77+ Hilarious DIY Gag Gifts

DIY Gag Gifts are fun, humorous presents that are often crafted with a personal touch to surprise and amuse the recipient. They’re typically designed to be lighthearted and playful, often incorporating inside jokes, quirky themes, or unexpected twists. DIY Gag Gifts can range from simple pranks, like a fake lottery ticket, to elaborate creations, such as a “gift box” filled with unusual items. These gifts are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where laughter is the goal. The beauty of DIY gag gifts lies in their creativity and the personal effort that goes into making them.

Fake Poop in a Box

A hilarious and unexpected prank, a fake poop placed inside a box can be a memorable gag gift.

Materials Used:

• Fake poop (store-bought or homemade using clay or chocolate)
• Small gift box
• Tissue paper

Steps:

1. Purchase or make fake poop by molding chocolate or clay into a suitable shape.
2. Find a small gift box, the smaller the better for maximum surprise.
3. Line the box with some tissue paper to cushion the poop and make it look like a real gift.
4. Place the fake poop carefully inside.
5. Close the box and wrap it as you would a regular gift.
6. Watch the recipient’s reaction when they open the box!

Whoopee Cushion Prank

A classic gag gift that’s sure to get laughs, the whoopee cushion is a simple yet effective prank.

Materials Used:

• Whoopee cushion
• Cardboard box

Steps:

1. Purchase a whoopee cushion from a toy store or online.
2. Take a small box and place the whoopee cushion inside.
3. Secure the box and write a misleading note to make the recipient think it’s something serious.
4. When they open the box, the whoopee cushion will go off and create a funny sound.
5. Enjoy the reaction!

Soap That Won’t Lather

A soap bar that won’t lather up is the perfect prank to gift someone who loves personal hygiene.

Materials Used:

• Bar of soap
• Clear nail polish

Steps:

1. Take the bar of soap and coat it with clear nail polish.
2. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Wrap the soap nicely in a gift box or wrap.
4. When the recipient tries to use it, they’ll find it impossible to get any lather, leaving them confused!

Toothpaste Filled Oreos

A delicious-looking Oreo turns into a hilarious surprise with a toothpaste filling.

Materials Used:

• Oreo cookies
• Toothpaste (preferably white)
• Butter knife

Steps:

1. Carefully open the Oreo cookies, separating the halves.
2. Scrape out the cream filling from each side.
3. Replace the cream filling with a generous amount of white toothpaste.
4. Reassemble the Oreos and wrap them in the original packaging.
5. Offer them as a gift and watch the recipient’s surprise!

Fake Spider in a Cup

This gag gift will have anyone jumping in shock! A fake spider placed in a cup is simple but effective.

Materials Used:

• Plastic spider (realistic looking)
• Clear glass cup

Steps:

1. Find a realistic plastic spider from a toy store or online.
2. Place the fake spider inside a clear glass cup.
3. Leave the cup on a table or desk for the recipient to discover.
4. Make sure the spider is placed just right so it’s visible as soon as they pick up the cup.

Fake Ice Cubes with Bugs Inside

Add some creepy fun to a drink with ice cubes that have fake bugs inside.

Materials Used:

• Plastic bugs (ants, cockroaches, etc.)
• Ice cube tray
• Water

Steps:

1. Fill an ice cube tray with water.
2. Before freezing, place small plastic bugs inside each compartment.
3. Freeze overnight.
4. Once frozen, pop the ice cubes out and place them in a glass of your recipient’s favorite drink.
5. Watch them react when they spot the bugs inside the ice cubes!

Mismatched Socks

A simple but fun way to prank someone is by gifting them mismatched socks in a seemingly regular pack.

Materials Used:

• Two different socks (or more)
• Sock packaging

Steps:

1. Purchase or find a pair of socks that are intentionally mismatched.
2. Pack them in a regular sock package.
3. Wrap the package and gift it.
4. When the recipient opens it, they’ll find they can’t wear the socks as a matching set.

Squirt Water Bottle

A harmless squirt bottle makes for a funny prank, especially when it’s hidden in a gift box.

Materials Used:

• Small squirt water bottle
• Gift box

Steps:

1. Find a small squirt bottle that can easily be concealed.
2. Fill it with water or any safe liquid.
3. Place it inside a gift box with a false label.
4. When the recipient opens the box and accidentally triggers the bottle, they’ll get a harmless spray of water!

