The History of Crackers

Crackers, also known as Christmas crackers, originated in the 1840s in England. They were invented by Tom Smith, a London confectioner, who was inspired by the French bonbon sweets wrapped in paper. He added a twist by including a small explosive "snap" and filling the crackers with toys, sweets, and paper hats. Over time, crackers became a staple of Christmas celebrations, spreading joy and laughter around the dinner table.

Traditional crackers have been a holiday staple for over 175 years

A festive tradition enjoyed worldwide

Adding elegance to celebrations

Brightening festive gatherings

What began as a simple marketing innovation by a Victorian sweet-maker has evolved into a cherished tradition that transcends cultures. Today, crackers symbolize the moment of shared joy—when family and friends pull opposite ends, accompanied by laughter as surprises tumble out amid the distinctive "snap." It's this moment of connection that has made crackers endure through generations.

The "snap" moment creates anticipation and delight for all ages

What Makes Dragonfly Crackers Unique?

At Dragonfly Crackers, traditional festivity meets contemporary consciousness. Founded by Sarah Mwangi in 2020, the company began with a simple question: how can we maintain the joy of celebration while honoring both people and the planet? The answer has resulted in a remarkable reinvention of the classic cracker.

Eco-Friendly Materials

Dragonfly's commitment to environmental stewardship begins with their thoughtfully sourced materials. Their crackers are made from eco-friendly water hyacinth and kraft paper, a clever solution that both creates economic opportunity and addresses environmental challenges. Water hyacinth, an invasive species in Lake Victoria, is harvested and transformed into beautiful, textured paper—turning an ecological problem into a sustainable resource.

The vivid colors that make Dragonfly Crackers instantly recognizable come from EU-certified, eco-friendly inks, ensuring that the entire product lifecycle has been considered from an environmental perspective. Even the snap mechanism has been redesigned to eliminate plastic while maintaining that satisfying sound we all associate with the cracker-pulling moment.

Handcrafted with Love

In a workshop on the outskirts of Nairobi, a group of skilled artisans—primarily single mothers—transform simple materials into objects of beauty. Each cracker passes through at least eight pairs of hands during production, with artisans specializing in different aspects of the creation process.

"I take pride in knowing that something I made with my own hands will travel across the world to become part of someone's special celebration," says Mary Njeri, who has been with Dragonfly since its beginning. The attention to detail is evident in every cracker—from the precision of the folds to the hand-tied ribbons that complete each piece.

Skilled artisans apply meticulous attention to detail in every cracker

Eco-friendly materials including water hyacinth paper and natural dyes

Artisanal Gifts

What truly sets Dragonfly apart is what's inside their crackers. Forget plastic trinkets destined for the bin—these crackers contain thoughtfully designed gifts created by local craftspeople. From miniature soapstone sculptures to brass napkin rings and beaded key chains to tiny woven baskets, each surprise showcases Kenyan craftsmanship in miniature form.

"We work with over thirty different artisan groups across Kenya," explains Joseph Mutua, Dragonfly's artisan coordinator. "This creates a beautiful cycle—customers get unique keepsakes they'll treasure, and traditional craft knowledge continues to thrive through new market opportunities."

Sustainability Commitment

Dragonfly's environmental commitment extends beyond materials. For every box of six crackers sold, the company plants trees with Seedballs Kenya, contributing to reforestation efforts across the country. To date, over 50,000 trees have been planted through this initiative.

Additionally, their workshop operates on solar power, rainwater is harvested for production processes, and delivery packaging is fully compostable. "We want every aspect of our business to reflect our values," says founder Sarah Mwangi. "Customers shouldn't have to choose between celebration and conscience."

How to Enjoy Dragonfly Crackers

Using a cracker is simple and fun! Here's how you can incorporate them into your celebrations:

While crackers are traditionally associated with Christmas, Dragonfly offers themed collections for various occasions—from weddings and birthdays to corporate events. Their bespoke service even allows customers to create personalized crackers for truly special celebrations.

Join the Dragonfly Crackers Community

Dragonfly has grown beyond being simply a product to become a community of like-minded celebrators who care about the stories behind their purchases. Through their social media channels, customers share images of their Dragonfly moments, creating connections across continents.

The company regularly hosts virtual craft workshops where customers can learn from the artisans themselves, further strengthening the bond between maker and user. "These aren't anonymous products," Sarah emphasizes. "Each cracker carries the imprint of the people who made it, and we want our customers to feel that connection."

As we become increasingly aware of our consumption choices, companies like Dragonfly show how celebration and consciousness can coexist beautifully. By reimagining a simple party accessory through the lens of sustainability and craftsmanship, they've created something that brings joy in the moment and leaves a positive legacy beyond it.

Celebrate with Dragonfly Crackers and add a touch of Kenyan artistry and sustainability to your festivities. Crack open the joy and make your moments memorable—knowing that your celebration choices are helping to create a better world.