Tired of tacky cracker prizes? The fortune-telling fish may be a short-term crowd pleaser but there are only so many plastic moustaches, mini nail clippers or giant paperclips the average household needs.
So why not ditch the garish paper hats, save your family from the terrible jokes and make your own?
By including a personalised gift in each you can elevate crackers from mere table decorations to thoughtful presents your loved ones will be thrilled to receive.
There are plenty of DIY cracker kits on the market. We particularly like these ones from Hobbycraft (priced at £4.00 for 6) as they’re unisex and relatively plain, leaving lots of room to add a name label.
At the other end of the price bracket (£9.00 for 8) are these nordic beauties from the littlecraftybugs company.
If you’re feeling a little more ‘Blue Peter’ have a bash at making your own from scratch. There’s a useful step-by-step from craft-lovers’ heaven Indestructables.
You can be as creative as you like. Add monograms, tissue paper ribbons, strips of gift wrap, miniature bells, glitter confetti – the possibilities are endless.
But what to put in the crackers? Don’t worry, we’ve got gift inspiration for all your guests.
one for Grandma
Lavender drawer liners are nice. As are tins of biscuits. But jewellery is better!
Grandparents love spending time with the little ones. So why not give a reminder to look at when they can’t be there.
The black oxidised silver chain on this photo pendant gives a vintage look Granny will love. The chosen photo is cast in jewellers grade resin and encased in a sterling silver mount. Small but perfectly formed.
one for Grandpa
Watch Grandpa look on in envy as Grandma pulls her cracker, then smile with delight as he realises he’s got pics of the grandkids too, on these gorgeous photo cufflinks. You can choose to have the same image on both, or a different one on each – perfect if there are two grandkids.
one for Auntie
You can keep it simple by adding Auntie’s name to this personalised bar necklace or opt for a personal message with meaning. The horizontal bar can be worn alone or layered with other chains making it suitable for everyday use and special occasions alike.
one for Uncle
Save him from yet more socks! The sterling silver oblong charm on this keyring can be engraved with a personal message, famous quote or poem.
Hopefully uncle will treasure the gift so much he’ll never lose his keys again.
one for a niece
Let her know what a little star she is with this silver constellation bracelet. Zodiac signs are depicted in a galaxy of stars on one side and there’s room for a special message on the reverse.
one for a nephew
Thanks to the popularity of friendship bracelets over recent years boys now love accessorising too. This soft brown leather toggle bracelet is sure to be a big hit. The aged brass clasp can be engraved with a name, date or initials. With this bang on trend bracelet he’ll be the envy of all the kids in the playground (sure beats a bag of marbles).
one for the next door neighbour/son’s uni mate/waif and stray
You’ve got the spare chair down from the attic and laid an extra place at the dinner table. The season of goodwill may mean opening your home to more than just friends and family. So add a generic message such as ‘Believe’, ‘Hope’ or ‘Dream’ to these teeny tiny text charms to ensure no one feels left out on the day.
If you really can’t resist the lure of the stilton joke here’s some inspiration from Homemade. In the (Christmas) spirit of full disclosure, we did LOL at this one:
How do you know Santa’s real?
He’s from the grotto
