Wee Birdy

London's best Christmas crackers: the mini cracker

 
Cracker crib notes:
What? Splendid Sweets Mini Crackers.
From? Fortnum and Mason.
How much? £12.
The booty? An ‘entertaining scroll’, snap and assorted wooden stickers of teddy bears, reindeer, angels, Christmas trees and baubles.

London's best Christmas crackers: the eco cracker

Cracker crib notes:
What? Green Ribbon crackers made from page of old glossy mags like Vogue and Bazaar.
From? Not on the High Street.
How much? £28 for a pack of six.
The booty? Environmentally-friendly gifts such as organic soaps, handcreams, chocolates, candles and games.

London's best Christmas crackers: the crafty cracker

Cracker crib notes:
What? Laura Laura handmade crackers.
From? Laura Laura.
How much? £5 each or a set for £25.
The booty? Each cracker contains a traditional paper hat, a motto and a pair of button earrings.

London's best Christmas crackers: the charitable cracker

This is my third annual round-up of the best Christmas crackers around - both in London and online. I admit that I have a bit of a thing about this very English tradition, from the silly hats and jokes to the surprise trinkets that come tumbling out. I'll be profiling a new cracker each day this week, so stay tuned...

Cracker crib notes:
What? Purple Peacock Feather Crackers
From? Liberty.
How much? £29.95
The booty? Each of the six handmade crackers include ‘gift’-donations to a Variety Club charity, such as helping to pay for a sports wheelchair or giving a gift to a child in need. And for every box Liberty will donate £10 to the Charities Advisory Trust.

Wee find: A bit of crumpet and skirt

Go for a voluptous retro-style pin-up girl with your Christmas cards this year, from new online shop Crumpet & Skirt. There's also matching wrapping paper, tea towels and peek-a-boo mugs. Miaow!