20 easy pranks that are actually really good
To be clear, many pranks are mean, and even more of them are a waste of perfectly good office supplies. But there are a few pranks that are still pretty good, even for people who aren’t members of the “epic prank” community.
Is April Fools’ Day coming up? A co-worker’s birthday, perhaps? Are you simply jonesing to do some pranks this week? (Why?) Then consider doing one of these pranks — they’re low-effort, high-reward, and do not involve spilled liquids of any kind.
Best of all, we’ve divided them into “Harmless Pranks” and “More Serious Pranks” for a customized prank experience. If you’re pranking someone who’s never been pranked before, consider going for a harmless prank. If you’re pranking someone with a little more experience — or perhaps an enemy who doesn’t know they’re your enemy — go for a more serious prank.
How you prank is a big decision, but we have faith in you!
Happy pranking. Please stay safe.
Part I: Harmless Pranks
1. The sign them up for a mailing list prank
Simply place their email address on a goofy newsletter or mailing list of your choosing. Not sure where to start? The Ferret Association of Connecticut publishes three regular newsletters, apparently.
2. The say “Come over to the window and look at all these deer!” prank
Just so we’re clear on this one, there aren’t actually any deer. Not seeing deer is not a huge disappointment, though, which amps up the “harmless prank” factor here.
3. The hide two things, but tell them you hid three things prank
Here’s a roommate-specific example: hide their toothpaste and socks, but tell them you hid their toothpaste, socks, and comb. Reveal the truth whenever!
4. The replace your family photos with photos of Steve Buscemi prank
Another celebrity will work just as well. Try Bill Murray, Samuel L. Jackson, Jada Pinkett Smith, or Pink for a fun twist.
5. The text them a GIF of the “typing” dots prank
*extremely vintage radio voice* The message they’re waiting for… will never arrive.
6. The send them a fake email saying they have been selected for Guy’s Grocery Games on the Food Network prank
Again, reveal the truth whenever. If you’re feeling guilty about your con, you can even reveal it instantly. And, yes, Guy’s Grocery Games is still on the air.
7. The hide some doubloons prank
You can find a nice box of pirate “doubloons” on Amazon. Hide them around the house and watch your loved ones believe, briefly, that they found some real and cool money. (They didn’t.)
8. The install a fun Chrome Extension on their computer prank
We’ll suggest nCage, but there are a lot to choose from.
9. The put some plastic on the top of their shampoo bottle, then screw the top back on prank
It’s a little corny, but it works. And it’s easily reversible, so your victim (friend) won’t lose any of their beloved product.
10. The create some friendly hat confusion prank
This prank, which comes courtesy of BuzzFeed, is simple and potentially very expensive. To pull it off, you must acquire four versions of the same hat, each a slightly different size. When you’re hanging out with your friend (victim), excuse yourself periodically. Each time you return, you should be wearing a slightly larger version of the hat.
Your investment, we assume, will pay off in confusion.
Part II: More Serious Pranks
11. The do the meanest DIY project possible prank
It will make them think their home is infested with bugs, which is not a good thing to think. This is a full crafting project, though, so only attempt if you’re willing to spend a little time.
12. The put sugar in their salt shaker prank
Another classic prank! Just make sure your victim (friend) can eat sugar without experiencing any adverse effects. It’s important to stay safe and keep your friends (victims) safe, y’all — even when you’re taking a trip to PrankTown.
13. The put balloons in their office or bedroom prank
Incredibly inconvenient, but at least balloons are, like, a fun item. Plus, popping balloons is a nice way to spend an afternoon, isn’t it? You could even hide some stuff in the balloons, like confetti or something. Have fun with this simple prank.
14. The invent a fake trash collection project prank
A user on Quora is the source of this truly genius prank, which involves telling a lot of people that your friend is collecting trash for a “project.” Then, of course, their life will suddenly fill with unwanted garbage.
15. The make them a fake fried egg and French fries prank
It’s actually apple slices, yogurt, and a peach half. Devastating.
16. The tape something to the bottom of their computer mouse, rendering it temporarily unusable prank
You can just use a piece of tape if you want, or you can tape a picture of yourself on there. This good prank has a lot of room for customization.
17. The change all the contacts in their phone to “Dennis Quaid” prank
They will hate you after this, so be prepared.
18. The place a fake snake in their belongings prank
Just a li’l rubber snake peeking out from their sweaters. No big deal. Unless they’re afraid of snakes, in which case it might be a huge deal.
19. The make a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies, then pretend the cookies are chocolate chip cookies prank
People get very angry about this for some reason. Personally, we love oatmeal raisin cookies, but your victim (friend) will probably say something along the lines of “this is why I have trust issues” — the telltale sign of a successful prank.
20. The hide behind a door and scare them prank
We hesitated to put this one on the list because it’s so mean. There is nothing meaner than a jump scare, particularly when you know your friend (victim) doesn’t like jump scares. Still, it’s an iconic prank that doesn’t require any materials — other than a profound lack of empathy, of course.
UPDATE: May. 29, 2023, 1:09 p.m. AEST This article was originally published in Mar. 2019, and has since been updated in May 2023.