150 Pranks with Details
Below is a list of 150 harmless and fun pranks, each with a brief description of how to execute them. These pranks are designed to be lighthearted, safe, and respectful, ensuring everyone involved can enjoy a good laugh. Always consider the context, the person’s sense of humor, and their comfort level before pulling a prank. Avoid pranks that could cause distress, damage, or embarrassment.
Office Pranks
Fake Spill
Place a realistic-looking fake spill (e.g., coffee or soda) made of plastic or resin on someone’s desk. Watch them panic before realizing it’s not real.
How-to: Purchase a fake spill prop online or make one using clear glue and food coloring.
Keyboard Confusion
Swap a few keys on a coworker’s keyboard (e.g., swap the “M” and “N”). They’ll type gibberish until they notice.
How-to: Gently pop off keys with a small screwdriver and rearrange them.
Mouse Malfunction
Place a small piece of tape over the sensor of a coworker’s computer mouse. It’ll stop working temporarily.
How-to: Cut a small piece of opaque tape and stick it to the bottom of the mouse.
Sticky Note Explosion
Cover a coworker’s desk, chair, or monitor with colorful sticky notes.
How-to: Buy a pack of sticky notes and spend a few minutes covering their workspace.
Fake Bug Under Desk
Place a realistic plastic bug under a coworker’s desk or on their chair.
How-to: Purchase a fake insect from a novelty store and position it discreetly.
Endless Email Loop
Set up an out-of-office reply on a coworker’s email that responds with a funny message, looping replies.
How-to: Access their email settings (with permission) and enable a quirky auto-reply.
Upside-Down Screen
Rotate a coworker’s computer screen display to appear upside-down.
How-to: On Windows, press Ctrl+Alt+Down Arrow; on Mac, go to Display settings and rotate.
Foil-Wrapped Desk
Wrap a coworker’s entire desk, including items, in aluminum foil.
How-to: Use several rolls of foil and wrap carefully to avoid damaging items.
Fake Meeting Invite
Send a calendar invite for a fake meeting with a ridiculous agenda (e.g., “Brainstorming Unicorn Policies”).
How-to: Use a shared calendar system to send the invite with a humorous description.
Chair Swap
Swap a coworker’s chair with a different one (e.g., a tiny stool or an overly plush chair).
How-to: During a break, swap chairs with another from the office.
Home Pranks
Toothpaste Oreos
Replace the cream in Oreo cookies with white toothpaste.
How-to: Carefully scrape out the cream and spread toothpaste inside, then reassemble.
Saran Wrap Doorway
Stretch clear plastic wrap across a doorway at chest height.
How-to: Tape plastic wrap tightly across a doorframe when someone isn’t looking.
Fake Spider in Lamp
Place a fake spider inside a lampshade for a creepy shadow effect.
How-to: Use a realistic plastic spider and place it inside the shade.
Salted Toothbrush
Sprinkle a tiny bit of salt on someone’s toothbrush.
How-to: Lightly dust salt onto the bristles before they brush.
Remote Control Swap
Swap the batteries between two similar remote controls in the house.
How-to: Switch batteries so the TV remote controls the DVD player and vice versa.
Shampoo Swap
Replace shampoo with a similar-colored liquid like dish soap (safe for skin).
How-to: Empty some shampoo and refill with a small amount of dish soap.
Fake Alarm Clock
Set multiple alarm clocks to go off at random times during the night.
How-to: Hide small clocks in different rooms with staggered alarm times.
Frozen Cereal
Freeze a bowl of cereal overnight and serve it in the morning.
How-to: Prepare a bowl with cereal and milk, then place it in the freezer.
Toilet Paper Message
Write a funny message on the inner layers of a toilet paper roll.
How-to: Unroll a few layers, write with a marker, and roll it back up.
Fake Crack on Phone
Apply a cracked screen sticker to someone’s phone or tablet.
How-to: Buy a cracked screen decal online and stick it on their device.
School Pranks
Chalkboard Swap
Replace the classroom chalkboard eraser with one dusted with chalk powder.
How-to: Rub chalk dust into the eraser for a dusty surprise.
Fake Test Announcement
Announce a surprise pop quiz that doesn’t exist.
How-to: Convince classmates with a serious tone, then reveal the joke.
Book Swap
Swap the dust jackets of two textbooks in a friend’s backpack.
How-to: Carefully remove and swap jackets on similar-sized books.
