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The best Christmas crackers for your dinner table in 2023
Say goodbye to plastic tat and bad jokes 👋
Pulling a Christmas cracker over dinner is a festive non-negotiable tradition, but hands up if you’re getting a little tired of the poorly-written jokes and flimsy paper crowns? Because we know we are.
Luckily, it’s 2023, and brands are getting a little more creative when it comes to their designs, and most importantly their offerings. Yup, that’s right – a lot of crackers are now filled with loads of ace goodies, including delish chocolate, beauty bits, booze (flavoured gin, yes please), and games to entertain the whole family after the roast is gone.
And if you’re concerned about single-use plastics, there are *plenty* of plastic-free or more sustainable options, too. So, we’ve picked out 20 of our fave Christmas crackers available right now, so that you can actually start getting excited about winning a prize this year. Yay!
Here's our six favourite Christmas crackers at a glance:
- Best luxury Christmas crackers - Fortnum's Christmas Truffles Crackers
- Best activity Christmas crackers - Taskmaster Christmas Crackers
- Best customisable Christmas crackers - Neom's Build A Cracker
- Best chocolate Christmas crackers - Rather Large Chocolate Christmas Cracker
- Best aesthetic Christmas crackers - Habitat Marbled Christmas Crackers
- Best eco Christmas crackers - The Little Green Cracker Company's Starry Night Eco Christmas Cracker Set
Fortnum and Mason Fortnum's Christmas Truffles Crackers
Christmas is the time for sweet treats, after all. Each cracker contains a Pink Marc de Champagne Truffle drum - about as boujie as cracker gifts get tbh. Spenny, but worth it for something special.
Number of crackers: Six
Puzzle Post Taskmaster Christmas Crackers
Calling all Taskmaster fans: these crackers each contain a secret task, a Christmas dinner table task and an after-dinner team task - prepping you for hours of fun. Let the games begin
Number of crackers: Six
This customisable cracker by Neom is fab. You can pick which treats go inside (choose from essential oils, body butters, pillow mists and more) to create your perfect combo. It’s all vegan-friendly, too.
FYI, the price depends on which bits you include in your cracker.
Number of crackers: Sold individually
Hotel Chocolat Rather Large Chocolate Christmas Cracker
Forget paltry individual crackers with one teeny morsel in – this year, we’re opting for one mega one instead. This Hotel Chocolat number has 40 (!!) yummy chocolates – more than enough to feed everyone at the dinner table. It comes with 12 paper hats and jokes too, to keep things traditional.
Number of crackers: Sold individually
If you're done with cliché Christmas decor, go for this unique marbled set - making your dinner table look like a literal work of art.
Number of crackers: Six
The Little Green Cracker Company needs to be on your radar if you're concerned about single use plastics and having a greener Christmas, as all their crackers are handmade and plastic free, complete with recycled plastic ribbons. Oh, and the designs are stunning too.
We couldn't resist these cute Christmas tree crackers. Each one contains a miniature cooking utensil and a specially-selected recipe from an F&M cook book. A sweet keepsake for guests.
Number of crackers: Six
Who needs trinkets and sweet treats? This Sephora cracker comes with five pure silk scrunchies from SLIP. Practical and pretty.
Number of crackers: Sold individually
This cracker comes filled with four 50ml fruity shower gel bottles - making for a sweet stocking filler, or a fancy gift for each of your dinner guests.
Number of crackers: Sold individually
Hallmark Foliage Design Christmas Crackers - Pack of 6 in 2 Designs
Hallmark, aka creators of great Christmas cards and classic movies, are here with their own cracker set. And, well, judging by their festive reputation, we'd bet these are going to be pretty fab. They come in two designs with the usual small gifts inside.
Number of crackers: Six
Expecting a big table? Fill every seat with this 24-pack of crackers. Plus, the block red colour scheme keeps things looking slick.
Number of crackers: 24
We love these simple white and silver crackers, perfect for matching any table colour scheme. Plus, donations are made to the Trussel Trust for every cracker bought.
Number of crackers: Six
Another Hotel Chocolat treat, but it’s the teeny version. These minimalist crackers (which double up as place cards) each hold a chocolate, and there’s 10 in a set.
Number of crackers: 10
Seriously, who doesn’t love a good soak in the tub? This supersize cracker comes with three bath bombs, the perfect antidote to your Christmas shopping stress.
Number of crackers: Sold individually
This is *such* a cool idea. Not only are these crackers recyclable and plastic free, but they also include an escape-room-style game to play at the table when you've finished your roast. They're a need, not a want.
Number of crackers: Six
Okay, so they’re a liiiiitle bit pricey but we’re kinda obsessed with Fortnum and Mason’s elegant crackers. Each one has a special treat from the flagship Piccadilly store, including champagne bottle stoppers, tea strainers and more. Basically, they’re fancy AF.
Number of crackers: Six
Another F&M pick here, but these are way less spenny. Crafted in the classic Fortnum colours, these would look super luxe on your table spread. Inside, you’ll find a paper crown, a joke, a recipe and a cute lil’ kitchen utensil to go with it.
Number of crackers: Six
Gin is always a good idea. These crackers have a dram (enough for one G&T) in each, including fancy-sounding options such as a bathtub gin, a cherry gin and an American dry gin, among others.
Number of crackers: Six
These are very pretty. If you like your decs more on the extra side, these are the ones for you.
Number of crackers: Six
No little bits and bobs in these, but there is a racetrack and some wind-up elves (lol). So, once you've pulled the crackers, set up the track and see which elf will reign supreme.
Number of crackers: Six
Lauren was Hearst UK’s Homes and Garden writer, covering the latest trends, sales and product launches for Good Housekeeping, Country Living and House Beautiful, and previously for Cosmopolitan, Red, ELLE, Prima and Harper’s Bazaar. Lauren’s specialism is interiors – whether it’s offering tips on how to perfect a seasonal tablescape or trying out viral kitchenware. She is committed to finding the best-value deals during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day too, so readers can buy with confidence and save money.
Lauren graduated with a BA in English Literature and Journalism in 2013 and has worked in various editorial roles across the UK, Southeast Asia and North America since 2015. She previously wrote for a local London newspaper, covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle to politics and wellness. When not writing, Lauren can be found bargain hunting for pre-loved trinkets and clothes at various car boot sales across the capital.
Follow Lauren on instagram @laurenkatehannah
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