Sweepstakes are usually all about scoring cool prizes like cash, gift cards, or vacations. But sometimes, brands take things in a totally unexpected (and hilarious) direction. Over the years, companies have given away some truly wild and unforgettable prizes — the kind that make you do a double take.
Here are seven of the strangest sweepstakes prizes ever awarded — and why they prove that anything can happen when you enter to win.
1. A Trip to the Moon… Almost
One tech brand once offered a prize that included astronaut training and the promise of a future seat on a commercial spaceflight. While the winner didn’t get launched into orbit (yet), the prize included a simulated zero-gravity experience and VIP access to aerospace facilities. Not your average weekend getaway.
2. A Custom Zombie Makeover
In a promo for a popular horror TV show, a sweepstakes winner got a full Hollywood-style zombie transformation — complete with prosthetics, fake blood, and a photoshoot. Some people get spa days. Others get undead makeovers.
3. A Giant Block of Cheese
One dairy company gave away a 40-pound block of cheddar cheese. The winner had to figure out how to store it, share it, or — somehow — eat it before it expired. One thing’s for sure: their next party had the ultimate charcuterie board.
4. A Personalized Voice Message from a Goat
Yes, you read that right. In a quirky farm brand giveaway, winners received audio clips of a goat “bleating” their name, complete with personalized messages from the “spokesgoat.” It was weird, adorable, and totally viral.
5. Your Face on a Potato Chip Bag
Some snack brands like to get creative, and one sweepstakes gave winners the chance to have their face printed on limited-edition chip bags. Friends, family, and random grocery shoppers all got to snack with your smiling mug on the shelf.
6. A Year’s Supply of Socks
Some people dream of cars or vacations… others just want warm feet. One apparel company awarded a full year’s worth of socks — enough pairs to keep you cozy every day without doing laundry. Practical, if not exactly thrilling.
7. A Backyard Roller Coaster
In one unforgettable grand prize, a home improvement store gave away a mini roller coaster installation for your backyard. Yes, it actually worked. Yes, it was the size of a small car. And yes, neighborhood kids were very impressed.
Expect the Unexpected
One of the most fun things about entering sweepstakes is never knowing what kind of prize could be around the corner. While not every contest comes with an over-the-top twist, the ones that do remind us that this hobby is full of surprises.
So keep entering — because the next weird, wonderful prize might have your name on it.
