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The best crackers to help Christmas 2024 go off with a bang
Tired of tacky toys that get ditched after the meal? These designer crackers offer treats you and your family will love and keep
Aside from the big Christmas Day meal, crackers are the star of the festive table. Let’s be honest, though, some of them can be a little naff – from bad jokes to plasticky trinkets that are destined for landfill. This year, why not invest in crackers that will provide more joy. We’ve hunted down the very best luxury options, full of tantalising treats, as well as more sustainable options and personalised cracker sets that will let you add gifts that suit your favourite people.
‘Scandi’ crackers, Little Green Cracker Company
Even the red ribbon on these crackers, which are all handmade in Devon, is made from recycled plastic bottles. They are the choice for those that want a conscious option that doesn’t compromise on style. Inside, expect gifts that include pea shoots to plant in your garden, seed balls, candles and coffee grounds. £45 for six crackers, littlegreencrackercompany.co.uk
Christmas crackers, The Dorchester
Bring a touch of old-school glamour to your holiday celebrations with these elegant crackers from iconic London hotel The Dorchester. Designed to dazzle your holiday table, each cracker is filled with luxurious surprises, sure to delight. The crackers are filled with luxurious – and useful – treats including a Champagne stopper, purse hook, keyring and hand cream. £90 for six crackers, dorchestercollection.com
Marbled Christmas crackers, John Lewis
From the paper hats to the mottos, all John Lewis crackers are made from FSC certified paper and card and are fully recyclable and plastic-free. These stylish marbled designs have a striking palette that will bring a touch of contemporary cool to your celebrations. £23 for 10 crackers, johnlewis.com
Luxury crackers, Petersham Nurseries
Handmade in the UK from recyclable materials, these retro marbled crackers are filled with homespun treats such as garden twine, a nail brush and a bar of soap, all designed to make everyday life a little bit more joyful. £55 for six crackers, petershamnurseries.com
Set of six Christmas Crackers, Kit Kemp
Designed to be used for celebrations throughout the year, not just as Christmas, these doggy-themed crackers are thoughtfully bang-free, so they won’t scare your pets. Illustrated by Willow Kemp, each one contains a paper hat plus a sustainable gift – scented soap, a wooden tape measure, or a ‘Sprout’ pencil which, once planted will grow into a basil plant. £75 for six crackers, kitkemp.com
‘White Berry’ crackers, Sophie Conran
These handmade designs are perfect for a more pared-back minimal table on the big day. They feature a delicate mistletoe design and a plush velvet ribbon, and come stuffed with covetable gifts that include cookie cutters, an egg cup and bottle opener – they’re metal, so make sure you pull with caution! £40 for six crackers, sophieconran.com
‘All that glitter and gold’ crackers, Forever Crackers
If the waste caused by this annual tradition normally puts you off and you don’t have the time/inclination to craft reusable crackers yourself, these might be the solution you need. Bundled with fabric crowns, these crackers include an explanation on how to rebuild them year after year, filling with your choice of treats. £185 for six crackers, forevercrackers.com
Silver Disco Christmas Crackers, Rockett St George
Guaranteed to get the festive party started, these metallic silver crackers carry the spirit of disco within them. Finished with stylish black bows, they’ll bring some shimmer to your dinner table or will make the perfect icebreaker at a cocktail party. £45 for six crackers, rockettstgeorge.co.uk
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