Sweepstakes are usually associated with big-ticket prizes like luxury cars, vacation packages and hefty cash payouts. But what about the truly strange giveaways? From quirky items to outlandish experiences, there’s no shortage of weird and wonderful prizes people have actually won in the sweepstakes world. While some might be head-scratching, others are downright hilarious. Whether you’re here for a laugh or just curious about the oddest giveaways out there, you’re in for a treat. Here’s a roundup of the weirdest sweepstakes prizes that people have actually walked away with. Prepare to be amazed!
A Full Year’s Supply of… Spaghetti
We’re not talking about a simple box or two here. In 2019, a lucky winner of a sweepstakes sponsored by a popular pasta brand walked away with a full year’s supply of spaghetti. Not just any spaghetti, mind you, but enough to feed a family of four for 365 days. This unusual prize had the internet buzzing…after all, who really needs that much pasta? Imagine trying to store that many noodle boxes!
A 10-Year Supply of Toilet Paper
In 2020, when toilet paper was in short supply worldwide due to the pandemic, one lucky person won a sweepstakes that promised a 10-year supply of the absorbent wonder. While the idea of never running out of TP sounds convenient, the sheer volume of it probably turned out to be more overwhelming than exciting. The winner likely had to set up a dedicated storage space to house it all. But hey, they had a decade’s worth of comfort!
A Giant Chewing Gum Sculpture
What do you do with a giant sculpture made entirely of chewing gum? In 2018, a sweepstakes offered just that…a life-sized chewing gum sculpture of the winner’s choice. This prize may have been the dream of someone who admires overly unique art, but for most, it was more bizarre than appealing.
The World’s Largest Ball of Twine
Some sweepstakes go all out to capture the imagination and attention of a potential winner. In 2019, a strange sweepstakes offered a trip to the world’s largest ball of twine in Cawker City, Kansas. The prize included airfare, a tour of the ball of twine, and a free T-shirt to commemorate the visit. Though not much of a “luxury” trip and definitely not a traditional tourist hotspot, the charm of twine was apparently enough to draw in fans of odd attractions!
A Lifetime Supply of Free Mustard
The mustard-loving world was shaken in 2017 when a major condiment brand gave away a lifetime supply of mustard to a random winner. No one really knows what a lifetime supply of mustard looks like, but this winner’s kitchen likely became an entire shelf dedicated to tangy, yellow bottles!
An Entire Town Named After You
This one is both bizarre and impressive. A Canadian businessman offered a sweepstakes prize where the winner would get to have an entire town named after them. Yes, you read that correctly…a town. The lucky winner of the “Name Your Own Town Sweepstakes” could choose a new name for a tiny settlement in Canada, along with the rights to celebrate its new identity!
A Collection of Taxidermy Animals
In a strange, yet oddly fitting, sweepstakes prize, one participant won an entire collection of taxidermy animals. From stuffed bears to mounted birds, the winner became the proud owner of a rather bizarre display of wildlife in their home. While some may find taxidermy fascinating, others would have been horrified at the thought of having these creatures as permanent houseguests. But you can’t argue that it was a controversial as well as a bizarre home addition!
A Single, Very Expensive Potato
Yep, as odd as that is, a single potato was truly a prize. In 2017, a sweepstakes promoted by a famous snack company awarded one lucky winner a prize that included the world’s most expensive potato. The potato was genetically modified to grow a rare variety and even came with a certificate of authenticity. Although most people might prefer a bag of chips instead, this potato certainly made a statement. A potato that costs more than most dinners is a head-scratcher for sure!
A Lifetime of Free Pizza (But With a Catch)
Who wouldn’t want a lifetime supply of pizza? One sweepstakes, back in 2018, promised exactly that. However, the catch was that the winner could only claim their pizza once a day and had to redeem it at the same chain. This meant no pizza parties or variety…just a singular brand of pizza for the rest of their life. Pizza every day sounds fun…until it gets repetitive!
A Pet Rock
You probably remember the pet rock craze from the ’70s, but one sweepstakes prize in the more modern age brought it back with a twist…a handpicked pet rock. Winners got a rock chosen just for them, complete with eyes, a leash and even its own “birth certificate.” Rocks are low-maintenance, sure, but they don’t exactly offer companionship. A rock, dressed up as a pet. Cute? Maybe.
Conclusion
While most sweepstakes prize packages tend to lean toward the traditional, it’s the odd and unexpected giveaways that sometimes stand out most. From mountains of pasta to pet rocks, these strange prizes prove that sweepstakes can take a wild turn. Whether you’re looking for your own quirky prize or just love a good laugh, remember that anything can happen in the world of sweepstakes!
