Crackers are one of those traditions that make the Christmas dinner really stand out as special – who doesn't love popping on a paper crown and figuring out who has the worst joke? When looking for Christmas crackers for kids it can be tricky to find crackers that have prizes they'll actually get excited about, or that are suitable for children, so if you're wondering how to make your own Christmas crackers, here's how.
Not only is it a fun and easy craft your kids can get involved in, it means you can personalise them to your guests and your little ones so that everyone gets their own cracker treat.
How to make your own Christmas crackers
This cracker craft from Hobbycraft lets you create your own crackers in just four easy steps:
You will need
Cardboard tubes (toilet roll tubes work great)
Scissors
Double sided sticky tape
Coloured paper (crepe or tissue paper are ideal - you could also use wrapping paper)
Twine or ribbon
Toys/prizes (plus paper crowns and jokes of course!)
Optional: Christmas cracker snaps
Method
1 Cut your chosen paper so that it's three times the length and enough to cover the tube entirely.
2 Secure in the middle with tape then trim the ends so that it's roughly three times the length of the tube.
3 Scrunch and twist one end and tie with twine or ribbon.
4 Insert your chosen gift into the other end then repeat the twisting and tying process.
You can also use a template or one of the Christmas cracker kits, some of our favourites are listed below.
Description
This Christmas cracker kit comes with 6 cracker boards with ready attached snaps, 12 ties, 6 mottoes/jokes/riddles and 6 hats. No gifts are included so you can add your own for that personal touch.
Cracker size Approx. 30cm
Description
These cute crackers are part of a whole party range so you can match your table, napkins and even get paper plates and cups. Children will love the vibrant colours and designs featuring all their favourite festive friends.
The kit includes: 6x Cracker shells and 6x Paper hats & jokes (Excludes snaps).
www.waitrose.com
Description
You can also pick up Christmas cracker kits at your local supermarket, such as this lovely design available at Waitrose. The recyclable cracker kit includes everything you need to make 6 crackers including the paper hats and mottos. Add your own mini gifts and toys to customise your Christmas.