I absolutely love the holiday season. No, I mean I really love it. Summer is my favorite season, but the holidays are my favorite time of year–does that make sense? I love getting together with family and friends during and exchanging gifts. Today I’m sharing a fun idea for your holiday gift giving–a classic DIY Christmas cracker. You’ll be surprised at how easy they are to make! Some links contain affiliates, all opinions are my own.

how to make a DIY Christmas cracker

The tube for your Christmas cracker can be any size you want. I personally think somewhere in the 6-8″ range is good. If you’re using a cracker snap you want to tape it on the inside before wrapping your tube. You can trim the ends of your snap but make sure you keep it long enough that both ends can be grasped. Wrap your tube in paper and secure with double-sided tape. Tie one end with ribbon or yarn and then fill with a few small toys or some candy. The point is NOT to stuff it full like you would a piñata. Once full tie off the other end and that’s it! You’ve just made your very own DIY Christmas cracker in just a couple minutes.

| Read: How to Make Reusable Fabric Wrapping Paper |

materials:

• cardboard tubes (old wrapping paper tubes work great)
• wrapping paper or tissue paper
• double-sided tape
• tape
• scissors
• ribbon or yarn
• small gifts or candy to put inside
• Christmas cracker snaps (optional)

what is a Christmas cracker?

Christmas crackers were invented by a London sweets maker named Tom Smith in the late 1840s. When two people firmly grasp either end of a Christmas cracker the end breaks off a loud snap, or “crack”, occurs. Some think that the name “cracker” comes from the ‘Cossack’ soldiers who were notorious for riding on their horses while firing guns into the air. However, the name could also just be from the “cracking” sound they make when they’re pulled apart. The history of Smith’s cracker business is very interesting including many themed crackers for different occasions and different stages of life. Rumor has it that there was even a “Millionaire’s Cracker” invented that contained silver and gold items inside of them! Today you can make your own DIY Christmas cracker with or without the cracker snaps–but it’s a lot more fun to use them!

more handmade holiday gift wrap ideas

Laura from Me and INKlings has created the most adorable Felt Gift Card Holder with a pocket for the card AND a pocket for a little surprise as well!

Did you ever wonder How to Wrap Gifts with Fabric instead of paper? Well, Smitha from Smiling Colors has a fun tutorial complete with hand lettered gift tags!

Learn how to make a Crocheted Stocking Gift Card Holder from Erica at 5 Little Monsters. We love that she always includes the step-by-step patterns!

Katie the Crafty Blog Stalker will teach you how to make Personalized Santa Sacks with a Free SVG file! Perfect for all the kiddos on your Christmas List.

Create Personalized Gift Bags this holiday season with a complete step-by-step tutorial from Chelly at We Can Make That!

Beth with Creatively Beth is sharing three ways to create DIY Handmade Wrapping Paper with Tombow Dual Brush Pens.

Learn how to make Free Printable Paper Bows with her exclusive downloadable file from Lindsay at Artsy Fartsy Mama – BRILLIANT!

| Read: Free Printable Gift Tags for Teachers & Neighbors |

Beth with Creatively Beth is sharing 12 Free Printable Holiday Gift Tags that you can download, print, and color! The perfect activity to complete with the kids.

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? We can’t believe how stinking cute this Mini Snowman Pinata is from Lindsay at Artsy Fartsy Mama.

Laura from Me and My INKlings has created an adorable and Reusable DIY Stenciled Gift Bag and is sharing the free printable file, too!

Download and print the cutest set of Christmas Sticker Tags hand drawn by Liz of Liz on Call. Since they are stickers, they won’t fall off the presents!

Heather from Homemade Heather loves to bake. These Snowflake Cookies and Winter Gift Tags are perfect for gift giving this holiday season!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas is easy with Free Printable Gift Tags created by Blanca of Creativities Galore!

Michelle of Michelle’s Party Plan-It is sharing a fun and festive set of Snowmen Money Holders that she

created with her Cricut.

Personalize your Holiday Gift Bags with this fun tutorial from Candice of She’s Crafty. A fun activity to make with the kiddos on a cold afternoon!

Jane from DIY by Jane is teaching everyone how to make elegant Embroidered Holiday Gift Tags that are also quick and easy!

We love gifts that work double duty. This Handmade Woodland Gift Wrap with Gift-able Ornament is a brilliant idea shared by Beth of the Ruffled Daisy.

Diana from the Girl Creative is sharing simple and sophisticated Rustic Farmhouse Printable Christmas Gift Tags that timeless and budget friendly.

If you need a super easy trick for Packaging and Presenting Homemade Jewelry Gifts. Marissa from Rae Gun Ramblings has you covered with a simple tutorial.

Have you ever made a DIY Christmas cracker?

Find more fun holiday crafts by following me on Pinterest!