Sticky Desk
Place double-sided tape on the underside of a desk’s edge.
How-to: Apply tape discreetly so their hands stick slightly when they touch it.
Fake Spider in Locker
Place a fake spider inside a friend’s locker.
How-to: Use a realistic plastic spider and tape it inside.
Pencil Trick
Glue a pencil to the desk so it can’t be picked up.
How-to: Use a tiny dab of super glue on the pencil’s base.
Misspelled Name Tags
Create name tags for desks with intentionally misspelled names.
How-to: Print or write tags with funny variations of names.
Fake Snow in Backpack
Fill a friend’s backpack with packing peanuts to mimic snow.
How-to: Open the backpack and pour in lightweight packing material.
Upside-Down Notes
Write class notes upside-down in a friend’s notebook.
How-to: Borrow their notebook and write a page of notes inverted.
Fake Announcement
Make a fake school announcement over the intercom (with permission).
How-to: Coordinate with staff to broadcast a humorous message.
Food and Drink Pranks
Caramel Onion
Coat an onion in caramel to look like a caramel apple.
How-to: Peel an onion, insert a stick, and dip it in melted caramel.
Salt in Sugar Bowl
Replace sugar in a sugar bowl with salt.
How-to: Empty the sugar and fill with salt, ensuring it looks similar.
Fake Ice Cubes
Use plastic ice cubes with fake bugs inside for drinks.
How-to: Purchase bug-filled ice cube props and add to drinks.
Mayo Donuts
Fill donuts with mayonnaise instead of custard or jelly.
How-to: Use a piping bag to inject mayo into plain donuts.
Soda Swap
Replace soda in a can with soy sauce or another liquid.
How-to: Carefully open the can, empty soda, and refill with a similar-colored liquid.
Spicy Candy
Replace regular candy with spicy versions (e.g., cinnamon candies).
How-to: Swap candies in a bowl with hot ones from a specialty store.
Fake Milk
Fill a milk carton with white grape juice.
How-to: Empty milk and refill with juice, then reseal.
Frozen Spoon
Freeze a spoon in a glass of water overnight.
How-to: Place a spoon in a glass, fill with water, and freeze.
Jello Juice
Make juice solidify with gelatin in a glass.
How-to: Mix gelatin with juice, pour into a glass, and let it set.
Ketchup Packet Trap
Place a ketchup packet under a toilet seat or chair cushion.
How-to: Position the packet so it bursts when sat on (use sparingly to avoid mess).
Technology Pranks
Autocorrect Swap
Change a phone’s autocorrect to replace common words with funny ones (e.g., “Hi” to “Yo, dude”).
How-to: Access keyboard settings and add custom autocorrect entries.
Wallpaper Swap
Change a friend’s phone or computer wallpaper to something silly (e.g., a meme).
How-to: Access their device (with permission) and set a new background.
Fake Update Screen
Set a fake “system update” screenshot as their computer background.
How-to: Find a realistic update screen image and set it as the desktop wallpaper.
Mouse Cursor Change
Change a computer’s mouse cursor to a funny image (e.g., a cartoon character).
How-to: Use system settings to upload a custom cursor image.
Reverse Mouse
Invert the mouse controls so left is right and up is down.
How-to: Adjust mouse settings in the control panel or system preferences.
Fake Virus Alert
Create a fake pop-up window that looks like a virus alert.
How-to: Use a basic HTML page or screenshot to mimic a virus warning.
Sticky Phone Screen
Apply a thin layer of clear tape to a phone screen to make it less responsive.
How-to: Cut tape to fit the screen and apply it smoothly.
Bluetooth Speaker Surprise
Connect to someone’s Bluetooth speaker and play a funny sound.
How-to: Pair with their speaker and play a pre-recorded sound like a fart or animal noise.
Fake Text Message
Send a fake text from a “celebrity” using a spoofing app.
How-to: Use a safe, reputable spoofing service to send a humorous message.
Brightness Trick
Set a phone or computer screen to minimum brightness.
How-to: Adjust the brightness settings when they’re not looking.
Outdoor Pranks
Fake Parking Ticket
Create a fake parking ticket and place it on someone’s car.
How-to: Print a realistic-looking ticket from a template online.
Lawn Flamingos
Place dozens of plastic flamingos in someone’s front yard overnight.
How-to: Buy or borrow flamingos and arrange them creatively.
Chalk Art Surprise
Draw a funny chalk message or picture on someone’s driveway.
