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Tom Smith Christmas Crackers. Huge Selection of Luxury and Traditional Christmas Crackers. Christmas Crackers from the Tom Smith Collection.

Traditional Christmas Crackers

Luxury Christmas Crackers

Specialty Christmas Crackers

Juvenile Christmas Crackers

Mini Christmas Crackers

Tom Smith from 1847 to the Millennium

Tom Smith, owned by Brite Sparks in Wales, now exports crackers worldwide to 34 countries including the USA, Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong and Japan. Although much of the work in making crackers today is automated, the principle largely remains the same. Every single cracker has the snap carefully placed by hand and each one is filled and closed. The more elaborate designs are then individually hand finished, and some crackers are still made entirely by hand.

It would be difficult to imagine Christmas without crackers as they have become part of the nation's festive celebrations. however, almost like the fashion of over a hundred years ago, there is a move towards highlighting other events and days when it is appropriate to enjoy crackers. For example, "Crackers" are now used as decorative party favors to celebrate a variety of other special occasions and festive events. The pulling of crackers and donning of the party hats creates a relaxed, festive atmosphere certain to get any party function off the ground. Crackers provide a colorful and exciting start to any celebration, and also present each guest with a gift by which to remember the days events. At Christmas, crackers make great tree ornaments, stocking stuffers, and welcoming gifts for visiting friends and relatives. They can also be used as invitations, promotional gifts, an advertising medium, shower and wedding favors, and individualized gifts for special occasions such as Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, 4th of July in the USA and Mother's Day.

The Tom Smith story is a true story of innovation, perseverance and success. For over 150 years, Tom Smith's crackers are still being pulled and enjoyed all over the world!

Tom Smith Catalog Covers from Years Past:

Tom Smith Christmas Crackers

The absolute largest selection of Luxury and Traditional Christmas Crackers in the United States

We are proud to make available to our American customers, the exclusive line of Tom Smith crackers. Our crackers originate in the Tom Smith Cracker factory and are shipped to you directly from our USA distribution center in North Carolina. You won't find a larger selection or larger inventory of Tom Smith Christmas Crackers anywhere in the United States. We have everything you need to maintain your Christmas tradition!

What are Christmas Crackers?

In 1847, almost by accident, Tom Smith invented the cracker. it was a simple idea which became an integral part of British celebration and tradition which still continues today, 150 years on. In its simplest form, a cracker is a small cardboard tube covered in a brightly colored twist of paper. When the cracker is pulled by two people, each holding one end of the twisted paper covered tube, the friction creates a small explosive 'pop'. This 'pop' is produced by a narrow strip of chemically impregnated paper. The cracker tears apart and out of the cardboard tube tumbles a bright paper hat, a small gift, a balloon and a motto or joke. It is a running joke that all the jokes and mottos in crackers are unfunny and unmemorable. Similarly, in most standard commercial products, the "gift" is equally awful, although wealthier individuals—notably, the royal family—may use custom crackers with more expensive rewards.

In addition to Christmas Crackers, "Crackers" are used as decorative party favors to celebrate a variety of other special occasions and festive events. The pulling of crackers and donning of the party hats creates a relaxed, festive atmosphere certain to get any party function off the ground. Crackers provide a colorful and exciting start to any celebration, and also present each guest with a gift by which to remember the days events. At Christmas, crackers make great tree ornaments, stocking stuffers, and welcoming gifts for visiting friends and relatives. They can also be used as invitations, promotional gifts, an advertising medium, shower and wedding favors, and individualized gifts for special occasions such as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.

This is the remarkable story of the Cracker - an unique insight into one of Britain's most enduring traditions which continues to bring pleasure to all ages and generations, from children to grandparents.