The annual Christmas cracker tug of war is engrained within our seasonal celebrations and retains its thrill no matter how old you get. Who’s going to get the prize? You await with bated breath…
...Only for all your hopes and dreams to be dashed by an oversized paper clip and a paper hat that got torn in the process. Why did you even bother trying so hard? That time could’ve been spent scoffing more pigs in blankets.
Of course, part of the fun of a cracker is the child-like excitement of potentially winning and the anticipation of the prize you will claim. There is also something comical about the utterly useless nature of most of the titbits within.
But then again, wouldn’t the whole cracker-pulling tradition be all the more exciting if there was something worthwhile inside; something you actually wanted?
Well, fear not, because we’ve found exactly what you’re looking for. Geared towards the individual preferences of your guests, we’ve selected an array of festive fancies, from the absurd to the glamorous.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional option or something a bit zanier, these party pieces will bring the Christmas cheer and set the pace for the big feast to follow.
Shop the best below.
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Moët & Chandon Impérial Mini Rosé Champagne Cracker, 20cl
Who doesn’t feel special with a flute of Moët in their hand? Treat your dinner guests to this joyous mini bottle of bubbly encased in a rose-hued cracker, and they’ll love you more than Santa. Prepare your palate for fresh fruity flavours and a hint of pink grapefruit to wash down your Christmas Pudding.
Buy now £24.00, John Lewis
Molton Brown Fruity & Floral Christmas Cracker Bodycare Gift Set
This is the Rolls Royce of the Christmas Cracker world - and would also make a superb stocking stuffer. Filled with a range of Molton Brown’s fruity-floral smelling shower gels (there’s also a woody and aromatic version), this cracker will not disappoint, no matter the age or gender of who receives it.
Buy now £20.00, lookfantastic
Hotel Chocolat Rather Large Chocolate Christmas Cracker
Start your Christmas with a BANG with Hotel Chocolat’s fully-functioning two feet cracker. This unapologetically huge centrepiece is brimful of 40 luxury chocolates, as well as 12 paper crowns and jokes. There’ll be no losers pulling this cracker - there’s enough inside for the whole table.
Buy now £36.00, Hotel Chocolat
Kaneo Furrytail of New York: Box of Six
You’ll be the cat that got the cream when you snag these gorgeous velvety bangers. These beauties also double up as nametags (they come with mini chalkboards and gold letter stickers) so you needn’t bother cluttering your table with yet another item. Not for the faint hearted, these are the wildcard addition to your table - for party animals who like things on the frisky side.
Buy now £59.00, Kaneo
Limited-Edition set of six Heinz Tomato Ketchup Crackers
Available from November 1, each of these gold and red crackers includes a mini jar of Heinz’ iconic Ketchup, a traditional Christmas hat and a punny sauce-based joke. These are sure to raise a few laughs (and groans) around the dinner table... and are the perfect accompaniment to your turkey roast if cranberry sauce isn’t your thing.
Buy now £19.00, Heinz
Advent of Change Colourful Christmas Crackers, Pack of 6
Buying this eco-friendly pack of crackers will not only make a welcome addition to any Christmas party, but will also contribute to a range of 24 amazing charities. To help Advent of Change raise vital funds, all jokes have also been supplied by a host of celebrities, with laughs (or eye rolls) guaranteed.
Buy now £25.95, John Lewis
Boe Gin Cracker Gift Set 4 x 5cl
Add some gin-gle to your Christmas dinner and bring a smile to your guests’ faces. Leave the traditional non-alcoholic crackers to the kids; it’s time to get merry and bright with this selection of Boe Gin. Flavours range from original Scottish gin to peach and hibiscus, and each bottle is accompanied by an all-important paper hat and gin joke.
Buy now £17.99, VIP Bottles
Jo Malone London Christmas Cracker
Who doesn’t love Jo Malone? The luxury perfume brand is known for its divine scents and can be found on many a Christmas list. So, in the true festive spirit, why not present some of their gorgeous products - including cologne, hand wash and body crème - in cracker form? Whether you place one in front of every guest around the table, or just gift it to one lucky person, this cracker is the ultimate token of appreciation.
Buy now £32.00, lookfantastic
NANCY & BETTY London Christmas Crackers Set of 6
In the words of Davy Jones: “Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner, I love London so!” These kitschy crackers offer a cheeky spin on traditional festive motifs and colours, lavishing your Christmas table with an extra sense of fun. Inside each is an adorable miniature prizes, including a nutmeg grater, mini whisk and honey drizzler.
Buy now £49.95, Liberty London
Christmas Honey Crackers, Set of 6
The hardworking bees on Fortnum & Mason’s rooftop have been extra busy this year. They’ve produced a set of six honey-themed Christmas crackers, each buzzing with a different gift inside. From Chef Truffle Honey to Ling Heather Honey Gin, your guests are sure to be sweet on these luxury golden crackers.
Buy now £575.00, Fortnum & Mason