How-to: Use sidewalk chalk to create a humorous design.
Car Wrap
Cover a friend’s car in sticky notes or plastic wrap.
How-to: Use non-damaging materials and cover the car lightly.
Fake Dog Poop
Place realistic-looking fake dog poop on someone’s lawn or porch.
How-to: Purchase a fake poop prop and position it strategically.
Garden Gnome Invasion
Place random garden gnomes in a friend’s yard.
How-to: Borrow or buy gnomes and arrange them overnight.
Balloons in Car
Fill a friend’s car with balloons.
How-to: Unlock the car (with permission) and inflate balloons inside.
Fake For Sale Sign
Place a “For Sale” sign with a funny description on someone’s lawn.
How-to: Create a sign with a humorous twist, like “House for sale: haunted.”
Sidewalk Surprise
Write a funny message in washable paint on a sidewalk.
How-to: Use washable spray paint to write something silly.
Bubble Machine Trap
Set up a bubble machine to go off when someone walks by.
How-to: Hide a battery-powered bubble machine near a path.
Public Place Pranks
Fake Spill in Store
Place a fake spill (e.g., fake vomit) in a store aisle.
How-to: Use a store-bought prop and place it discreetly.
Elevator Stare
Stand in an elevator facing the wall instead of the door.
How-to: Enter the elevator and stand calmly facing the back.
Fake Phone Call
Pretend to have a loud, absurd phone conversation in a quiet place.
How-to: Fake a call about something ridiculous, like ordering 100 pizzas.
Sticky Note Car
Cover a friend’s car in a parking lot with sticky notes.
How-to: Use colorful sticky notes to create patterns or messages.
Fake Lost Item
Drop a fake wallet or phone with a funny note inside.
How-to: Create a prop wallet with a note like “Gotcha!”
Unexpected Dance
Start a random dance in a public place and invite others to join.
How-to: Play music on a portable speaker and dance spontaneously.
Fake Sign
Put up a fake sign with a silly rule (e.g., “No hopping on Tuesdays”).
How-to: Print a professional-looking sign and post it temporarily.
Balloon Release
Release a bunch of balloons in a public place for a surprise.
How-to: Inflate helium balloons and let them go in a safe area.
Fake Street Performer
Pretend to be a bad street performer (e.g., terrible juggling).
How-to: Set up in a busy area and perform poorly for laughs.
Reverse Walking
Walk backward in a crowded area while acting normal.
How-to: Maintain a straight face and walk confidently backward.
Family Pranks
Fake Remote Battery
Tell a family member the remote is broken, but you’ve hidden the batteries.
How-to: Remove batteries and hide them nearby.
Silly Alarm Sound
Change someone’s alarm to a funny sound like a rooster crowing.
How-to: Access their phone and set a custom alarm tone.
Fake Birthday
Convince a family member it’s someone’s birthday with fake decorations.
How-to: Put up banners and balloons for a random day.
Shrinking Clothes
Replace someone’s shirt with a smaller size.
How-to: Swap their shirt with a similar but smaller one.
Fake Pet
Place a robotic toy pet in the house to surprise someone.
How-to: Use a battery-powered toy that moves or makes noise.
Switch Salt and Sugar
Swap the salt and sugar containers in the kitchen.
How-to: Relabel the containers to look identical.
Fake Spill on Couch
Place a fake spill prop on the couch.
How-to: Use a realistic prop like fake coffee or juice.
Hidden Speaker
Hide a small speaker playing random sounds (e.g., whispers).
How-to: Use a Bluetooth speaker and hide it in a room.
Fake Gift
Wrap an empty box or a silly item as a gift.
How-to: Wrap a box with nothing inside or a gag gift.
Mirror Message
Write a funny message on a bathroom mirror with dry-erase marker.
How-to: Write something like “You’re awesome!” in a spooky font.
Holiday Pranks
Fake Snow Indoors
Scatter packing peanuts to look like snow inside the house.
How-to: Spread peanuts lightly on the floor during winter holidays.
Gift Wrap Everything
Wrap everyday items (e.g., utensils, remote) in gift wrap for Christmas.
How-to: Use wrapping paper to cover random household items.
Easter Egg Surprise
Fill plastic Easter eggs with silly items like googly eyes.
How-to: Place unexpected items in eggs during a hunt.
Halloween Fake Spider
Hang a fake spiderweb with a plastic spider in a doorway.
How-to: Use store-bought webbing and a realistic spider.
