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April Fools' pranks exist on a spectrum – somewhere between "changing your friend's phone language to Dutch" and "actions that require a lawyer." We've gathered 22 ideas that land firmly in the sweet spot of clever enough to earn respect but gentle enough to avoid therapy bills. Because while anyone can jump out of a closet and yell "boo," it takes real artistry to craft pranks that make even your victims slow-clap in appreciation. These aren't just practical jokes; they're tiny masterpieces of mischief that keep you in the will while still earning your spot in family legend.

Think of these as pranks with a PhD – smart enough to impress but not mean enough to damage relationships or property. They're for people who understand that the best April Fools' jokes end with everyone laughing, not just the perpetrator. Each idea walks that delicate line between creative chaos and considerate fun, proving you can absolutely embrace your inner trickster without turning into that person everyone blocks on social media come April 1st. Consider this your guide to achieving prankster glory while maintaining enough goodwill to still get invited to Thanksgiving.

Tiny rubber ducks used in lighthearted April Fools pranks, placed around a spice cabinet and held in hand.

Review: "I got these as a joke to hide around my parents house while I house sat. I had so much fun hiding the first 200 ducks, that when my parents extended their trip, I got over 1,000 more. Too cute! Perfect size to hide anywhere! My parents will be finding these ducks until the day they move out." - Timothy Wheeler

amazon.com , Timothy Wheeler Report

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Tams21
Community Member
3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's interesting how all of these pranks have links to products on Amazon.

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    #2

    Trick Your Friends Into Thinking They're Living In A Futuristic World With The "Voice Activated" Stickers, Hilarious Decals That'll Make Them Shout At Inanimate Objects In Vain

    Voice activated sticker prank on hand dryer in restroom.

    Review: "These are fun to put up in random places. Better than fart spray. People go nuts trying to get things to work." - M. Fuentes

    amazon.com Report

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    Orange and white cat playfully biting a cone, lying on a sunlit wooden floor, reminiscent of a harmless prank.

    Review: "My cat loves to destroy my toilet paper rolls. Got really frustrated with torn up rolls so I got him his own tear-resistant one." - Olivia C

    amazon.com , Olivia C Report

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    Joe Reaves
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, nvm buying this for a prank, make your cat think christmas has come and get him one.

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    April Fools prank mug with exaggerated size on kitchen counter near coffee machine.

    Review: "Superb quality, great packaging, and definitely best price especially if you have prime free shipping. Definitely glad I checked Amazon first before ordering other heavy 10 kg/22 lbs mug/cup versions" - Troy S.

    amazon.com , Troy S. Report

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    Prank jewelry box on a marble surface reveals a small figure inside.

    Review: "Gave it to my wife for our anniversary. She laughed a LOT, then stopped and said, “ok, what’d you really get me?” I did of course have a nice backup gift, but this thing was excellent. It’s become the kids’ favorite toy. My 8 year old son thinks it’s the funniest thing on earth and our oldest daughter is re-gifting it to her boyfriend on April Fools Day." - Schpeen

    amazon.com , Schpeen Report

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    Deborah B
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    PSA: If you are coming up with a funny idea for a fake "proposal" to your significant other, no, it will not be funny. It will be hurtful. They will feel hurt, and humiliated, and betrayed. It will probrably damage or destroy your relationship. Don't do it.

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    Hand holding an AnnoyingPCB in an office setting for a harmless April Fools prank.

    Review: "The AnnoyingPCB definitely lived up to its name. I bought it to prank a coworker, and let's just say it got a much bigger reaction than I planned. Hiding it turned out to be trickier than expected. My brilliant plan to put it in the ceiling tiles went awry when it went on a nosedive and disappeared ten feet into the wall cavity. Needless to say, I panicked a little." - Alex

    amazon.com , Alex Report

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    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How is annoying someone amusing? Aggravating would be a better word. Not harmless. Not funny.

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    Sticker of an electrical outlet placed on a wooden surface as an April Fools prank.

    Review: "What a great way to have some fun waiting for anything with fake outlets. Just to watch people go for the fake outlets." - amazon customer

    amazon.com , John Report

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    #8

    Start Your Friend's Day Off With A Jolt Of Panic And A Dash Of Humor With The "You've Been Poisoned" Coffee Mug, A Ridiculously Alarming Cup That's Sure To Generate Some Laughs

    Coffee mug with prank message "You've been poisoned" at the bottom.

    Review: "This is hilarious! Nice coffee cup, great size." - Luckymc

    amazon.com Report

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    Board Pan, duh.
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We had a ceramic frog at the bottom of a mug. Staring up.at you. Always thought it was so.funny to see Mum's friend at the end of her cup of tea

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    The art of benevolent mischief continues as we explore more ways to embrace your inner trickster without crossing into supervillain territory. These next pranks showcase how clever planning and good intentions can create memorable moments rather than permanent enemies.

