"

For those looking to score deals, Tito recommends shopping early. "Ugly sweaters tend to sell out quickly. Keep an eye out for Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales, and utilize coupon codes to stay within budget. Thrift stores often offer unique, budget-friendly options that are ready for a second life."

Our favourite kids' ugly Christmas sweaters

Are you looking for ugly sweaters under $50? If so, check out our top picks from Amazon:

JOYIN Kid's Ugly Christmas Ugly Sweater

Light up your child's holiday party with this fun Amazon ugly sweater. It costs under $30, features LED lights with six patterns, and comes in three sizes. Additionally, it's made with non-toxic acrylic.

Simplee Kids Ugly Christmas Sweater Family Matching Outfits

If you want to create memorable holiday family photos, consider adding these matching ugly sweaters to your cart. They are available in 18 colours and various designs, including dinosaurs and llamas. Sizes range from infants to kids, and the sweaters are machine-washable. Best of all, they cost under $30 each.

BFUSTYLE Kids Ugly Christmas Sweater Girls

This beautifully designed ugly sweater is another must-have at under $30. It features 12 unique designs, is available in various sizes, and is made of soft knit fabric for comfort. Additionally, it offers a pullover fit and is conveniently machine-washable.

The best way to style an ugly Christmas sweater? According to Siobhan Alvarez-Borland, a DIY, parenting, and home expert, go heavy on the accessories.

"If you're rocking an ugly sweater, you've got to embrace the festive spirit from head to toe," she emphasizes. "For the ultimate comfort, pair your sweater with cozy leggings or even holiday-themed tights. Red, green or plaid adds a nice touch, or go all-in with reindeer, snowflake, or candy cane patterns."

Additionally, Alvarez-Borland says that ugly sweaters pair well with holiday socks or slippers. "Fluffy reindeer, penguin or Santa-face slippers will keep the vibe jolly, especially at a cozy holiday gathering," she says. "You can also go all-out with accessories like a Santa hat, reindeer antlers, or a pair of "Christmas lights" earrings. Try a jingle bell necklace or even some LED light necklaces to make the outfit twinkle."

Caring for kids' ugly Christmas sweaters

Washing and storing your kids' festive Christmas sweaters can be tricky, particularly if they have various embellishments. However, Alvarez-Borland offers advice to help you preserve those charming decorations so they're ready for next year's holiday season.

"First, if the sweater has any 3D elements—like pom-poms, bells, or googly eyes—turn it inside out before washing and place it in a mesh laundry bag," she explains. "Then, wash it on a gentle, cold cycle. Hand-washing is also ideal if the sweater has extra delicate or glued-on details, as it prevents decorations from loosening or falling off."

For storage, Alvarez-Borland recommends that the sweater be completely dry, then fold it and store it in a breathable cotton or muslin bag. "This keeps the colours vibrant and prevents any funky smells from sneaking in over the months," she says. "If the sweater has glitter or sequins, add a layer of tissue paper between each fold to prevent snags. And one last tip: avoid hanging it up since it can stretch the fibres over time."

Ugly Christmas sweater family photo ideas

Family-themed ugly sweaters are an absolute blast, especially when everyone's in on the joke together. Here are some fun ideas from Alvarez-Borland to keep family photos festive and coordinated:

Classic holiday

Looking for a Christmas card idea that'll make everyone smile? Consider this playful photo idea featuring your family as iconic holiday characters. Alvarez-Borland suggests, "Think Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer, elves, and snowmen—each family member can 'claim' a character. Let the family pet join as Rudolph or a mini Santa for an added laugh!"

12 days of Christmas

Take inspiration from this beloved Christmas song and create a family photo that Alvarez-Borland says is truly one of a kind. She suggests, "Divide the family into pairs and assign each pair a different day from the song, like 'Two Turtle Doves' or 'Four Calling Birds.' Each sweater gets decked out with quirky images to match the day—this one's fun because it's like a living advent calendar!"

Snow globes

Even if a white Christmas is not in the forecast this year, creating a snow globe family photo is something that everyone will love 'snow much.'

"Add a little 'snow globe pocket (clear plastic with glitter or pom-poms) on each sweater," Alvarez-Borland recommends. "Customize each one with tiny cut-outs that reflect everyone's favourite holiday activity, like skiing, baking, or chilling with hot cocoa."

The holiday season is filled with all kinds of fun activities and traditions. If you're looking for a new tradition to honour with your family, consider an ugly sweater. It's a fun way to bring the whole family together and allows kids to show off their creativity.

While there are lots of ugly sweaters available online, it's important to consider cost, quality, and durability as you shop. You can also make DIY ugly sweaters at home, which can be a great family activity. However, when creating homemade designs, it's always a good idea to prioritize safety and easy cleanup by avoiding sharp objects or excessive glitter.

Experts:

• Joseph Tito is a parenting expert and the founder of The Dad Diaries.
• Siobhan Alvarez-Borland is a DIY, home, and parenting expert.
• Dr. Maya Weir is a clinical psychologist, supervisor, and Thriving California founder.