Pranking is really fun, which is why April Fool’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. I’ve decided to compile a list of doable and funny pranks that will allow you to enjoy this day as much as I do. The pranks range from practical to emotional, and also include more serious jokes and simple hi-jinks. Hopefully you’ll find something that fits your needs.
Phone Numbers:
The most difficult part of this prank is obtaining your friend’s phone long enough to switch your name in her contact list. (For optimal results, use a friend who does not have a passcode on her phone. OR, ask her if you can borrow her phone to “check your email,” or “text your mom.” The main thing to remember if doing this is that you must actually check your email or text your mom, so she doesn’t suspect any foul play.)
Once you procure her phone, you have to get creative. Think of someone she has a crush on, someone who has a crush on her, an ex-boyfriend, a girl she does not get along with, etc. (Note: Regarding the ex-boyfriend, use your best judgment. This can be funny, but can also be very not funny.)
All you do now is edit your name to read another name. (E.g. change “Betsy Rosen” to the name of chosen subject.)
The fun part begins when you text her and she thinks you are someone else. Be creative, have fun, but don’t take it too far. One thing to keep in mind during the execution is to not embarrass her. If it seems to be heading down that path, end it before things turn sour.
Fake Flowers:
Order flowers to be delivered to your house and sign the card from a boy. Though it requires you to pay for flower delivery, the results should be worth it. Be sure to choose the friend who tends to overthink and overreact.
Saran Wrap Toilet:
Self-explanatory. Works for both males and females. The worst part about this is that you cannot see the immediate reaction. However, you do get some of the aftermath, which is usually not pleasant.
Shaving Cream:
A la Mighty Ducks. I tried this once, and it didn’t work because the subject woke up. Choose your victim wisely (a deep sleeper, or perhaps someone who had more to drink than you did).
Boyfriend Breakup:
If you have a boyfriend, you could break up with him for some type of absurd reason and see if he buys it. While, yes, this may be “mean,” it also may be funny, so if you date the type of guy who can laugh at himself, you could test this one out.
You also could tell your friends that your boyfriend dumped you out of the blue. You’ll probably personally benefit more from this take on the prank, since they’ll probably supply you with magazines, candy, ice cream, etc. These both require good acting.
Parents:
Depending on your parents’ style, there is a plethora of things you could tell them over the phone that could really get their blood boiling. Maybe they hate tattoos. Tell them you got a large one on your arm for a religious or spiritual reason. If they’re religious, tell them you’ve decided to become an atheist. If they’re always on you about boys, tell them you finally got a boyfriend and he told you that he wants to marry you in the next six months.
Since you’re dealing with your parents, it’s important to walk the line. Don’t take this too far. If your mom starts crying, tell her you’re joking. Also, remember what is funny. Telling your parents that you got in a car accident is not. Telling your parents you got a weird piercing is. Use discretion.
Car Note:
Leave a note on a friend’s car from a “stranger,” who is apologizing for hitting her car. Details enhance this prank; leave a name and a phone number, make the note seem frazzled. Be sure to disguise your handwriting. Then watch from afar as your friend circles her car, looking for a dent or scratch from the person who “hit” her car.
Oreo:
Find a friend who loves Oreos, and substitute the filling with toothpaste. The friend will bite in hoping for a cookie, but will be met with minty filling instead. Be sure to get the reaction on film.
While the holiday lends itself to an “anything goes” type of attitude, before pranking, it is important to remember the faux pas of pranking. Here is a quick list of ground rules to consider before beginning your pranks.
Make sure your prank isn’t too serious.
While yes, you do want to flirt with the line between funny and “too far,” you must reflect and remind yourself what is funny and not funny. Telling someone that you were sexually harassed by a weirdo at a party is not funny. The above pranks are.
Don’t take it too far.
Like in the first prank, you don’t want to hurt or embarrass a friend. Pranks are meant to be harmless. If your friend is about to do something rash, stop the prank. (E.g.: if she is about to text her crush who “sent her flowers,” tell her it’s a joke.)
Choose the right victim.
Sometimes, this means choosing the friend who will overreact. Other times, this means choosing the friend with the best sense of humor. Don’t mess too much with a friend who is going through a hard time or is hyper-emotional. Only prank someone you like. Pranking someone you dislike is mean, not funny.
Don’t be mean.
Self-explanatory.