There are alternatives to traditional Christmas poppers that usually include a small charm or toy that you end up tossing in the trash…kind of a waste. These fair trade poppers from Biome, are handmade in the UK of seed paper. Plant the exterior seed-infused paper wrapping and you will be left with wildflowers from which you can remember your holiday celebration.

Inside each cracker are little gifts handmade by a small co-operative of disadvantaged women in Nepal. Available in a box of 6 for the UK only. I don’t know of anything like it available in the US, but why not make your own?

Make Your Own Holiday Poppers

You’ll Need:
1. salvaged toilet paper rolls or purchased cardboard tubes
2. Seed papers
3. Cracker snaps (if you want them to “pop”)
4. Raffia or other eco-friendly cord or twine
5. Little fillers such as:

• lip balm
• small rubber stamp
• seed starting pellets
• small plant markers
• tiny newsprint paper flowers–available from Oriental Trading, can also be used to decorate cards or make ornaments.
• wine charms (make your own using inexpensive or recycled charms from old charm bracelets.)
• Handmade finger puppets

Cotton crane and wool sheep finger puppets from Lucuma make cool little gifts for inside.

What about this mini twig colored pencils from Beau-Coup? A dozen for $8.40 can be divided up for 12 poppers.

How to Make the Poppers:

1. Wrap salvaged toilet paper rolls or purchased cardboard tubes with seed paper, secure paper with dab of glue.
2. Place the cracker snap under the paper wrapping so it extends out one end. Twist at one end and tie with raffia or twine. Step-by-Step directions here.

3.  Fill with favorite found gifts or offer a gift certificate for cup of tea, for an hour of your own time, or a micro-loan card from Kiva…
4. Twist and tie the open end as you did in step 2.
5. You can decorate the outside of the popper with items like a cinnamon stick tied with raffia, or tie on a handmade ornament.