Christmas crackers are an important feature on any festive table – yet dinner guests rarely enjoy receiving the plastic whistle, ruler or throwaway joke found inside.
As such, there’s now a market filled with lavish crackers fighting to appear alongside your Christmas dinner and eager to provide gifts much more enjoyable than the usual cheap trinkets on offer.
Hosts looking for something extra special might want to plump for one of these luxurious and fun alternatives – including luxury homeware brand AMARA’s £175 reusable offering to a £40 box filled with gin and tonics.
So how can you decide which products to invest your hard-earned money in? FEMAIL have put 11 luxury Christmas crackers to the test – with Franklin & Sons Gin and Tonic Christmas Crackers proving to be one of the best, priced at £40 for six.
Postbox Party Christmas Nutcracker Table Crackers, which cost £35 for six, also impressed thanks to the collection’s ‘beautiful design and very high quality feel’.
Adding a little elegance to your festive table, these Franklin & Sons’ crackers feature red and green decorations sketched onto a white package
Franklin & Sons Gin and Tonic Christmas Crackers
Rating: 
Cost: £40 (six pack)
Adding a little elegance to your festive table, these Franklin & Sons’ crackers feature red and green decorations sketched onto a white package.
These include six pairs of gin and tonics, and the obligatory party hat.
Jessica said: ‘These scream class, elegance and sophistication – and for an altogether more reasonable price than most other luxury crackers, costing £40 for six.
‘In the crackers, customers receive an award-winning gin and mixer combination, including classics from Sipsmith and Rock Rose, alongside the latest innovations from Warner’s, Manchester Gin, Silent Pool and Masons.
‘These look amazing in the box and would look gorgeous in any festive tablescape – with the simple tree and bauble pattern appearing so classy and the cardboard feeling thick and expensive.
‘They also include a game to be played inside – rather than a cheesy Dad joke – and offer a wide range of flavours.
‘These aren’t child friendly, for obvious reasons, so might be better suited to a festive dinner party rather than a Christmas day offering, but all in all they boast very luxurious qualities.
They don’t get a better rating because they are always my favorite crackers and I found that I wasn’t getting the Dad joke.
AMARA x Forever Crackers
The sustainable Forever crackers were created with Baobab Collection in AMARA
Rating:
Cost: £175 (six pack)
Forever Crackers are a sustainable product that Baobab Collection collaborated with AMARA.
These include six miniature scented Baobab candles as well as matching fabric crowns from Italian silk or fine linen.
Jessica comments: These looked so amazing, I couldn’t wait to get them open. The box was well packed and the fabric is soft.
“Upon receiving them, I was overwhelmingly impressed by the beautiful box in which they arrived. It’s black-and-white striped, and looked extremely sophisticated. The product felt more like a gift to a friend than a table accessory.
“And, the best thing about these crackers is that they can be reused and reassembled again easily thanks to ribbons attached on the cracker’s fabric as well as Velcro.
‘While the price could initially put people off, the grandeur of the cracker – from it’s fabric crown to fit any sized head to the impressive gifts included, which in this case were delightful candles that smell exquisite – does ask for a higher cost.
“They boast the best bang every cracker should have, in my opinion. This is a fantastic collection for those who wish to indulge in Christmas shopping.
“However, the final price seems a little steep for Christmas crackers. But if you have your heart set on reusable, these are the best I’ve ever tried.”
Postbox Party Christmas Tree Green Crackers
These crackers, which are Christmas-themed, feature a silver foil shimmer and a tissue fringe. Every cracker includes a glitter star brooch that can be reused, as well as a hat with jokes and a hat.
Rating:
Cost: £35 (six pack)
These crackers, which are Christmas-themed, feature a silver foil shimmer and a tissue fringe. The crackers come with a glitter star brooch that can be reused, as well as a hat or joke.
Bridie states that these are beautiful and would make a great Christmas centerpiece. Although they look extremely homemade, it’s not necessarily a negative thing. They are unique and beautiful.
“The brooch in the box is cute, and it can actually be used again. This is something that is not possible with most crackers. It was also of good quality and didn’t feel like it would rip off your head.
