Top twelve Christmas crackers
Harvey Nicholls
A contemporary alternative to the classic cracker, these contain a selection of truffles and ideas for after-dinner games. They're in a shoebox-style box that could be reused
£29.95 for a box of six
(020 7235 5000; www.harveynichols.com)
Brown Thomas
Large luxury crackers from Ireland's answer to Selfridges, these contain grown-up gifts, such as a card holder, a photo frame and a heart keyring
£45 for a box of six
(00 353 16 05 66 66; www.brownthomas.com)
Barnardos children's crackers
Fun and afford-able, Barnardos's snow collection children's crackers contain a range of traditional toys, such as coloured pencils and miniature playing cards
£9.99 for a box of six
(0870 603 9090; greetingcards.barnardos.org.uk)
The Nutcracker crackers from Fortnum & Mason
These imaginatively designed crackers will delight the whole family. As well as Nutcracker-themed party hats, they include traditional wooden toys
£40 for a box of six
(020-7734 8040; www.fortnumandmason.com)
Eden Project eco-crackers
These eco-friendly crackers are made using recycled materials and are plastic-free. Instead of a toy
or trinket, each cracker contains a packet of seeds
£12.50 for a box of six
(01736 336998; www.edenproject.com/shop)
Selfridges reindeer crackers
Fun and festive in red and green, each cracker is decorated with a reindeer finger puppet and contains puzzles and games for slightly older children
£40 for a box of six
(0800 123 400; www.selfridges.com)
Love chocolate crackers by Jamie Oliver
For ‘lovers of luscious chocolate'. Each cracker contains four nuggets of dark-chilli, festive-spice or marbled-orange milk and dark chocolate, plus a fact
£15 for a box of six
(020-3006 0001; www.jamieoliver.com/jme)
Liberty charity crackers
Crackers in the striking Liberty purple. Rather than containing a gift, each one represents a donation to the Charities Advisory Trust
£29.95 for a box of six
(020-7734 1234; www.liberty.co.uk)
Cox and Cox gold and red with berries crackers
These classic crackers are handmade using traditional methods and materials. Each one has a chocolate and a charade
£12 for a box of six
(0844 858 0744; www.coxandcox.co.uk)
Waitrose trivia crackers
For friends and family of all ages. Each cracker has a different pack of trivia questions, with one marked ‘easy peasy'. Players roll the coloured dice in order to take their turn
£20 for a box of six
(0800 188 884; www.waitrose.com)
Selfridges luxury crackers
An exterior that suggests pantomime theatricality, but the gifts-which include an atomiser, cufflinks, a bottle stop and a compass-are more for grown-ups
£70 for a box of six
(0800 123 400; www.selfridges.com)
Union Jack crackers by Emma Bridgewater
For a touch of patriotism. Presents include useful items, such as a sewing kit, a stapler and nail clippers.
£12.50 for a box of six
(020-7371 5489; www.emmabridgewater.co.uk)
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