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    #9

    Drive Your Coworkers Completely Buggy With This Discreet Cricket Noise Maker That Will Have Them Searching For A Nonexistent Insect All Day

    Cricket prank devices with smiling face design, fun April Fools joke packaging shown.

    Review: "This is such a fun prank toy. I love that it comes with 3 so you can space them out around the house (for maximum confusion on the prankee's part lol). There's an on/off switch, and there's a button to select from 5 different sounds. 3 of them sound exactly like a cricket. What's great is it chirps randomly in 3 to 20 minute intervals, so the person you're pranking will have trouble zeroing in on where its at, and likely almost forget about it before it chirps again. Just good innocent fun, great to give kids a big laugh!" - Kathryn Kammerer

    amazon.com , Kathryn Kammerer Report

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    #10

    Is Your Friend's Parking Always A Little Too Perfect? Time To Mess With Their Karma With These Prank Parking Tickets

    Novelty parking violation prank ticket from LaughingSmith, held in a hand, designed for harmless April Fools fun.

    Review: "This is more of a you do not know how to park ticket, then a prank ticket. But they definitely will come in handy. I guess if you have that one friend who parks like an idiot, it would be hilarious to put on there windshield day after day" - kim vogelsong

    amazon.com , kim vogelsong Report

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    ElfVibratorGlitter
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Parked like a person who uses braille at an ATM? Yeah... I'll write my own angry parking notes

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    #11

    Got A Frenemy Who Loves Pool Parties A Little Too Much? Gift Them These Dissolving Swim Trunks And Watch The Hilarity Unfold (From A Safe Distance)

    Man in a pool experiencing an April Fools prank with dissolved swim trunks, clothes drying poolside.

    Review: "We gave my husband this as a Father’s Day gift, it was the best prank ever!! The trunks before getting wet are the best quality, making it seem like a high quality bathing suit" - Amazon Customer

    amazon.com , Amazon Customer Report

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    #12

    Give Your Friends A Jaw-Dropping Surprise With This Prank Chewing Gum That Packs A Shocking Punch – Literally

    Hand holding a prank chewing gum pack labeled "Fright Squirt Mint" for April Fools fun.

    Review: "Excellent, heavy duty and works perfectly." - Richard O Williams

    amazon.com , Trisha Report

    Shart survival kit with humorous packaging, including tissues and wipes, designed for April Fools pranks.

    Review: "This will be great to add to the gifts and cards I'll hand out either on fathers day or a birthday coming up. Looks like one of the free sample kits you'd get from your primary care doctor. Should leave most wondering if this is for real depending on the amount of concern you can show. So many laughs will be had." - Nikki

    amazon.com , Nikki Report

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    Robert T
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How can you blame a shart on the dog? The evidence will be all ove your underwear! You can only blame a fart on the dog, not a shart.

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    Family laughing in a kitchen during a lighthearted April Fools prank, with people smiling and enjoying the moment.

    Review: "We love this snake in a can so much, every time we have company or a family gathering, this guy shows up. (Note-I put the snake in a pringles can because I knew my father in law would go for it if he saw his favorite flavor chip.)" - Hillz

    amazon.com , Hillz Report

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    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This "prank" is so old it's even been used in M*A*S*H, which is set in the 50s!

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    White smartphone placed on a textured surface, screen off, perfect setup for friendly April Fools pranks.

    Review: "This is a great April fools prank! Since it really looks like a iPhone 6s, You can easily fool someone! Plus there is a different color change so YOU don't fool yourself!" - Slay5000

    amazon.com , Slay5000 Report

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    Package of "It's Nothing," a humorous gift idea for April Fools' pranks, displayed on a wooden surface with festive decor.

    Review: "Great gag for the person that always asks for nothing. Little expensive but the reaction is worth it." - Michael Shirley

    amazon.com Report

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    Ann Kapoxeet
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a beautiful bridge to sell the people that pay money for a package.

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    Prepare for more masterclasses in controlled chaos as we reveal additional ways to pull off the perfect prank. Whether targeting family, friends, or colleagues, these upcoming ideas prove that sometimes the best jokes are the ones that leave everyone, including the target, genuinely impressed.

    Wooden box labeled "Free! Take one" reveals fake spider for April Fools pranks.

    Review: "This is a fantastically designed little surprise attack! Hours and hours of fun." - Jon Thompson

    amazon.com , Amazon Customer , Jase Michel Report

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    BrownEyedPanda
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My sister would empty her bowels, while shattering every eardrum within a 50-mile radius.

