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Surprise Your Friends with Prank Gifts and Gag Gifts this April Fools Day - Unravel the Origins and Celebrations!

Looking for a way to spice up your April Fools' Day and make it truly unforgettable? Why not take things up a notch and show your friends who's boss with some absolutely savage pranks and gag gifts? From prank dials to fake tickets, there are endless ways to bring some extra laughter and joy to the day - and to assert your dominance over those who dare to cross you.


But where did this legendary day of tomfoolery come from, you may ask? Let's take a little trip back in time and explore the origins of this beloved holiday, and then dive into some of the most popular and creative ways to prank your friends. Get ready to leave your mark on this year's April Fools' Day in the most unforgettable way possible.


In this article, we'll cover:


  • The history of April Fools' Day
  • The vital role of pranks in this glorious holiday
  • The ultimate pranks to dominate your friends and reign supreme

So buckle up, my fellow pranksters - it's time to show the world what we're made of!

Back view of a person wearing an 'April Fools' post-it note on their back and the April Fish fish-shaped symbol associated with the holiday.

Unraveling the Origin of April Fools’ Day: A Look Back at the Julian and Gregorian Calendar

April Fools’ Day – a day of deception and tomfoolery celebrated every April 1 – has been around for centuries, and while its exact origins are shrouded in mystery, one thing's for sure: it's a great excuse to mess with people's heads. From fake news articles to ridiculous social media posts, the media and major brands alike have embraced the holiday as a chance to pull elaborate hoaxes on the public. Whether you're pranking your best friend or duping an entire nation, April Fools' Day is the perfect opportunity to show off your devious side. 

 

Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day has its origins in France's shift from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in 1582. In the Julian Calendar, the new year began around April 1, which was also the spring equinox in the Hindu calendar. When France changed to the Gregorian calendar, which recognized January 1 as the new year, people who continued to celebrate it on the old date became the target of hoaxes and pranks, leading to the holiday's reputation for trickery.

A person wearing an 'April Fools' post-it note with a fish-shaped symbol commonly associated with the holiday, written in Italian, on their back.

 

During the transition period, people who continued to celebrate the new year on April 1 were seen as foolish and were subject to ridicule and pranks. This is how the tradition of April Fools’ Day began. One common prank was to place paper fish on the backs of unsuspecting people, which symbolized the “April fish” or a young, easily caught fish.

 April Fools' Day became popular in 18th-century Britain and in Scotland, it became a two-day celebration. The first day was called "hunting the gowk," where people were sent on fake errands (gowk is a Scottish word for a cuckoo bird, symbolizing a fool). The second day, called Tailie Day, involved pranks played on people's backsides, like pinning on fake tails or signs that said: "kick me."

5 Reasons Why Pranks on April Fools' Day are More Important Than You Think

April Fools' Day is the perfect excuse to play harmless pranks on friends, family, and even strangers. While some may dismiss pranks as mere childish behavior, there are actually several good reasons to participate in them. In this article, we'll explore some of the benefits of pranking on April Fools' Day and why it's worth considering joining in on the fun.

Seven cartoon characters dressed up in whimsical April Fools Day costumes, cheering enthusiastically in a festive image.

 

  1. They Add Humor and Fun to Life

    Life can be monotonous and stressful, but pranks offer a chance to let go and have a good laugh. Participating in a prank can provide a break from the daily grind and inject some humor and levity into our lives. It's a chance to take ourselves a little less seriously and enjoy a moment of lightheartedness.

  2. They Strengthen Bonds

    Shared experiences, including pranks, create lasting memories and stronger connections. When we laugh and have fun with others, it creates a sense of camaraderie and togetherness. Pranks offer a way to bond with friends, family, and colleagues in a unique way, which can lead to stronger relationships.

  3. They Encourage Creativity

    Pranks require creativity and resourcefulness to pull off successfully. Planning a clever and unique prank is a fun and stimulating challenge, which can help to boost our creative thinking skills. It allows us to tap into our imagination and come up with something new and innovative.

  4. They Remind Us Not to Take Ourselves Too Seriously

    Pranks often involve poking fun at ourselves or others in a lighthearted way. It can be a valuable reminder not to take ourselves too seriously and to embrace our imperfections and flaws. By participating in a prank, we can learn to laugh at ourselves and not take life too seriously.

  5. They Provide a Break from Reality

    Pranks offer a welcome escape from the seriousness of everyday life. They provide a chance to step outside of ourselves and our problems, even if just for a moment, and experience something new and different. It can be an opportunity to enjoy a carefree moment and forget about our worries. 

Participating in pranks on April Fools' Day can be a fun and rewarding experience. It adds humor and fun to our lives, strengthens relationships, encourages creativity, reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously, and provides a break from reality. So why not join in on the fun this year and see for yourself the benefits of a good-natured prank?

Classic April Fools Jokes

April Fools Day is a day for jokes and laughter, and there are many classic April Fools Jokes to choose from. Some popular jokes include pretending to spill a drink, telling someone that their shoes are untied, or filling someone's office with balloons. The key is to find a joke that is both funny and harmless. Unless you’re looking to be a savage. All of these are great pranks to do on friends and coworkers!