Inflatable Walker

This is a hilarious gag gift, perfect for poking fun at someone aging or feeling “over-the-hill.”

Materials Used:

• Inflatable walker
• Air pump

Steps:

1. Purchase an inflatable walker from a novelty store or online.
2. Inflate it using an air pump.
3. Wrap it as a gift and present it to the recipient.
4. Watch their reaction when they open it and see the inflatable walker!

Rubber Chicken

A classic gag toy that never fails to get laughs is a rubber chicken.

Materials Used:

• Rubber chicken toy

Steps:

1. Purchase a rubber chicken from a toy or novelty store.
2. Wrap it in a gift box or bag.
3. Give it to the recipient and watch their confusion turn to amusement when they open it.
4. You can even squeeze the chicken to make it make silly noises!

Fake Lottery Ticket

A fake lottery ticket that looks just like the real deal can provide a quick laugh and a great surprise.

Materials Used:

• Fake lottery ticket
• Scissors (if needed for customization)

Steps:

1. Purchase a fake lottery ticket, which can be found at many novelty or prank stores.
2. If you like, customize it to look more realistic.
3. Gift the ticket as if it were the real deal.
4. Watch the recipient scratch it off, only to discover it’s not a real winner!

Airhorn Under a Chair

A simple airhorn can surprise someone when placed under a chair. The loud sound will catch them off guard!

Materials Used:

• Airhorn
• Tape
• Chair

Steps:

1. Tape an airhorn under a chair where it won’t be visible.
2. Set it up carefully so it’s triggered when the person sits down.
3. Make sure it’s well-hidden, so when they sit, it will sound off!
4. Enjoy the shock and laughter when it happens!

Chocolate Covered Brussel Sprouts

These look like delicious chocolate-covered treats but are actually Brussels sprouts inside, providing a surprising and gross twist.

Materials Used:

• Brussels sprouts
• Chocolate (melted)

Steps:

1. Boil or steam the Brussels sprouts until cooked.
2. Melt the chocolate and dip each Brussels sprout in it.
3. Let them cool and harden.
4. Place them in a box and wrap it up.
5. Watch the recipient’s expression when they bite into one!

Fake Ice Cream Cone

A fake ice cream cone that looks edible but isn’t quite what it seems can be a hilarious gag gift.

Materials Used:

• Fake ice cream (styrofoam or clay)
• Cone (real or fake)
• Wrapping

Steps:

1. Create or buy a fake ice cream scoop from styrofoam or clay.
2. Attach it to a cone (real or fake).
3. Wrap it as if it were a real ice cream cone.
4. Watch their reaction when they try to eat it and realize it’s fake!

Balloon in a Box

A box that looks ordinary but when opened, a balloon pops out, delivering a fun and unexpected surprise.

Materials Used:

• Balloon
• Small box
• Tape or string

Steps:

1. Inflate a balloon and place it inside a small box.
2. Tape the box shut, but leave a slight opening for the balloon to pop out when the box is opened.
3. Wrap the box and present it to the recipient.
4. Watch their reaction when the balloon pops out as soon as they open the box!

Jar of “Earwax”

A jar that appears to be filled with earwax is actually a sweet surprise once the recipient investigates!

Materials Used:

• Honey or caramel
• Jar with a lid
• Cotton swabs

Steps:

1. Fill the jar with honey or caramel to resemble earwax.
2. Stick a few cotton swabs inside the jar.
3. Label the jar as “earwax.”
4. Hand it to the recipient and see their puzzled reaction as they open it.

Fake Broken Screen

A screen protector that makes it look like your phone’s screen is cracked—perfect for tech lovers.

Materials Used:

• Broken screen sticker (available online)
• Phone case

Steps:

1. Purchase a screen protector that mimics a cracked screen.
2. Apply it to a phone (or a mock phone) in a case.
3. Gift the phone, watching the recipient’s disbelief as they think their phone is broken.

Mummy Wrapping Kit

This gift lets the recipient become a mummy—perfect for Halloween or any time they want to look like one.

