people's choice

The Best Christmas Crackers on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers

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Here at the Strategist UK, we like to think of ourselves as obsessive (in the best way) about the stuff we buy, but as much as we’d like to, we can’t try everything. Which is why we have People’s Choice, in which we find the best-reviewed products and single out the most convincing ones. (You can learn more about our rating system and how we pick each item here.)

And while we’ve written about Christmas before — from the best stocking fillers to the best fake Christmas trees — here, we’ve rounded up the very best selection of Christmas crackers as praised by the most enthusiastic reviewers on Amazon.

Best-rated Christmas crackers overall

Robin Reed Handbell Christmas Crackers
£28
£28

With 556 reviews — 80 percent of which are five stars — these Robin Reed musical crackers are immensely popular with Amazon customers. The box includes eight crackers, each of which contains a handbell that plays a different note in the C major scale. The bells are numbered and come with sheet music for over 20 different songs, from Christmas classics like O Come All Ye Faithful, to musical hits like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Many reviewers were delighted by the variety of tunes to play along to, with 211 customers describing the crackers as great fun. One reviewer, who used to be a music teacher, was happily surprised by the quality of the bells, and said his grandchildren had a wonderful time playing them. The box also includes a conductor’s baton – some reviewers joked this was a great addition for the less musically-inclined family members.

Overall, reviewers praised the high quality of these crackers, with customers rating them 4.8 stars out of five for sturdiness. One reviewer described them as the perfect post-turkey activity for the family to enjoy, a further 35 said they would definitely recommend these crackers to others. In fact, 27 reviewers said they would keep them for the following Christmas, and bring out the handbells at upcoming dinner parties for entertainment.

Best-rated (less expensive) Christmas crackers

DIY Christmas Crackers
£8
£8

With 1,341 reviews — 85 percent of which are four stars and above — these DIY crackers from Festive Wonderland have double the number of reviews than any other on this list. Each box contains six cracker templates, measuring 30 centimeters in length with a 5.5 centimeter diameter. While some customers said the crackers were smaller than they expected, the majority of reviewers were happy with their overall appearance and quality, especially for the low price point. A few customers described this as a great craft activity for children; nine reviewers said their kids loved putting the crackers together, including one woman who said that making crackers has become a new family tradition.

Best-rated (more expensive) Christmas crackers

Royale Christmas Crackers
£25
£25

Customers were delighted by these crackers from Royale, with 80 percent of 429 reviewers rating them four stars or above. The crackers include a range of gifts, from compact mirrors, to USB cables and small sewing kits. Many buyers commented on the practicality and quality of the presents inside, with six describing them as excellent value for money.

Measuring approximately 35 centimeters in length and 44 centimeters in width, with a seven centimeter diameter, many customers commented they were happy with the size and overall effect of the crackers. Nine customers described them as beautiful, and many commented on the design of the metal snowflake attached to the outside of each cracker; in fact, a few customers said they detached the snowflakes and used them as Christmas tree decorations because of how pretty they were.

Best-rated Christmas crackers for young kids

Teddy Bear Christmas Crackers
£25
£25

83 percent of 184 customers gave this option from Kuckoo Crackers five stars. Each cracker contains a soft teddy bear with a keyring attachment, so they can be kept as a toy, used as a Christmas tree decoration, or added to a keychain. One customer said her children couldn’t contain their excitement when the teddies fell out of their crackers, and many agreed they made great presents, especially for kids. Eight customers commented on the quality of the teddy bears, which are approximately nine centimeters in height. Five reviewers said they were fantastic value for money and three customers said they would definitely buy these crackers again.

Best-rated Christmas crackers for older kids

76 percent of 228 reviewers rated these build and play crackers five stars. They come in packs of six, and each cracker contains a metal model construction kit with accompanying tools and instructions, as well as traditional paper hats and jokes. Overall, customers were delighted with these crackers; one reviewer said they were the best he’s ever bought, a further five said the metal models were much better than plastic toys found in other crackers. A few customers also posted photographs of their creations, which ranged from metal aeroplanes and rocking horses, to windmills and bicycles.

The majority of reviewers loved these crackers for their entertainment value; three customers said they kept family members occupied throughout Christmas dinner, with one describing the building process as frustratingly fun. A couple of reviewers noted that younger children struggled to construct some of the more fiddly models, and suggested these crackers are more suitable for older kids (aged 8+) and adults to enjoy. However, overall many customers agreed the individual parts were of excellent quality, and found the instructions easy to follow.

Best-rated multipack Christmas crackers

Christmas Crackers (10 Pack)
£20
£20

If you need to accommodate a slightly larger table, this pack of ten crackers from Christmas Jingle is a great option. 83 percent of 229 reviewers rated these Christmas crackers four stars or above. One reviewer said they had a satisfyingly loud bang when pulled, another woman said the design was amazing, and had already purchased a box for the following year. Gifts mentioned by reviewers included silver dice, metal key rings, bottle openers and pens, as well as party hats and jokes. Overall, customers were happy with the quality of the crackers, rating them 4.7 out of five stars for value for money, and a full five stars for sturdiness.

Best-rated handmade Christmas crackers

Nutcracker Christmas Crackers
£29
£29

Rated 4.8 stars by 189 reviewers, Amazon customers loved these quirky table crackers from Robin Reed. Each cracker contains a joke, a party hat, and a hand-painted wooden nutcracker ornament.

One reviewer, who buys these crackers every year, described them as luxurious, and 11 customers commended their high quality. Overall, 171 buyers left positive reviews, and many loved how unique the handmade ornaments were. One woman said it was a refreshing change to open cracker gifts the family could enjoy for years to come, a further eight agreed they made lovely Christmas tree decorations. One reviewer even posted a photograph of one of the nutcrackers on his mantlepiece, suggesting they would make great gifts for friends, neighbours and family members.

Best-rated recyclable Christmas crackers

Hallmark Recyclable Christmas Crackers
£12
£12

For crackers that are 100 percent recyclable, this option from the Hallmark store comes highly recommended by Amazon customers. 86 percent of reviewers rated these crackers four stars and above, with ten customers commenting on their quality feel. Gifts mentioned by reviewers included small packs of cards, screw drivers, bottle openers, and more — all of which were made out of silver or gold metal. Many customers were happy with the presents included; one woman even said these were the best crackers she’s ever bought. A few reviewers expressed disappointment that they didn’t have a very loud snap effect, but the majority of customers said they were pleased with the overall quality and design of the crackers.

The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Best Christmas Crackers on Amazon 2021