April Fools’ Breakfast
Serve a fake breakfast (e.g., mashed potatoes as ice cream).
How-to: Use food that mimics other dishes in appearance.
Valentine’s Day Mix-Up
Send a silly, over-the-top love letter from a “secret admirer.”
How-to: Write a humorous letter and leave it anonymously.
Fake Fireworks
Play firework sounds inside during the Fourth of July.
How-to: Use a speaker to play loud firework noises.
Christmas Coal
Give a gift box filled with fake coal (black-painted rocks).
How-to: Paint small rocks black and wrap them in a box.
Thanksgiving Pie Swap
Replace a pie slice with a lookalike made of clay or dough.
How-to: Mold clay to resemble pie and swap a slice.
New Year’s Countdown
Start a fake countdown to midnight hours early.
How-to: Announce the countdown and cheer at the wrong time.
Miscellaneous Pranks
Fake Voice Assistant
Respond to someone’s voice assistant commands with silly answers.
How-to: Stand nearby and mimic a virtual assistant’s voice.
Shoe Swap
Swap one shoe in a pair with a mismatched one.
How-to: Replace one shoe with a different style or size.
Bubble Wrap Floor
Place bubble wrap under a rug for unexpected pops.
How-to: Lay bubble wrap flat and cover with a rug.
Fake Tattoo
Apply a temporary tattoo to someone’s arm while they sleep.
How-to: Use a safe, washable temporary tattoo.
Reverse Mirror
Place a small mirror in front of a larger one to create a reverse effect.
How-to: Position a mirror strategically for a confusing reflection.
Silly Sticky Notes
Write funny messages on sticky notes and hide them in random places.
How-to: Place notes in books, drawers, or pockets.
Fake Pet Food
Replace pet food with cereal or human-safe snacks.
How-to: Swap the contents of a pet food bag with a lookalike.
Unexpected Balloon
Place a whoopee cushion or small balloon under a seat.
How-to: Hide the cushion for a surprising sound.
Fake Door Sign
Put a “Do Not Enter” sign on a commonly used door.
How-to: Create a sign with a funny reason for the restriction.
Confetti Trap
Rig a small confetti popper to go off when a drawer is opened.
How-to: Attach a party popper to the drawer with string.
Fake Bug in Shoe
Place a fake bug inside someone’s shoe.
How-to: Use a realistic plastic insect and tuck it inside.
Silly Alarm Label
Label an alarm clock with a funny message like “Wake up, sleepyhead!”
How-to: Stick a note on the clock with a marker.
Fake Spill on Car
Place a fake spill (e.g., bird poop) on a car windshield.
How-to: Use a store-bought prop or make one with white lotion.
Switch Light Bulbs
Replace a light bulb with a colored one (e.g., red or blue).
How-to: Unscrew the regular bulb and install a colored one.
Fake Handshake Buzzer
Use a classic handshake buzzer for a mild shock.
How-to: Purchasea buzzer and hide it in your palm.
Silly Voicemail
Leave a ridiculous voicemail greeting on someone’s phone.
How-to: Record a funny message with their permission.
Fake Lottery Ticket
Give a fake winning lottery ticket that reveals a joke.
How-to: Buy a gag ticket from a novelty store.
Upside-Down Pictures
Turn all the picture frames in a room upside-down.
How-to: Rotate frames when no one is around.
Fake Remote Signal
Use a universal remote to control someone’s TV unexpectedly.
How-to: Program a universal remote to their TV brand.
Silly Straw
Give someone a straw with tiny holes so it doesn’t work properly.
How-to: Poke small holes in a straw with a pin.
Fake Spiderweb
Stretch fake spiderwebs across a doorway or chair.
How-to: Use store-bought webbing and spread it thinly.
Silly Glasses
Replace someone’s glasses with a pair of fake ones with no lenses.
How-to: Swap with a similar-looking frame.
Fake Door Lock
Place a fake lock on a door to make it seem unopenable.
How-to: Use a prop lock that doesn’t actually secure the door.
Silly Socks
Sew a sock shut so it’s hard to put on.
How-to: Use a few stitches to close the sock’s opening.
Fake Bug in Bed
Place a fake bug under someone’s pillow or sheets.
How-to: Use a realistic plastic insect and hide it carefully.
Silly Pen
Replace the ink in a pen with a non-writing one.
How-to: Swap the ink cartridge with an empty one.
Fake Food Wrapper
Wrap a non-food item in a candy wrapper.