I’m sorry, but you can’t pull at both ends. It’s half of the fun to see who takes it.
“But, we do love them once pulled. They make beautiful Christmas tree decorations.
Fever Tree Christmas Crackers
A festive treat for gin lovers, this box of Fever-Tree crackers includes four G&T pairings and is exclusive to John Lewis & Partners
Rating:
Cost: £32 (four pack)
A festive treat for gin lovers, this box of Fever-Tree crackers includes four G&T pairings and is exclusive to John Lewis & Partners.
Lottie states: “The fever tree cracker, at first glance, looks very elegant. It would be an excellent aesthetic addition to any Christmas table.
“It is available in various muted colours and includes a bottle with tonic water, Edinburgh gin and the classic party hat and joke.
“The pink cracker contained an aroma tonic water, frankincense, and myrrh.
“Everything about this cracker has a great quality, except for one: it did not give any bang when pulled. This cracker is a great addition to any Christmas celebration for gin enthusiasts if you are able to let it go.
Post Christmas Cracker drinks
Drinks By Post Christmas cracker is 100% recyclable and free of plastic. Every cracker has a personal name printed in handwritten calligraphy.
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Cost: £100 (six pack)
Drinks By Post Christmas cracker is 100% recyclable and free of plastic. Every cracker has a personal name printed in handwritten calligraphy.
You can fill the cracker with either a Belgian Hot Chocolate Stir Stick or a double-measure cocktail.
Jessica says: ‘This arrived and instantly put a smile on my face upon opening the packaging. The cracker’s front featured a chosen name, which was beautifully engraved with delicate ribbons that held the pink pieces together.
‘Making any guest feel instantly more special, the reusable cracker was a memorable addition to have at the table.
‘Not only thanks to the classy decoration, but this addition proved to be a hit due to the delicious treats waiting inside – including a Belgian hot chocolate stirring stick.
‘I would definitely recommend this as it’s a great cracker to add to a dinner table and means you send your diners away with an unforgettable, reusable gift.’
Postbox Party Christmas Nutcracker Table Crackers
Six crackers come in each box. Their shapes resemble soldiers and ballerinas.
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Cost: £35 (six pack)
Six crackers are included in each pack. The shape of the crackers resembles that of soldiers or ballerinas. Reusable wooden cracker gifts are a wonderful play area that can be used again and again.
Bridie said: “The first thing that I noticed was their snap!” It’s probably the loudest crackle I have ever heard when pulling out a cracker. I can smell it!
“They are beautifully made and feel high-quality. I would definitely purchase them if I were hosting a Christmas party.
“I love the theme and it’s a great idea for families. I can imagine the fun of having my siblings decide which cracker will be the princess or the ballerina.
“The hat, paper and brooch are also fun. The brooch is also reusable.
All That Glitters and Gold from Forever Crackers
Six luxury handmade luxury reusable crackers featuring fabric crowns in All that Glitters and Gold. Every set includes re-make instructions and a box with branding.
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Cost: £215 (six pack)
Six luxury handmade luxury reusable crackers featuring fabric crowns in All That Glitters and Gold.
Each set comes with re-make instructions in a branded box as well as either a beautiful rainbow clip or gorgeous hair bow from Mimi & Lula or luxury patterned socks from Jimmy Lion.
Jessica says: ‘These are sure to add a little glitz and glam to any festive experience. They arrive beautifully packaged in a branded box, with simple instructions on how to re-make the reusable products after you’ve first enjoyed them.
‘Featuring shimmering gold material with pink and blue detailing, teamed with white ribbons, the crackers are elegant without being too eye-catching.
‘They also feature an array of treats – including hair pieces from Mimi & Lula or luxury patterned socks from Jimmy Lion.’
JJ Whitley Vodka cracker gift set
JJ Whitley Vodka cracker gift set includes six crackers with a 50ml mini of each flavoured vodka.
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Cost: £19.99 (six pack)
JJ Whitley Vodka cracker gift set includes six crackers with a 50ml miniatur of each flavoured vodka.
