Tom Smith, a confectioner in Victorian London, is widely credited with creating the first Christmas cracker. Inspired by French bonbons (sugared almonds wrapped in a twist of tissue paper with an accompanying motto), he began replacing the almonds with small gifts, tchotchkes and jewellery. Utilising the new technology of silver fulminate ‘snaps’ to make a noise ‘like a crackling fire,’ Tom Smith introduced another element of enjoyment to his novelties, which he initially called "bangs of expectation.” He patented his first ‘popping’ cracker device in 1847, perfecting the ‘snap’ in 1860. The shape of these formative crackers became more tubular to accommodate the ‘snap’ mechanism and the various trinkets, whilst the addition of the now-ubiquitous party hats was a development of Tom Smith’s son, Henry.
The name ‘crackers’ probably derives from ‘Waterloo crackers,’ which existed long before Tom Smith brought his novelties to the market. This popular and snappy name (pardon the pun) was quickly attributed to Tom Smith’s "bangs of expectation” (or "Cosaques” as he later rebranded them) and, in 1906, Tom Smith gained his first Royal Warrant for providing Christmas novelties to the then Prince of Wales. Whilst ‘Waterloo crackers’ may pre-date Tom Smith’s invention, his insight, innovation and marketing transformed an otherwise basic gimcrack into the traditional Christmas dinner novelty that we recognise today.
The Trading Post is proud to stock a wide variety of crackers from Tom Smith, the original inventor and progenitor of Christmas crackers and still the official supplier of gift wrap and snapping dinnertime novelties to Buckingham Palace. We also have a large selection of their Christmas cards and wrapping paper to ensure that your festive holidays are fit for royalty. Just order online to receive authentic traditional Christmas crackers throughout France and Europe.
Check out The Trading Post's full Christmas range, for delivery across France and Europe in our dedicated Christmas section.
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