How-to: Use an empty wrapper to cover something like a rock.
Silly Alarm Time
Set someone’s alarm clock an hour early or late.
How-to: Adjust the time when they’re not looking.
Fake Spill on Shirt
Use a washable marker to draw a fake stain on someone’s shirt.
How-to: Draw a small coffee-like stain that washes out easily.
Silly Light Switch
Tape a light switch to the “on” position so it can’t be turned off.
How-to: Use clear tape to hold the switch in place.
Fake Delivery
Leave a fake delivery box with a silly item inside.
How-to: Wrap a box with a gag gift like a rubber chicken.
Silly Bookmark
Place a funny bookmark (e.g., a fake eyeball) in someone’s book.
How-to: Use a novelty bookmark and slip it into their book.
Fake Alarm Sound
Play a car alarm sound from a hidden speaker.
How-to: Use a small speaker and a pre-recorded sound.
Silly Door Handle
Coat a door handle with washable paint or lotion.
How-to: Apply a thin layer of a safe substance.
Fake Bug in Food
Place a fake bug in a snack bowl (e.g., chips).
How-to: Use a realistic plastic insect and place it subtly.
Silly Clock
Change all clocks in the house to the wrong time.
How-to: Adjust each clock by a few hours.
Fake Parking Spot
Draw a fake parking spot with chalk in a ridiculous location.
How-to: Use sidewalk chalk to outline a tiny spot.
Silly Mirror Sticker
Place a funny sticker (e.g., a mustache) on a mirror.
How-to: Use a removable sticker and place it at eye level.
Fake Bug in Lamp
Place a fake bug inside a lamp for a creepy effect.
How-to: Use a realistic plastic insect and tape it inside.
Silly Door Mat
Place a mat that says “Go Away” or something funny at the door.
How-to: Buy or make a humorous doormat.
Fake Remote Battery
Replace remote batteries with dead ones.
How-to: Swap batteries with drained ones.
Silly Light Bulb
Unscrew a light bulb slightly so it doesn’t turn on.
How-to: Loosen the bulb in its socket just enough.
Fake Food Smell
Use a food-scented air freshener to make it seem like food is nearby.
How-to: Spray a pizza-scented freshener in a random room.
Silly Slippers
Fill someone’s slippers with soft, harmless items like cotton balls.
How-to: Stuff slippers lightly with cotton.
Fake Bug in Drawer
Place a fake bug in a drawer for a surprise.
How-to: Use a realistic plastic insect and hide it.
Silly Alarm Label
Label an alarm clock with a funny message like “Time to party!”
How-to: Stick a note on the clock.
Fake Spill on Floor
Place a fake spill prop on the floor.
How-to: Use a realistic prop like fake juice.
Silly Bookmark
Use a bookmark with a fake hand sticking out of the book.
How-to: Buy a novelty bookmark with a hand design.
Fake Phone Call
Pretend to take a call from a celebrity or fictional character.
How-to: Act out a loud, funny conversation.
Silly Door Sign
Put a “Broken” sign on a working door.
How-to: Create a sign with a humorous explanation.
Fake Bug in Hair
Place a fake bug on a comb or brush.
How-to: Use a realistic plastic insect and attach it lightly.
Silly Straw
Give someone a straw with a fake bug inside.
How-to: Use a clear straw and insert a small fake insect.
Fake Alarm Sound
Play a smoke alarm sound from a hidden speaker.
How-to: Use a small speaker with a pre-recorded sound.
Silly Light Switch
Label a light switch with a funny function (e.g., “Time Machine”).
How-to: Attach a small label to the switch.
Fake Food Wrapper
Wrap a non-edible item in a candy wrapper.
How-to: Use an empty wrapper to cover something silly.
Silly Clock
Set a clock to a random time zone.
How-to: Adjust the clock to a different time zone.
Fake Parking Ticket
Place a fake ticket on someone’s bike or scooter.
How-to: Print a realistic-looking ticket.
Silly Door Handle
Tie a ribbon or string to a door handle for a tug.
How-to: Attach a light string that pulls when opened.
Fake Bug in Bed
Place a fake bug under a blanket.
How-to: Use a realistic plastic insect and hide it.
Silly Alarm Time
Set multiple alarms on someone’s phone for random times.
How-to: Access their phone and set several funny alarms.
Note: Always ensure pranks are safe, respectful, and appropriate for the person and setting. Have fun and keep the laughter light!