They include Vanilla, Raspberry and Watermelon and Lime flavours as well as the traditional Artisanal Russian Vodka.
Jessica said, “These Christmas crackers will add variety to your Christmas table.
These packaging is festive and elegant with snowflake printed in various colours. They add a touch of glamour for an affordable price.
“And this is even before you open them. Each cracker offers a miniature version of vodka.
They taste great when eaten straight.
“The Passion Fruit Russian Vodka Minis and Blue Raspberry Russian Vodka Minis stood out as the most delicious. However, I would’ve liked the option of the mixer or something else to add a little extra pizzazz to this collection.’
Matchimony Personalised Reusable Christmas Crackers
The soft satin material of these reusable crackers can be personalized with any message. These crackers arrive unfilled and are not meant to be pulled.
Rating:
Cost: £70 (four pack)
Soft satin is used to make these reusable crackers. You can personalize them with any message. The crackers come empty and are not meant to be pulled.
You can open the satin square by pulling on velvet ribbons. They are also washable.
Claire said: “Opening the selection of personalized crackers was an unforgettable experience. The mixed colors of satin fabric and the elegant ribbons caught my eye immediately, but they didn’t look tacky.”
“The classy gold name embellishments on the individual pieces made it an instant favorite in our home.
These are great additions for any table, year after year.
These are a great buy if you’re looking for a unique treat that can be reused and a high-quality item that can last.
“However, some may be put off by the absence of treats in them. While it is a great excuse to personalise and include small gifts that your loved ones would enjoy, it adds an additional expense to an already expensive selection.
Advent of Change Charity Christmas Crackers
Each Advent of Change Christmas cracker donates £2 to a different charity and inside is a note telling you exactly what organisation you’ve helped
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Cost: £25.95 (six pack)
Each Advent of Change Christmas cracker donates £2 to a different charity and inside is a note telling you exactly what organisation you’ve helped, from those aiming to clear plastic from UK shores, to the supporting of key workers.
The new crackers are completely plastic-free and entirely recyclable, while the jokes have been written by celebrities – from Joanna Lumley to Richard Branson.
Abbey says that “The Advent of Change crackers are a beautiful addition to any Christmas dinner table.” After cracking open them, they make you feel festive and warm.
Each cracker includes a cardboard ornament explaining the recipient and how they are making a difference. This is a great way to show your appreciation for Christmas.
‘Although £26 is a bit pricey compared to other brands and considering it doesn’t come with a typical gift, knowing that 80 per cent is going to charity makes it worth it.
“Each cracker comes with a Christmas hat, a joke written by famous comedians and an extra special gift. It’s a refreshing change from the usual gifts we get each year.
The best part about it all is the fact that everything can be recycled at 100 percent.
Luxury Tartan Christmas Crackers from The Fife Arms
These traditional handmade Christmas crackers (pictured) in the Fife Arms hotel’s house tartan, contain a horn item from McLean of Braemar crafted from sustainable red deer antler collected from the neighbouring estates
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Cost: £175 (six pack)
These traditional handmade Christmas crackers in the Fife Arms hotel’s house tartan, contain a horn item from McLean of Braemar crafted from sustainable red deer antler collected from the neighbouring estates.
You can choose from an egg spoon or a key ring. You will also find a Scottish poem, a Robert Louis Stevenson selection, Robert Burns, and Lord Byron.
Siofra said: “These luxurious crackers come packaged in an elegant, heavyweight box with branded branding. The tartan and red ribbons that adorn them certainly make it feel festive.”
“They draw with a satisfying snap and they’re very tradition with a twist. They contain the mandatory paper hat, slightly lame joke and poem, along with a gift.
“The bottle stopper looks great, but the keyring, Christmas ornament and keyring look a lot like thick twigs.
My concern is that deer antlers will appeal only to people with very special tastes. They’re also not the right choice for everyone.
“If these are appropriate for the party, they might be the right choice.
“But when you consider that some of them are reusable, it is a large amount of money to buy something that is basically just a superior version of your standard Christmas cracker. Most of it will end up in the recycle bin.