Christmas dinner just wouldn't be right without the familiar "bang!" of crackers around the table. But if you're fed up of the same flimsy paper crowns, cheap plastic trinkets and the same groan-worthy gags, why not jazz up your place settings this year with some luxury Christmas crackers?
Plus, in these climate-conscious times, we're increasingly drawn to crackers that offer high-quality gifts made of sustainable and durable materials like metal or wood rather than single-use plastic.
Despite their name, luxury Christmas crackers don't have to cost the earth - we've rounded up some of our favourite affordable high street offerings below. Laid out on a stylish Christmas tablecloth, alongside an eye-catching centrepiece and festive napkins and you'll have a show-stopping Christmas table...
Best luxury Christmas crackers
Nutcracker Christmas Crackers
Classic Christmas cracker gifts like tape measures and miniature screwdrivers are all well and good, but if you're looking for something that little bit out of the ordinary, these Robin Reed luxury crackers could be the ones for you. Each cracker in the set of six is decorated with illustrations of traditional soldier nutcrackers, with luxurious gold card handles and red and sage grosgrain ribbon trim - but the real treat is inside! Each cracker contains a unique nutcracker figurine, in a colourful uniform with glitter detailing. They make a lovely memento of the day, plus the attached gold glitter loop means you can hang them from your tree.
- £16.95 for 6
Winter Fayre 12 Days of Christmas Crackers
We don't think you'll find prettier Christmas crackers than this 12 Days of Christmas themed set from John Lewis. As the name implies, you get 12 in a pack, each one illustrated with a beautifully detailing design inspired by the classic festive tune - you'll find everything from nine ladies dancing to five gold rings. Inside, you'll find a range of cute miniature gifts, like playing cards, a yo-yo and nail clippers.
Like all John Lewis crackers, both the crackers themselves and their contents are fully recyclable - extra points for sustainability!
- £25 for 12
Luxury Christmas Crackers
The Marks & Spencer brand has been synonymous with quality on the British high street for well over one hundred years, so it's one of our favourite destinations for adding a finishing touch to your festive tablescape. This set of eight white and gold-foil crackers contains a range of smart metal keepsakes including a bottle opener, trolley token keyring, star-shaped cookie cutter and a spirit measuring cup, as well as the traditional Christmas crown and joke.
We also appreciate that these crackers are completely plastic-free, and every component can be reused or recycled, including the external packaging.
- £25 for 8
Make your own Christmas cracker kit
We love that so many Christmas crackers now include eco-friendly gifts made from sustainable materials like bamboo, but why not go a step further and fill your crackers with your own gifts? Many independent makers now offer luxury handmade crackers you can fill with a personalised trinket for your guests.
If you fancy choosing your own gifts this year, this make-your-own cracker set from Etsy seller TheDorothyDays would make a perfect Christmas Eve activity. Just follow the simple instructions and you'll have six handmade crackers ready to decorate with your own design. The set includes jokes and hats, as well as 'snaps' for the classic bang.
For an even more sustainable Christmas, check out our pick of the best reusable crackers.
- £10 for 6
Alpine Forest Luxury Crackers
The Alpine Forest luxury cracker set, available at Lakeland, is illustrated with designs inspired by the snow-dusted treescapes of the Alps. Inside each of the six crackers, you'll find a small gift made of sustainable bamboo, including a die, a lemon juicer and a honey dipper, as well as a gold paper crown and a card containing a traditional joke and a piece of trivia to keep you entertained at the dinner table. For complementary decor ideas, explore Lakeland's whole Alpine Forest range.
- £24.99 for 6
Teddy Bear Christmas crackers
These teddy bear crackers are so cute! Made by Kuckoo Crackers, specialists in out of the ordinary luxury cracker kits, each one contains the traditional Christmas paper crown and cheesy joke, as well as a plush teddy bear toy. The 9cm bears come in a variety of fur shades and adorable festive jumpers. Not only will these cuddly little bears become treasured mementos of Christmas for younger guests, each teddy also comes with a ring attached so they can also be used as a cute keychain for older ones, too.
- £25.95 for 6
Cosy Luxury Crackers
Luxury doesn't always have to been expensive - at £8 for six, this set of luxury crackers from Wilko is less expensive than bog-standard crackers from many other retailers. The simple, classy design looks far more expensive, and we love the attached tags so you can write the names of your guests on them for a personal touch.
Each cracker contains a Christmas crown and motto, as well as one of a selection of stylish metal keepsakes, including a lock and key set, a yoyo and reindeer keyring.
- £10 for 6
Sandringham luxury crackers
A handy option if you're hosting a large gathering this year, these luxury crackers from MySmartBuy come as a set of 12. Made of shiny gold pearl-printed card with a matching satin ribbon detailing, they offer a touch of glamour at a reasonable price.
As well as a traditional foil hat and motto, inside you'll find some classic Christmas cracker gifts, focussing on truly useful items rather than throwaway trinkets: playing cards, screw driver set, tape measure, nail clippers and file, mini grater, bottle stop and pourer, pen, padlock, keyring, spirit level and atomiser.
- £34.95 for £12
Portrait Christmas Crackers
A luxury cracker set for grown-ups, these one-of-a-kind crackers from Rockett St. George features six traditional oil paintings with a cheeky modern makeover. Decorated in dramatic black and gold and finished with a black grosgrain ribbon, each cracker contains a party hat, a motto and an uber-stylish keepsake, with options including a gold lip balm, make-up pouch, luggage label and disco ball keyring.
- £45 for 6
More Christmas decorating ideas...
- 21 stunning Christmas wreaths to give your home a festive feel
- Gold Christmas decorations for festive glam
- Silver Christmas decorations for timeless elegance
- The best Christmas garlands to give your fireplace a festive feel
- Christmas bedding ideas for a cosy festive season
- 8 Christmas plants to fill your home with festive vibes
- The best Christmas mugs on the market in the UK