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    #19

    Watch Your Friends' Jaws Drop (And Maybe Their Lectures Begin) With These Hilariously Convincing Fake Puff Cigarettes

    A hand holding a pencil that looks like a cigarette from a package, ideal for an April Fools prank.

    Review: "Great quality. Using for a redneck party I have coming up. I would purchase from seller again. Thanks!" - Michelle

    amazon.com , Michelle Report

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    Tropical Tarot
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Rednecks don't smoke. They chew or dip. I was the youngest so I had to sit in the front seat and hold my cousin's spit can. And it is more disgusting than you can imagine.

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    Golfer hits ball, creating cloud of white powder, as part of a playful prank on the golf course.

    Review: "Great product. Price was on point and it never gets old watching your golf friends go from a bad shot to exploding ball. Wish they were a little heavier so you can't tell they are fake." - Jennifer J.

    amazon.com Report

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    #21

    Your Friends Will Be Green With Envy When You "Win" Big With These Ridiculously Convincing Fake Lottery Tickets

    Fake lottery tickets on a table as a harmless April Fools prank idea.

    Review: "Great prank, looks very real but you will feel bad when they think they won so stop them before they go crazy over it." - Enrique Alex Ramirez

    amazon.com , Sky Report

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    #23

    Slither Your Way Into Prankster Hall Of Fame With This Hilariously Terrifying Snake On A String That Will Have Friends Screaming For Mercy

    Fake snake prank on green grass, harmless April Fools' gag safe for family chats.

    Review: "Good product to play a prank on a friend." - TheUnexpectedHouseWife (& Husband)

    amazon.com , TheUnexpectedHouseWife (& Husband) Report

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    M Whee
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Let's just back off on phobias. Nobody enjoys that except someone who doesn't care how the other person feels. I relocate snakes as part of my job and they don't scare me but I can respect people who are scared.

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    Bottle of humorous "Headlight Fluid" on a wooden table, featuring playful April Fools prank details on label.

    Review: "I got this as a prank gift for my son and he loved it. Now he wants to pass it on. I filled it with water and food color because it comes empty. We had a good laugh." - Ruby

    This one might be a dirty prank, but we do have 20 Essential Products For A Showroom Finish that are a detailer's dream.

    amazon.com , 207 Purchaser Report

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    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's the d word that's been censored? And is this a gag gift that does't actually get used?

    #25

    Trick Your Friends Into Thinking You're Rocking A Seriously Questionable Fashion Trend With The Belly Bag, A Hilariously Oversized "Accessory" That's Sure To Generate Some Lols

    Person with shirt lifted over the stomach, in polka dot pants, demonstrating a playful visual prank.

    Review: "Haha this fanny pack is amazing! I got this for an upcoming white elephant party and I’m absolutely certain this thing will be a hit." - Crystal Cleveland

    amazon.com , Crystal Cleveland Report

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    #26

    Prank Your Pals With A Putrid Surprise - This Stinky Hand Gel Smells So Bad, They'll Think They Touched A Skunk!

    Bottle of Fresh-X moisturizing hand gel on a wooden desk, suitable for family-friendly April Fools pranks.

    Review: "I haven't laughed so much in years I pranked so many co-workers today I was crying laughing all they could say is u got me good" - bonnie

    amazon.com , bonnie Report

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    M Whee
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, this is more ex-revenge material than something funny.

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    #27

    Zap Your Friends With A Harmless But Hilarious Shock With The Electric Shock Pen, A Sneaky Prank That's Sure To Leave Them Jumping Out Of Their Seats

    Prank shock pens package with cartoon woman surprised, ideal for April Fools pranks.

    Review: "This is the ultimate gag! How many times have you been asked to borrow a pen.... I love that you’re able to still use these as writing tools but the person that may grab it or ask will never know what’s coming!" - Brianna Strum

    amazon.com , Brianna Strum Report

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    Tropical Tarot
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you want a shock to be a funny prank, just hand someone a normal object and make a "zzzzzztt" noise. No one gets hurt and it's still funny.

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    Funny April Fools prank with a yellow mask peeking through a window.

    Review: "This is a fun Halloween decoration to hang at a window. Sensors work well. Highly recommend." - Krishnamurthy Iyer

    This one is for everyone who doesn't want to wait for October. Snag These 17 Frightfully Good Halloween Decor finds today.

    amazon.com , Krishnamurthy Iyer Report

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    Robin Roper
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bezos must have a paid subscription to BP. Not an Amazon product but I know someone who's friends hit dozens of bananas around her house. She found them in gross shape for weeks - none were anywhere clothing or decor would be ruined but still, yuck.