Inspired by French bon-bon sweets (a sugar almond wrapped in a twist) and the sound of a crackling fire, London confectioner Tom Smith decided to add a ‘snap’ to his wrapped tissue paper sweets by creating a friction-based mechanism that would make a bang when pulled apart. Eventually, these 'crackers' evolved to contain trinkets and a small love note. Over 170 years later, Smith's crackers are still a festive Christmas staple in Britain and beyond, and traditionally contain a paper hat, a joke and a small gift.
But sometimes conventional knick-knacks won't do. Luxury Christmas crackers today can contain everything from gourmet sweets to beauty treats to — yes — even jewellery. We've pulled together some of our favourites — from Claridge’s elevated set, which comes complete with vintage cocktail recipes, to an elegant selection from TOAST that come wrapped in traditional Japanese wrapping cloth. No matter what you select, these picks are sure to provide a cracking good time.
The best luxury Christmas crackers of 2025, according to Wallpaper*
Not only do Fortnum and Mason's crackers add an elegant flair to your dining table, when pulled, they also reveal some delicious treats worth winning. Fittingly, this set is an ode to teatime, filled with classic tea blends, accessories and of course biscuits.
Adding a surreal element to a tablescape, these crackers are printed with a beautiful illustration, and contains a scented candle, a paper crown and a Christmas joke.
Claridge's brings its signature Art Deco style to these crackers. Snap each one open to discover quaint keepsakes which nod to the hotel. Inside, you'll find a shiny gold or silver crown, and — in lieu of a traditional joke — you'll discover a cocktail recipe from the hotel's The Cocktail Book, the perfect thing to keep your party going.
The Newt in Somerset has the perfect cracker for the festive homebody. Wrapped in the hotel's bespoke print, these crackers are plastic free and filled with gifts varying from a wooden yo-yo, to a spice grater, to a wooden honey dipper.
Adorned in a variety of Liberty prints and finished with red ribbon bows, this set of six crackers offers more than a festive trinket. When pulled, the Christmas table will be scattered with indulgent beauty gifts to add to anyone's daily routine.
Jo Malone's signature scents are bundled up in these festive crackers. Expect three fragrances in a miniature version including wood sage and sea salt cologne; lime basil and mandarin hand cream; and cypress and grapevine body and hand wash.
These crackers by Anya Hindmarch capture the designer's playful charm. Each cracker comes with a playful twist on the classics, including a party hat to a cheeky joke plus a fun graphic sticker to collect or secretly adhere to a loved one.
Wrapped in a napkin inspired by traditional Indian block-prints, these beauties are an elegant (and practical!) alternative to the classic paper crackers. It's recommended that you unwrap, rather than snap, these crackers so you don't inadvertently damage the goodies inside: art prints, a bookmark, a comb, a spoon or a bottle stopper.
Meri Meri's pearl bow crackers add a bright and colourful touch to a festive table, stepping away from cliché Christmas colours. The gifts inside are just as fun, with a mini skittles game, an enamel sausage dog pin badge, a metal yo-yo, a magic card trick, a heart picture frame, and a wooden heart brooch with gold foil details.
Toast's Furoshiki table gifts are designed to be used again and again. Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths, tied and neatly knotted to transport gifts and food. Inside each cotton cloth is a handmade gift. Lucky guests might encounter a mini paper notebook, a star garland or a diminutive copper star.
Crackers are normally pulled at the start of a meal. However, with Neuhaus' chocolate stuffed cracker it would be fun to flip the tradition and end the evening with a bang. It features a selection of Neuhaus chocolates, but you will have to crack open the cracker to discover the flavour.
Houses & Parties' festive crackers are a humorous take on the classic, and add a playful touch to any dinner party. Crackers are filled with ice-breaker games, costume jewellery and cinnamon candys. It is advised to either set them on a beautiful table or serve them on a silver platter during dessert.
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