The so-called ‘gag’ gifts are especially great for a white elephant or a Secret Santa exchange during holiday parties. Or when a person prefers simple but witty presents. Whoever you decide to give such a gift, it’s guaranteed that they’ll be surprised and giggly, that is, if it’s done right.

"Nail a funny gift, and you’ve got a Christmas classic on your hands—something everyone remembers, laughs about, and talks about for years to come. But getting it right is a bit of an art. You really need to know your recipient and their sense of humour," says Hannah Bartlett, Christmas expert and founder of the festive blog, Jolly Festive.

"The most important thing is to know your audience. A funny gift works best when it matches the recipient's sense of humor—whether they love lighthearted jokes, quirky items, or cheeky humor," agreed Matt Carlson, founder of Parent Presents.

"It’s also key to consider the occasion; funny gifts are great for casual settings but might not fit for more formal events. Lastly, think about how the gift will be perceived. Humor is subjective, so be sure it won’t unintentionally offend or embarrass someone."

Some additional things that Bartlett urges to keep in mind before giving a jokey gift are:

1. "Will it make their day better? Even a funny gift should come from a thoughtful place. Aim for something that lifts them up, not something that feels like a dig. A playful gift that highlights their strengths or quirks—like a makeup bag that says “Looking good today”—can strike the perfect balance."
2. "Keep it a sidekick, not the star. Unless it’s Secret Santa or a token gift exchange, don’t go all in with your budget on a jokey present. Pair the funny gift with something useful or thoughtful to balance it out."

She believes that the best funny presents are those that are comedic and practical. Some great examples Bartlett kindly provided us with are:

1. "Cheeky but useful: a gorgeous soap with a cheeky wrapper, a tote bag with a witty slogan, or a quirky map highlighting eccentrically named places."
2. "Consumables with a twist: chocolate shaped like Brussels sprouts or novelty toilet paper. They’re great for a laugh, but they don’t stick around forever."
3. "Group-friendly fun: silly games to play at a party, or a hat/sweater that can be worn but also passed around. These gifts bring the fun and keep the jokes rolling throughout the celebrations."

Carlson also suggested a few crowd-pleasers you can find below:

1. "Customized face socks: a classic mix of silly and personal."
2. "Giant burrito blanket: Perfect for wrapping yourself up like a burrito."
3. "Novelty desk toys: Think mini punching bags for stress relief or quirky decision-making dice."
4. "Funny coffee mugs: With slogans like “World’s Okayest Employee” or “Not a Morning Person.”"
5. "Prank gifts: empty boxes that make it look like you’re gifting something outrageous (like a “Pet Butler Vest”), but inside is a real gift."

Before gifting a jokey present, a person really has to take into account the advice of these experts, as people in general tend not to favor these kinds of gifts. In fact, a GiftingWho survey found that only 4.5% of respondents would like to receive a gag gift. This number grows with the younger folk (13–18 years old), with 28.5% saying that they like getting gag gifts the most.

Nevertheless, if you’re giving a funny present to older adults, chances are it will be returned, as 79% of recipients return at least some of their holiday gifts. So in case you aren’t completely confident about the gag gift you're planning to give, it might be better to think twice about it. This may not apply to white elephant or Secret Santa parties, but it does when giving presents to friends, family, and other loved ones.

"Skip the funny gifts when you’re not familiar with the person’s humor or if the occasion calls for something more meaningful. For example, milestone events like weddings or graduations might be better suited for thoughtful or practical gifts. Also, avoid joke gifts if they could be misinterpreted or seen as insensitive—always consider the context," recommends Carlson.

"Jokes between boss and employee can easily be misinterpreted, so it’s best to avoid putting either party in an awkward spot," adds Bartlett.

SurveyMonkey data suggests that instead of jokey gifts, people should think about gifting others tickets to concerts or other events, as 67% of people prefer to receive an experience rather than a physical item. Second on the Christmas wishlist are classes or adventures, which also stick to the theme of experiences. 

Next up were gadgets like tablets, phones, laptops, and homemade gifts. 71% of recipients believe that “it’s the thought that counts” when talking about presents. A few other things on people’s Christmas lists include trips, self-care experiences or products, foods and drinks, and items related to their hobbies and interests.

I hope this list gave you some last-minute gift inspiration for upcoming Christmas. If you couldn’t find the perfect one, try checking out our previous articles on funny presents and wholesome ones right here.