For some families, Christmas dinner isn’t the same without an array of Christmas crackers adorning the table. Trouble is, until you pull them on Christmas day you have no idea what’s inside. You could be stuck with plastic thimbles, a useless sewing kit or one of those screwdrivers that breaks after 5 minutes.
That’s why we have put some of the best known brands to the test and pulled ten of the best Christmas crackers, so you aren’t disappointed this year:
George Home Premium Cracker – £5 for 8
Great value for money and if you have a large family why not buy two packs? There are two designs, a gold star and a silver snowflake and the crackers contain hats, jokes and super gifts including compact mirrors, model airplanes and puzzles.
From: asda.com
Kuckoo Krackers Christmas Crackers – Pop Band Game – £12.99 for 8
This set of Christmas crackers features a pop band game that you can play after the big dinner. You can either recreate some of the greatest 80’s hits or make up your own band. Crackers include game instructions, hats, jokes and stickers.
From: tesco.com
Linea Rustic Stag And Robin Crackers –£18.00 for 10
Stylish crackers here that feature a rustic design with a gorgeous glittery finish that would look lovely on any table. Inside each cracker you’ll find a hat, a joke and some really nice little gifts including silver dice, measuring spoons, silver pens and a lovely miniature skittle game.
From: houseoffraser.co.uk
John Lewis Crackertoa – £18 for 6
Lots of bang for your buck here with these crackers that are like little mini fireworks when you pull them apart. They actually have a small firework built in so when you pull they really pop and a bang of confetti bursts out. Gifts include bottle openers, measuring spoons and screwdrivers.
From: johnlewis.com
Lakeland Nutcracker Christmas Crackers – £19.99 for 6
These are classic and will end up hanging on your Christmas tree for years to come. Each cracker contains a gorgeous little hand-painted miniature nutcracker soldier with hanging loop, all ready to be hung on the tree. You also get a hat and a joke.
From: Lakeland.co.uk
Marks & Spencer Gold Leaf Christmas Crackers – £30 for 6
You get 6 luxury crackers that look amazing as they feature an intricate laser-cut gold leaf on the outside and finished with gold ribbons. In each cracker you get a joke, a hat and a lovely gift.
From: marksandspencer.com
Nancy and Betty Pheasant Crackers – £35 for 6
These crackers are especially suited for traditional settings and feature festive red ribbons and pheasant prints. Inside feature a range of wooden gifts that include colouring pencils and honey dippers and metal gifts such as egg cups and a star cookie cutter.
From: paperchase.co.uk
Selfridges Lynn Haney Santa Crackers – £38.00 for 6
Another traditional cracker here from Selfridges that feature a lovely Santa and Christmas tree design with a 3D appliqué on the outside. Inside you get some unusual gifts including magic tricks to surprise your guests and stationary items.
From: Selfridges.com
Toast Christmas Crackers – £39.00 for 6
You get six crackers that are made using Nepalese lokta papers that have been printed by women living in the Kathmandu Valleys of Nepal. Inside you get some really lovely gifts including incense sticks, mini glass tree decoration, flowering tea bomb and hand carved wooden block print.
From: toa.st/uk
Katie Leamon Cream And Rose Gold Christmas Crackers – £44.95 for 6
Designed with nature-lovers in mind, every one of these crackers features a gift that is related to nature in some way, so there’s garden twine, plant markers, seed scoops and even a bumble bee soap. All wrapped up in a gorgeous cream and rose gold print.
From: harrods.com