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The best crackers to help Christmas 2025 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.
‘Ocellus Napkin Crackers’, Oka
Featuring Oka’s signature ‘Ocellus’ print, these unique crackers are made of block-printed fabric inspired by traditional Indian block-leaf designs. A sustainable gift containing charming gifts accompanied with artwork prints, making them a stylish and unique addition to your festive table. Set of four for £95, oka.com
‘Christmas Crackers’, Toast
Made and printed by hand in the Kathmandu valleys of Nepal, these playful crackers are made of Fairtrade lokta paper and finished with a blue ribbon with each cracker containing a handmade gift. Even after the festivities are over, the cracker papers and the box can be recycled. Set of six for £46, toa.st
‘Marble’ Christmas crackers, Heal’s
All of the gifts in these crackers that are handmade in the UK are crafted from recycled leather – from a bookmark to a luggage tag and more. They are handy treats that will be enjoyed beyond the big day. £65, heals.com
‘Blackthorn’ foiled crackers, Morris & Co
For the traditionalists among us, these crackers featuring one of William Morris’s most well-known patterns would be the perfect finishing touch for a festive table. Velvet bows and reusable gifts mean they are more than just aesthetically pleasing. £40, johnlewis.com
‘Clementine’ luxury crackers, Nancy & Betty
Normally we would be disappointed to receive a clementine on Christmas day, but we will happily make an exception for these crackers. Far from the sad satsuma at the bottom of the stocking they are a fun alternative to ubiquitous red and green tablescaping schemes. £39, nancyandbetty.com
‘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
‘Crimson Crush’ Christmas crackers, The Hambledon
Stripes have been a big decorating trend this year, so it only feels right to invite them to the Christmas feast. Not only do these crackers look the part, they also dump the plastic gifts in favour of vintage sweets and treats. £28, thehambledon.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
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
‘Nutcracker Ballet Crackers’, Meri Meri
Bringing the magic of the Nutcracker ballet to life with these fun and exquisitely designed party crackers. Made to perfection, they feature different characters with their unique embellishments that are almost too beautiful to open, but they are filled with delightful surprises inside. Set of six for £30, merimeri.co.uk
‘Rock & Roll Cracker’, Rockett St George
Guaranteed to get the festive party started, these bold crackers carry the spirit of Rock and Roll within them. Finished with stylish pink bows and punchy lyrics, they will bring some rebellious energy to your dinner table or will make the perfect icebreaker at a cocktail party. Set of six for £45, rockettstgeorge.co.uk
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