Bon Bon Crackers: The Little Christmas Tradition Aussies Still Love

Christmas in Australia is a celebration like no other. While the rest of the world dreams of snow-covered streets and hot drinks by the fire, Aussies enjoy summer days, backyard barbecues and festive gatherings that spill from the dining room onto the patio. Yet even with these differences, one tradition continues to appear on almost every Christmas table: Bon Bon crackers. 

Whether you call them Bon Bon Crackers or Christmas Bon Bons these colourful festive tubes have held their place in Australian homes for generations. They may seem simple at first glance, but their charm lies in the fun, the surprise and the shared light-heartedness they bring to the day. They create a moment where everyone pauses, reaches across the table, and joins in that familiar tug that ends in a satisfying crack. It’s a small moment, yet one that feels uniquely festive.

Where the Bon Bon Tradition Began

The Bon Bon crackers have been in the market for over 100 years now, bringing joy and a sense of togetherness with them for a long time. Over time, a clever twist was added: a paper mechanism that created the iconic “pop” when pulled apart. That simple addition transformed them from ordinary gifts into the crackers we know today.

When British families travelled or migrated to Australia, many brought this new Christmas tradition with them. It didn’t take long before Christmas Bon Bons had become a cherished part of the festive season Australia wide. The tradition was adopted, adapted and embraced, taking on the relaxed, warm character of an Australian Christmas. Nowadays, we see Christmas Bon Bon crackers everywhere in Australia as they become somewhat of a tradition. 

Why Aussies Still Love Christmas Bon Bons

In Australia, people love to get together and spend a good time with their family and Christmas is the perfect time for that. And when you bring Bon Bon to the gathering, it becomes something else. Even adults who know exactly what to expect still lean in with anticipation. Will it be a loud crack? Will the joke be awful? Who gets the prize? The answers don’t really matter. What matters is the shared experience.

For younger children, the excitement is even greater. The sound, the hat, the tiny toy inside all of it feels like a surprise crafted just for them. And for adults, it’s a way to step into a moment of playfulness that reminds them what Christmas felt like when they were younger.

What’s Inside Modern Bon Bon Crackers

Traditionally, they contained a paper crown, a short joke and a small novelty toy. While this classic trio is still widely used, modern designs have expanded what’s possible. Today, Bon Bon crackers can include:

• Themed gifts

• Puzzles or mini games

• Keepsake items

• Eco-friendly paper surprises

• Premium trinkets for adults

• Playful items for kids

You can now find them in a wide range of styles, from elegant metallics to bright Christmas prints. Some are designed specifically for adults, offering little gifts that can actually be used or saved. Others are made for families and include fun items kids will enjoy immediately. These are just some of the reasons why Bon Bons remain so popular even now.

Bon Bons as Part of Christmas Decor

Christmas Bon Bons do not have to stay on the dining table. Over the years, a lot of fun ways have been found to successfully include them in your decor. Here are a few ideas for their creative use:

• Hanging them on the Christmas tree

• Adding them to gift hampers

• Placing them on each plate as a name marker

• Filling stockings with mini Bon Bons

• Arranging them as part of a centrepiece

• Using them as party favours

They bring visual warmth to any setting, whether unopened and used purely as décor or saved for a special moment during the festivities.

Choosing the Right Bon Bons for Your Gathering

Small as they are, Christmas Bon Bon create the atmosphere of energy and excitement at any festive gathering. They also come in various designs and if chosen correctly, they can add even more fun to your celebration. Here's what you should look for:

       1. Your Theme

Match your decor's colour with the same colours of Bon Bons for a better look. 

       2. Your Guests 

Playful designs for kids, premium styles for adults.

       3. Environmentally Friendly Options 

Many families now choose recyclable or low-plastic versions.

       4. Gift Quality 

Some Bon Bons focus on fun trinkets, while others include higher-quality items.

       5.Quantity 

Larger gatherings might need extra boxes to cover games or additional surprises.

Selecting the right set helps create a beautiful table and ensures everyone gets to enjoy the festive moment.

Why Bon Bons Still Matter Today

Nowadays, the trends come and go fast, things change quickly and a lot of new things are being brought into the market. In this era, Bon Bon crackers is one of the things that has stayed with us for over a centuary. They have passed all sorts of difficult times and become something of a tradition.

The act of pulling a Bon Bon is quick, but the feeling it creates lasts. The unexpected crack, the paper crown worn proudly or crookedly, the silly joke that gets passed around the table, these are the moments that become part of Christmas memories.

Even those families who enjoy changing things up each Christmas tend to leave them on the table. They bring playfulness, colour, and nostalgia, and fit perfectly with modern and traditional celebrations alike.

The Spirit Behind Bon Bon Crackers

Christmas is a season of joy, and at their core, Bon Bons are about the same. Their goal is to bring people closer and break the ice even between guests who may not know each other well. In Australia, where Christmas often means long lunches, laughter and time spent outdoors, Christmas Bon Bons help set the festive tone for a day.

At Real Christmas Tree, our collection has put together quality, creativity, and festive charm to give you a perfect experience every time. We offer poppers that are thoughtfully designed, use reliable materials and bring fun surprises that fit in with every age and occasion. Choose us, and select products that enhance your celebration, highlight your style, and help create those long-lasting Christmas memories throughout the years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What exactly is a Christmas Bon Bon?

A. A decorated tube that pops when pulled, revealing a small gift, paper crown, and a joke or riddle, a fun, interactive Christmas tradition.

Q. Are Bon Bon crackers safe for children?

A. Yes, but supervise young kids. Keep the pull away from faces and watch for small parts that may be a choking hazard for toddlers.

Q. Can Bon Bons be reused?

A. Some crowns and trinkets can be saved, but the popping mechanism usually works only once. Premium versions may be sturdier for reuse.

Q. Where can I use Bon Bon crackers besides the table?

A. They can be hung on the tree, added to gift hampers, used in centerpieces, placed on plates, stuffed into stockings, or handed out as party favors.

Q. What kinds of gifts are inside modern Bon Bons?

A. Modern bon bons include paper crowns, jokes, puzzles, mini games, keepsakes, eco-friendly surprises, and small trinkets suitable for both kids and adults.

Q. How do I choose the right Bon Bons for my gathering?

A. Match designs to your theme, consider guests’ ages, choose eco-friendly options if desired, and buy enough for everyone to enjoy the popping experience.

Q. Are there environmentally friendly Bon Bons available?

A. Yes, many are made from recyclable materials with minimal plastic, offering a fun, sustainable way to enjoy the holiday tradition.