Materials Used:

• Toilet paper rolls
• A bow or decorative ribbon

Steps:

1. Roll several toilet paper rolls into a decorative bow or gift wrap.
2. Add a funny note explaining the wrapping kit.
3. Gift the kit and encourage the recipient to wrap themselves into a mummy!

Gag Candle

A candle that smells absolutely terrible, yet looks like a sweet treat, will definitely catch someone off guard.

Materials Used:

• Candle
• Foul-smelling oils (fish, cheese, etc.)

Steps:

1. Buy a pleasant-looking candle.
2. Replace the pleasant scent with something unpleasant like fish oil or old cheese scent.
3. Light the candle for the unsuspecting recipient and watch their reaction!

Fake Nail Polish

A bottle of nail polish that won’t do what it’s expected to do—when applied, it reveals something ridiculous.

Materials Used:

• Fake nail polish
• Clear bottle
• Funny labels

Steps:

1. Fill a clear bottle with something like a sticky substance or a weird texture.
2. Label it as a nail polish.
3. Gift it and watch the recipient try to apply it!

Fake Banana Peel

A plastic banana peel that looks real and can be left in surprising places for laughs.

Materials Used:

• Fake banana peel
• Optional: Banana-scented spray

Steps:

1. Purchase or make a fake banana peel.
2. Optionally spray it with banana-scented spray for authenticity.
3. Leave it in odd places like desks, kitchens, or bathrooms for someone to find.

“Accidentally” Shrinking Sweater

A sweater that “shrinks” in the wash—perfect for prank-loving fashionistas.

Materials Used:

• Old sweater
• Scissors or sewing kit

Steps:

1. Find an old sweater or shirt that can easily be altered.
2. Shrink it using heat (in a dryer or by soaking in hot water).
3. Wrap and gift the sweater as if it’s new.
4. Watch the recipient realize it doesn’t fit!

 “Exploding” Confetti Box

A fun gift that sends confetti flying everywhere when opened—unexpected but celebratory.

Materials Used:

• Confetti
• Box or envelope
• Tape

Steps:

1. Fill a small box or envelope with confetti.
2. Tape it shut tightly so the confetti is contained.
3. When the recipient opens the box, the confetti will burst out, creating a messy surprise!

Fake Bug Soap

A soap that appears to have a bug trapped inside it, which freaks out the recipient.

Materials Used:

• Soap
• Plastic bugs

Steps:

1. Get a clear soap bar or soap base.
2. Insert small plastic bugs inside the soap before it hardens.
3. Gift it with no explanation and wait for the reaction when they see the bug inside.

Fake Warts

A fake wart kit can make for a funny gift to send someone into a state of confusion.

Materials Used:

• Faux warts (from a novelty shop)
• Clear gel or double-sided tape

Steps:

1. Stick the faux warts to the person’s skin using tape or gel.
2. Watch as they wonder what’s happened to their skin.

Reversed Mints

A mint tin that looks like it holds fresh mints, but instead, it holds something awful like garlic or sardines.

Materials Used:

• Mint tin
• Unpleasant item (garlic, sardines, etc.)

Steps:

1. Empty out a mint tin.
2. Replace the mints with something awful like garlic or sardines.
3. Hand it over to the recipient and watch their surprise!

Surprise Lollipop

A lollipop with a strange or odd flavor, like jalapeno or garlic.

Materials Used:

• Lollipop
• Unusual flavoring

Steps:

1. Find or create a lollipop with a weird flavor.
2. Gift it to someone who expects a sweet treat.
3. Enjoy their reaction when they taste it!

Fake Ice Cream Scoop

A scoop of ice cream that is actually made of soap.

Materials Used:

• Soap
• Ice cream scoop

Steps:

1. Mold a bar of soap into a scoop shape.
2. Add it to an ice cream bowl with toppings.
3. When the person tries to eat it, they will be confused when it’s soap!

 Stink Bomb

A stink bomb inside a small container that smells horrendous when triggered.

Materials Used:

• Stink bomb
• Small box

Steps:

1. Place a stink bomb inside a small gift box.
2. Seal it tightly and gift it to the person.
3. When they open the box, the stench will fill the air!

“Ketchup” Nail Polish

This nail polish looks like ketchup but is actually a color you wouldn’t expect.

