Quick answer

Meri Meri Holly Crackers are a top pick for an eco-friendly Christmas tradition. They feature recyclable materials, no plastic toys, and beautiful natural-inspired decorations that double as table decor.

What makes a cracker eco-friendly?

Not all Christmas crackers are created equal. Traditional ones often contain plastic toys, glitter made from microplastics, and non-recyclable foil. Eco-friendly crackers focus on paper or card bodies, natural or recyclable embellishments, and useful or compostable contents.

Meri Meri Holly Crackers use crepe paper holly leaves and fabric berries that can be saved and reused. The gold foil details are minimal and the cracker body is paper-based, making it easier to recycle after the holiday.

Trade-offs to consider

While Meri Meri Holly Crackers are more sustainable than standard options, they still include a joke printed on paper (recyclable) and a festive brooch. The brooch is a keepsake, not compostable, but it's a reusable item rather than a single-use plastic toy.

The price point is higher than basic crackers, reflecting the quality materials and design. If you're on a tight budget, you might find simpler eco-friendly options, but you'll miss the elegant table presence.

How to choose eco-friendly crackers

  • Check the body material: Look for crackers made from paper or card, not plastic-coated or laminated materials. Meri Meri uses paper bodies that are more easily recyclable.
  • Examine the contents: Avoid crackers with plastic toys, single-use trinkets, or non-recyclable wrappers. Choose ones with paper hats, paper jokes, and reusable gifts like brooches or small wooden items.
  • Consider reuse potential: After the cracker is pulled, save the decorative elements (like holly leaves and berries) for gift wrapping, wreath making, or next year's table setting. This extends the life of the materials. Store saved decorations in a labeled box with your holiday decor so they're easy to find next year.
  • Dispose responsibly: Separate the paper body (recycle), the hat (recycle if paper), the joke (recycle), and any metal snaps (trash). Keep the brooch or other keepsakes for reuse.

Product facts

  • Meri Meri: Holly Crackers: These crackers combine 3D crepe paper holly leaves and glitter berry embellishments with gold foil details. The natural materials mean less plastic waste, and the decorative elements can be saved for next year's crafts or decor.

    Meri Meri: Holly Crackers

    Meri Meri: Holly Crackers

  • Meri Meri: Holly Crackers: Each cracker contains a gold party hat, a joke, and a festive brooch. The brooch replaces a plastic toy, giving guests a wearable keepsake that won't end up in the trash after one use.

Who should buy Meri Meri Holly Crackers?

Best for

  • Hosts who want a beautiful, plastic-free table decoration that guests will remember
  • Families looking to start a sustainable holiday tradition with reusable elements

Not for

  • Budget-conscious shoppers who need crackers for a large group at the lowest cost
  • Anyone wanting crackers with loud snaps or extra-large party hats