Swap traditional Christmas crackers and baubles for these beauty alternatives

These little treats might look dainty, but don’t be fooled – they pack serious beauty power inside

Christmas is just around the corner, and while beauty advent calendars still hold their crown in the world of festive gifting, there’s no denying they can be a serious splurge. When budgets are tighter, dropping £100 (or more) on a box of minis doesn’t always feel quite so merry.

Enter the new stars of seasonal gifting: beauty baubles and crackers. These festive treats deliver the same thrill of discovery, minus the hefty price tag. Think glossy ornaments that double as tree décor, or chic little crackers that pop open to reveal skincare heroes, mini fragrances, and cult-favourite makeup must-haves.

With options starting from £12, they’re perfect for sprinkling across the tree, slipping into stockings, or laying across the Christmas table for an extra touch of sparkle. This year, retailers like LookFantastic, Boots and Space NK are all getting in on the magic.

So, whether it’s a small but special treat or a budget-friendly beauty haul, here are the best beauty baubles and crackers to shop this Christmas.

Best beauty crackers and baubles 2025

Marc Jacobs Minis Cracker Set – £37.40

LookFantastic has slashed the price of a Marc Jacobs Minis Cracker Set by 15%, making it even more of a steal. Usually £44, this festive treat has been reduced to £37.40, meaning shoppers get four designer scents for less than £10 each.

The crackers contain travel-friendly bottles of Marc Jacobs’ most popular fragrances, including the original Daisy Eau de Toilette, Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette, Daisy Love Eau de Toilette and Daisy Wild Eau de Parfum.

One reviewer wrote: “I bought this as a Christmas present for my daughter and when it arrived I was so pleased with the packaging I know she will love it”.

Boots Beauty Bauble Luxury Beauty Treats – £20

Boots is offering three new Christmas beauty baubles, each containing premium skincare and makeup goodies. Despite their affordable £20 price tag, these seasonal sets are valued at much more, with the worth of all three going up to as much as £189.53.

Our top pick is the Boots Beauty Bauble Luxury Beauty Treats, which is worth £69.36, but can be snapped up for £20. It comes with big-name brands like Sol de Janeiro, Nuxe and ESPA.

Sculpted by Aimee Christmas Crackers – £40

We’ve been raving about how gorgeous these Sculpted by Aimee Christmas crackers are, and many shoppers agree. Each prettily presented box is filled with a host of minis from the brand’s bestselling skincare range, such as the much-loved CloudCream Ceramide Moisturiser.

Other treats inside include the HydraGlo Hydrating Serum Mini, Beauty Base Protect Primer Mini and Beauty Base in Rose Golden Mini. What’s more, the pink boxes will add a touch of glamour to any Christmas table.

One delighted buyer said: “Beautiful gift, my friend has three daughters so they loved these crackers on Christmas day on their dinner table.” However, someone else found them ‘underwhelming’ and ‘extremely expensive for what was received’.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream Bauble – £23

Tucked inside this gleaming ornament is a 15ml mini of Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic Magic Water Cream. This lightweight gel moisturiser promises skin that looks plump, dewy, and radiant – basically, skin after a full night’s sleep (even after one too many festive proseccos).

Fans adore how soft and hydrated their complexion feels, though a few note it might not suit every skin type. Still, it’s a luxe little extra that adds a touch of glamour to any Christmas tree.

Space NK Scent Heroes – £30

Space NK has released a three beauty crackers for the festive season, and we love them all. Worth £86, the Scent Heroes Cracker is a fabulous gift for perfume lovers, costing £30.

Fans can find a trio of mini scents inside from Plur, Gisou and Ellis Brooklyn, perfect for an on-the-go spritz. As well as having great value, it’s also beautifully packaged.

Hair Gain A Puff of Magic Christmas Bauble Gift Set – £12.25

For anyone who treats their hair like their crowning glory, this Hair Gain ornament is a total win. Inside is a refreshing dry shampoo for quick touch-ups between washes, plus a silky-soft vegan scrunchie in the dreamiest blush pink. It’s suitable for all hair types — a thoughtful and stylish pick for any recipient.

Alternatively, the Slip Pure Silk Skinny Scrunchie Ornament (£29, LookFantastic) makes a chic swap. It includes four sleek scrunchies crafted from premium Mulberry silk – the ultimate upgrade for everyday ponytails.

Fenty Beauty Puddin’ Lip Mask Bauble – £20

Leave it to Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty to make holiday gifting effortlessly cool. This bauble houses the brand’s fan-favourite Puddin’ lip mask – a rich, cocoa-scented treat that deeply hydrates while leaving lips looking smoother and fuller. Sweet, nourishing, and totally gift-worthy.

Jo by Jo Loves Beauty Bauble – £40

Bursting with energy and sophistication, Jo Loves’ £40 beauty bauble is the perfect gift or festive treat for fragrance lovers. It features two miniature icons of the brand’s vibrant perfume collection: a Jo by Jo Loves Eau de Parfum (15ml) and a luxurious Hand Cream (30ml), both infused with a fresh, uplifting blend of grapefruit, bitter orange, lime, and spearmint.

Fans may also be interested in the Amber, Lime & Bergamot version (£40), which includes a mini fragrance and body lotion.

Molton Brown Delicious Rhubarb & Rose Fragrance Bauble – £16

Molton Brown never disappoints when it comes to scent, and this festive bauble is no exception. The travel-sized fragrance delivers a burst of fruity freshness, blending lychee, peony, cedarwood, and raspberry for a bright, uplifting aroma – perfect for a midwinter mood boost.

This Works Sleep on It Bauble – £14

For the friend who finds it hard to unwind, this mini sleep set from This Works makes a lovely, thoughtful gift. Inside, there are two travel-sized pillow sprays and a stress-relief roll-on, all designed to help calm the mind and promote a peaceful night’s rest.

While a bit more variety would have been nice – two pillow sprays feels a touch repetitive – it’s still a soothing little indulgence that encourages slowing down and switching off.