The petite stature and pretty packaging of skincare and makeup make them a natural fit for a cracker gift.
The traditional Christmas cracker traces its origin to East London where, in 1847, English baker Tom Smith, inspired by eye-catching French bonbons and the crackling of a fire log, developed a paper-wrapped package that included the audible cracking mechanism and a surprise gift.
As the tradition celebrates its 170th birthday this year, the Christmas cracker's surprise contents are being expanded beyond the usual paper crown, toy or balloon to include beauty products. The petite stature and pretty packaging of skincare and makeup make them a natural fit for a cracker gift, and this year sees brands from around the world offering their own takes on the British holiday surprise.
Provence-based L'Occitane offers sets of three crackers each containing miniature versions of some of the brand's most beloved beauty products, including Almond Shower Oil, Lavender Hand Cream and the Bonne Mère Rosemary Bath Cube. Budapest skincare company Omorovicza had the needs of winter skin in mind when it filled its beauty crackers (available for $40 through www.omorovicza.com) with 30-mL versions of Moor Cream Cleanser and Refining Facial Polisher, each designed to cleanse, purify, refine and brighten complexions dulled by wind chill. And for the makeup junkie, Canada's Quo has packed each of its crackers (available for $15 through Shoppers Drug Mart) with a lip gloss in a clutch-friendly size that will come in handy when New Year's Eve rolls around.
L'Occitane Crackers Collection, $34 through ca.loccitane.com.
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