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More than just a party hat and a really bad joke…
If you're looking for alternative Christmas crackers that are far from ordinary, then you've come to the right place. We've rounded up some truly unique and sometimes unusual Christmas crackers on sale this year.
Crackers are a great Christmas table decoration and can keep family and friends at the table a little longer if there's a fun activity involved. This year's alternative gifts include everything from gin, Christmas ornaments and useful stationery to different games and puzzles for the whole family to enjoy after a good roast.
Take a look at our pick of alternative Christmas crackers to put a smile on everyone's face.
Interior designer Sophie Robinson's exclusive collaboration with Dunelm has brought a burst of joy and vibrancy to our homes this year.
These Christmas crackers showcase the same bold, maximalist patterns that have defined Sophie's Dunelm drops throughout 2025, making them the perfect budget-friendly addition for a festive tablescape brimming with colour and cheer. Each cracker includes a crown, a 'Who Am I' game piece and a classic snap.
| Contains | Games & hats |
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Looking for a keepsake your guests can take home? These Eleanor Bowmer crackers, sold in a set of six, each hold a vibrant ornament featuring the designer's kitschy, playful style.
Once the festivities are over, guests can hang their decorations at home – a cheerful reminder of a wonderful celebration at your place.
| Contains | Six different ornaments |
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With 100% recyclable packaging and wooden toys tucked inside, these Emma Bridgewater Christmas crackers are a thoughtful choice for the eco-conscious host. The charming rosehip and ivy print adds a timeless touch – perfect for dressing up a classic, traditional tablescape.
| Contains | Six plastic-free gifts |
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Love the glamour of a masquerade ball and a glass of champagne? Bring that spirit to your Christmas table with these beautifully designed Fortnum & Mason crackers. Each one includes a crocodile mask and identity card for a lively game of 'Who Am I?' – the perfect blend of sophistication and fun.
| Contains | Crocodile mask, a game of ‘Who Am I?’, a festive joke and a paper crown |
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Murder on the Orient Express or Knives Out are your favourite flicks? Bring a little mystery to the table by ending your Christmas feast with a thrilling game of whodunnit.
Each of Lakeland’s six crackers includes a character profile, props and clues – everything you need for a festive murder mystery that will keep guests guessing long after dessert.
| Contains | Character profiles, props and clues included, as well as hats and jokes |
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These Santa-themed crackers are packed with festive fun. Classic crowns, mottos and snaps keep things traditional, while the race game adds a playful, competitive twist – just wind up your mini Santa and watch him speed across the table.
| Contains | Hats, snaps, mottos and santa-themed windup racing game |
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If you don't want to create unnecessary waste but don't want to forgo the fun of snapping a Christmas cracker after dinner, these stationary ones might be just the thing.
Each cracker contains a gift that is actually useful from brands like Pilot and Edding. Cult Pens' crackers come in two different colourways, so you can match them to your tablescape.
| Contains | A little something from brands including Legami, Pilot and Edding |
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These Christmas crackers featuring classic Liberty prints adorned with a red ribbon are almost too pretty to snap open – almost!
Inside, your guests will find a classic high-quality presents, including a wooden honey drizzler, nutmeg grater, wooden plant labels, metal slinky, a wooden yoyo, faux leather keyring, wooden comb, washi tape, cookie cutter and mini strawberry jam.
| Contains | A wooden honey drizzler, nutmeg grater, wooden plant labels, metal slinky, a wooden yoyo, faux leather keyring, wooden comb, washi tape, cookie cutter and mini strawberry jam |
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If you hate to see your Christmas crackers end up in the bin every year, this sustainable option not only allows you to re-use them each festive period, but you can also use them as napkins all year round.
| Contains | A recyclable coloured paper crown, a classic joke |
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Have some fun around the dinner table this festive season with these puzzle crackers. Each one has a puzzle, which can be solved either individually or in a group. Once you're confident in your answer, simply scratch off the answer to see if you are right. It's a great way to while away an hour whilst everyone's food is going down!
| Contains | A hat, a joke and a cryptic puzzle |
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In this set of four crackers, each piece comes complete with a mini bottle of premium Edinburgh gin. What could be better?! Flavours include Rhubarb and Ginger, Orange Blossom and Mandarin, Elderflower, and Plum and Vanilla, so there's something for everyone.
| Contains | A 50ml bottle of Edinburgh gin |
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This set of six child-friendly Christmas matchstick puzzles is a great alternative to the traditional Christmas cracker. Presented in vintage style matchboxes, each box contains a matchstick puzzle, party hat and a Christmas joke on the back of each box.
| Contains | Seasonal matchstick puzzles, party hats |
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These Christmas cracker cards can be used as greetings cards or as a contemporary replacement to traditional crackers. Each card is embedded with a cracker snap, and goes 'bang' when pulled open, just like a traditional cracker. All cards come with a joke, paper hat, and slots to hold a gift voucher.
| Contains | Jokes, paper hats, slots to hold gift vouchers |
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