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But if you’ve grown tired of the usual socks, chocolate boxes, and bath sets, it might be time to spice things up.
After all, Christmas should be about joy, laughter, and having a good time.
For those of you lucky enough to have friends and family who share your quirky sense of humour, exchanging fun prank gifts is a brilliant way to celebrate the season with some cheeky mischief. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Know Your Audience
First and foremost, ensure that everyone involved is up for a bit of fun. Not everyone appreciates the surprise of unwrapping a gag gift, and the last thing you want is to offend your nan with a “funny” present that doesn’t land. Stick to exchanging prank gifts with those you know have a playful sense of humour. If they’ve laughed at your terrible dad jokes or joined in on previous pranks, you're probably safe.
2. Set the Ground Rules (if Necessary)
While the idea of prank gifts is to catch someone off-guard, it can help to set some loose guidelines to prevent things from going too far. For example:
A spending limit: this keeps it light-hearted and prevents anyone from feeling like they’ve been short-changed.
Agree on a theme: it could be silly, useful-but-useless, or downright ridiculous.
Have an understanding that everyone can laugh it off: no hard feelings if the prank gets a bit cheeky!
3. Be Clever, Not Cruel
The best prank gifts are those that are clever, unexpected, and harmless. You want your recipient to laugh, not feel insulted or embarrassed. When choosing a gift, consider something that will get a good chuckle but won’t hit any sensitive spots. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Fake Lottery Tickets: Imagine the look on their face when they think they’ve won a fortune... followed by a sigh of relief when they realise it’s just a gag.
Mug with a Surprise: A seemingly ordinary mug that reveals a cheeky message once they’ve finished their drink – perfect for that colleague who could use a laugh during coffee breaks.
Silly Socks: Gift them socks that appear sensible at first glance, only to reveal outrageous patterns or silly slogans once they’re unwrapped.
The Infamous Prank Gift Box: These boxes are designed to look like they contain ridiculous products (like a ‘Pet Butler’ or ‘Toilet Coffee Maker’) but are actually empty for you to place the real gift inside. The real fun is watching their reaction as they try to figure out why on earth you thought they needed such an absurd item.
4. Get Creative with DIY Pranks
If you’re crafty or just enjoy adding a personal touch, why not create your own prank gift? Here are some easy DIY ideas:
Customised Puzzle: Print a funny photo or inside joke and turn it into a puzzle. But – here’s the twist – remove one piece! They’ll be scratching their heads trying to figure out why the picture isn’t quite complete.
Jar of “Nothing”: For the person who claims they don’t want anything for Christmas, get a mason jar, fill it with air, and label it “Jar of Nothing”. It’s both hilarious and technically exactly what they asked for.
Wrapped Boxes Within Boxes: Classic but effective. Wrap a small gift in progressively larger boxes until the recipient is knee-deep in wrapping paper trying to reach the tiny gift inside.
5. Prank Gifts That Keep Giving
Why let the fun end on Christmas Day? Opt for gifts that keep on pranking long after they’ve been unwrapped:
Calendars with a Twist: Create a calendar filled with inside jokes, ridiculous photos, or silly “holidays” (e.g., “National Pretend to Be a Pirate Day”).
Subscription to Something Absurd: Sign them up for a magazine or email newsletter on a hilariously niche topic (like “Extreme Lawn Mowing Monthly”). Make sure it’s something they can easily cancel, of course!
Mischievous Plant: Gift them a “mystery plant” that’s actually a fast-growing but harmless weed (like mint) which will soon take over their windowsill garden if not contained.
6. Plan a Fun Reveal
Half the joy of prank gifts is watching the recipient’s reaction. If possible, organise a gift exchange where everyone opens their presents together. Capture their reactions on video or take photos – these moments will become cherished memories (and potentially blackmail material) for years to come.
If you’re hosting a Secret Santa, adding a “prank gift” twist can be a great way to amp up the festive fun. Just make sure everyone knows what they’re in for – you don’t want to be the only one gifting prank presents while everyone else is being serious!
7. Don’t Forget a Real Gift (If Necessary)
While prank gifts are hilarious, consider pairing them with a more thoughtful item if you’re unsure how the recipient might take it. After all, a good prank should leave them laughing, not disappointed. For example, include a small but thoughtful gift card, a nice bottle of wine, or a handwritten note of appreciation along with your gag gift.
8. Enjoy the Laughter!
The true spirit of Christmas is about bringing joy to those you care about. If you’re confident that prank gifts will lead to laughter rather than awkwardness, go ahead and embrace the chaos. There’s nothing like sharing a hearty laugh around the tree, surrounded by the people who get your unique sense of humour.
So, grab that wrapping paper, put on your elf hat, and get ready to create some unforgettable festive memories. And remember – if they prank you back next year, you’ve only yourself to blame!
Happy Pranking and Merry Christmas!
