Last Updated: Oct 30, 2021 @ 4:37 pm.

What are the best nutcracker figures? We asked our parent readers who collect nutcracker figures for their suggestions. Then we compared quality and detailing. Here are the best bets.

FYI: We've been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. We don't take money or freebies from the brands we review. Our work is 100% reader-supported!


Nutcracker Figures: 30 Second History!

Nutcrackers have been around for centuries (we graduated from smashing nuts with rocks to using wood or metal implements eventually). So how did these implements for cracking nuts morph into the nutcracker figures you see today?

Credit German toy makers for turning nutcrackers into the familiar toy soldiers. By the 1870’s, German nutcrackers were sold all over Europe. 

Tchaikovsky’s Russian ballet “Nutcracker and The Mouse King” further added to the nutcracker figure craze, when it was first performed in 1892. After World War II, the play became a staple in North America and spurred more nutcracker figure collecting. 

We asked our parent readers who collect nutcrackers for their favorites. We then did research to compare overall quality and detailing. Here are several of the best bets:

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Best Budget-Friendly

Great size for stocking stuffer
If you are curious about collecting nutcracker figures, this is a good place to start—we loved the detailed white fur hair and beard. Note the gold braid accents on the coat.

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Best Gift Idea

Handsome decorative gift box
This set of four 12" nutcrackers would be our pick as a gift for nutcracker enthusiasts friends or relatives. The quality here is impressive, including nice painted details.

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Best Detailing

15" tall figure great for mantle
The detailing of this nutcracker is quite impressive—note the jeweled scepter and gold braiding on the uniform. Simply beautiful.
$31.85

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Best For Ballet Fans

Glitter, sparkly detail
Gorgeous! If you love the Tchaikovsky ballet, this nutcracker is the perfect choice with a pink and purple color scheme. The detail is excellent.
$31.48

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Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!

Baby Bargains: Your Baby Registry Cheat Sheet

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