Materials Used:

• Red nail polish
• Empty nail polish bottle

Steps:

1. Fill a bottle of nail polish with ketchup-colored polish.
2. Gift it as a nail polish bottle and wait for their confusion!

Presenting the Gag Gift

A gag gift isn’t just about the gift itself; the presentation plays a significant role in making it memorable and hilarious. Creative wrapping techniques, unexpected containers, and a touch of humor can elevate the surprise and laughter. Below are some clever ways to present a gag gift:

1. Wrapping Techniques

a. Using Unexpected or Oversized Wrapping:

• Wrap small items in giant boxes to throw off expectations.
• Use layers of wrapping paper, with each unwrapping revealing another unexpected layer.
• Enclose the gift in unconventional materials like duct tape, newspaper, or plastic wrap to make opening it part of the fun.

b. Mismatched Boxes and Containers:

• Place the gag gift in a box that suggests something entirely different. For example, use a high-end jewelry box for a silly trinket.
• Nest the gift inside a series of increasingly larger mismatched boxes for added suspense.
• Use containers unrelated to the gift, like a cookie tin or a cereal box, to confuse the recipient.

c. Adding Humor to the Presentation:

• Attach a funny note or pun that hints at the joke.
• Use decoy gifts or props to add layers to the humor, like wrapping socks in a phone box.
• Include fake “instructions” or exaggerated warnings to build anticipation.

Safety Considerations for Gags and Practical Jokes

Practical jokes and gags are meant to bring laughter and fun, but it’s essential to prioritize safety and respect to avoid unintended harm or discomfort. A well-thought-out joke balances humor with consideration for others’ well-being and feelings. Below are key points to ensure your jokes are safe and practical:

1. Avoiding Hazardous Items or Materials

• Steer Clear of Dangerous Substances: Never use items like chemicals, flammable materials, or sharp objects. These can lead to accidents or injuries.
• Food Allergies and Sensitivities: If your gag involves food, ensure it doesn’t trigger allergies or intolerances. For example, avoid nuts if someone is allergic.
• Non-Toxic Props: Use non-toxic, child-safe materials to avoid risks, especially in jokes involving children.

2. Ensuring Practicality

• Consider the Setting: Choose a time and place where the joke won’t cause undue disruption or embarrassment, such as at work or public events.
• Avoid Overly Embarrassing Situations: A good joke should leave everyone laughing, not humiliated. Think of how the person on the receiving end might feel.
• Clean Up Easily: Use materials or props that don’t leave a mess or cause lasting damage, such as confetti that can be quickly cleaned up instead of something sticky or staining.
• Respect Boundaries: Ensure the person you’re pranking would appreciate humor in the situation. Some people might not enjoy being the center of attention.

3. Prioritize Physical and Emotional Safety

• Minimize Physical Risks: Avoid gags that could result in trips, falls, or other physical harm. For instance, avoid using slippery substances on floors.
• Mental Well-being: Ensure the joke doesn’t target insecurities, fears, or traumas. For example, avoid pranks involving fake emergencies.
• Consent Matters: For gags involving a significant setup or personal space, it’s a good idea to gauge whether the person would find it funny beforehand.

FAQ

What are DIY gag gifts?

DIY gag gifts are humorous, homemade presents crafted to amuse or entertain the recipient. They often involve playful jokes, puns, or funny concepts that are lighthearted and creative.

Why make DIY gag gifts?

DIY gag gifts are fun to create, show thoughtfulness, and often cost less than store-bought options. They add a personal touch and can be tailored specifically to the recipient’s sense of humor.

What are some examples of DIY gag gifts?

• A “soap bar phone” (a bar of soap with a pretend keypad drawn on it).
• A “jar of nothing” for someone who says they don’t need anything.
• A “stress relief kit” with bubble wrap and chocolate.
• Customized “funny photo” calendars.

What materials do I need for DIY gag gifts?

The materials depend on the project. Common supplies include:

• Craft paper and markers
• Glue and scissors
• Recycled household items
• Small, inexpensive props like jars, balloons, or miniatures

Are DIY gag gifts suitable for all occasions?

Yes! DIY gag gifts can work for birthdays, holidays, office parties, or even as icebreakers at events. Be sure to keep the humor appropriate for the occasion and the audience.