Nutella On the Toilet

A toilet with the lid up and seat down. Nutella is spread on the seat to look like poop.

The fake poop or “Nutella on the Toilet” is a classic April Fools Day prank that can be performed at home.

Here's how to pull it off in 4 easy steps:

  1. Gather Your Supplies

    To execute this prank, you will need a jar of Nutella, a plastic bag, and a toilet.

  2. Create Your Fake Poop

    Scoop a generous amount of Nutella into the plastic bag, then mold it into a poop-like shape.

  3. Place Your Fake Poop

    Carefully place your fake poop on top of the toilet bowl, making sure it looks as realistic as possible.

  4. Wait for the Reaction

    Sit back and wait for your victim to use the bathroom. As soon as they see the fake poop, they will likely be shocked and possibly disgusted.

    Why This Prank Works

    The "Nutella on the Toilet" prank works because it takes advantage of our natural disgust and aversion to bodily fluids. The sight of poop in an unexpected place is enough to make most people's skin crawl. By using Nutella, which looks strikingly similar to the real thing, you can fool your friends and family into thinking that they're in for an unpleasant surprise.

Fake Package

A computer desk with a keyboard and monitor, confetti/glitter exploding all over

Luckily, WittyYeti has us covered for this one! This classic mail prank involves sending a package to your unsuspecting victim that contains a glitter bomb. The catch? The package looks something like this and even has “special” glitter inside. While it’s at the front door, or in the mail room, anybody who sees your friend's name on this is sure to remember it.

How do you do it? Follow the link and just fill in the shipping info of your victim. 

Prank Dial

A monkey in a suit in an office, holding a phone to it's ear grinning

 Setting up a prank hotline is another fun way to play pranks at home. Simply create a fake phone number and have a recording ready to play when someone calls. This prank can be customized to suit the individual's sense of humor and can be a lot of fun for both the prankster and the victim.

We recommend avoiding prank calls/recording these when there are so many other pranks that can avoid any legal trouble! If this doesn’t phase you, save the trouble and use an app!

Here are our top 3 office pranks:

Dwight and Jim from the office dressed as eachother

 

1. Plastic Wrap


An office cubicle ( full of office equipment) wrapped in plastic wrap. A lot of plastic wrap.

  • Choose an object that is commonly used by the victim.

  • Avoid wrapping valuable or fragile objects to prevent damage.

  • Select the right type of plastic wrap to ensure it sticks properly.

  • Cut the plastic wrap to size and prepare multiple layers.

  • Start wrapping from the bottom and ensure a tight wrap to make it difficult to remove.

  • Take pictures or videos to capture the reaction of your victim.

  • Clean up any residue left behind after the prank.

 

2. The Sitting Airhorn
An airhorn is taped securely underneath the seat of an office chair.
  • Choose a high-quality airhorn for the prank.

  • Select a coworker with a good sense of humor and who is not easily frightened.

  • Wait for the right moment to execute the prank.

  • Place the airhorn securely under the chair and hide it from view.

  • Capture the reaction on camera and share it with others.

  • Remember to have fun and enjoy the laughter that comes with the prank.

 

3. Sticky Note Overload

 

An SUV parked outside in sunny weather. Covered almost completely in bright colored sticky notes.

  • Stock up on plenty of sticky notes in bright colors.

  • Plan your attack, including choosing a time and place for the prank and preparing for cleanup.

  • Cover the workspace, starting with the monitor and keyboard and moving on to the desk and chair.

  • Capture the reaction on camera and share it with others.

  • Remember to have fun and enjoy the laughter that comes with the prank.

 

Playing pranks in the office can be a lot of fun, but it is important to keep them harmless and professional. Sometimes it’s better to play safe when at work. (Unless you really don’t give a f***, then use any of these pranks.)

 

April Fools' Day has a long and fascinating history, with roots dating back to France's switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. As a result, people who continued to celebrate the new year on April 1 became the target of pranks and hoaxes, leading to the holiday's enduring reputation for trickery. Today, April Fools' Day remains a time for lighthearted fun and jokes, with people around the world eagerly anticipating what tricks and surprises the day will bring.

 

In this article, we covered the best pranks to do on April Fools Day, including pranks to do at home, on friends, and in the office.

FAQ:

Q: What is the origin of the name "April fish"?

A: The term "April fish" comes from the French "poisson d'avril," which refers to the paper fish that were often used to prank people on April Fools' Day.

 

Q: Will the prank damage the workspace or equipment?

A: No, as long as the sticky notes are not placed in a way that could cause damage, there should be no harm to the workspace or equipment.

 

Q: Is it illegal to prank call?

A:  This varies heavily by location. Refer to your local legal resources to be safe!

 

Q: Is the airhorn under the office chair prank safe?

A: While the prank itself is harmless, it's important to ensure that the victim is not physically affected by loud noises.


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