The Best April Fools' Pranks to Pull This Year
JApril 1st– The one day in the year when the rules don't apply. When cushions get whoopee'd, bams get boozled and the sugar might've been replaced by salt. April Fools' Day is when you can get away with a little mischief, so why not go all in?
The best April Fools' Day pranks are unexpected, lighthearted, and guaranteed to leave everyone in stitches (even the victim). At What Prank, we love a good prank and we know a thing or two about pulling one. Here’s our list of the best pranks and jokes guaranteed to get a reaction.
Classic April Fools' Pranks That Never Fail
The classics are just that for a reason. If you’re looking for tried-and-true ways to fool your friends and family, these all-time great ideas are the place to start.
The Whoopee Cushion Surprise
Whoopee cushions are the ultimate prank tool. Just slip one under a seat cushion and wait for the laughter to explode. Is it kind of silly? Sure. But its simplicity makes it one of the most effective pranks year in and year out. Whether it's at home or in the office, this is a simple April Fools joke that delivers each time.
The Frozen Cereal Trick
The night before April Fool's Day, pour a bowl of cereal and milk and then put it in the freezer. In the morning your unsuspecting victim will sit down to eat and hilariously fail. They’ll be so confused why their spoon won't budge before realizing that they've been pranked. What a way to start off the day of lighthearted practical jokes.
The "Broken" Remote
All you need for this prank is some tape. Place a small piece of it over the sensor on the TV remote and then sit back and wait. Everyone in the house will struggle to figure out why the remote isn’t working.
The Gag Gift
Give your friend a gift they'll really love - an April Fool's prank. It can be hilarious to pick out a ridiculous gift for a friend, wrap it, and present it to them - I mean, who doesn't want to get a Borat-style thong as an April Fool's prank? We've got a bunch of gag gift options you can shop.
The Mailed Fake-Out
Want to surprise someone, even if they don't live right by you? Mailed pranks are the best way to send the spirit of April Fool's! For the biggest collection of mail-able pranks around, check out our prank mail lineup here. Just make sure you send it out so it'll arrive April 1st!
Hilarious Food-Related Pranks
Food pranks are some of the comedy gold—and the cruelest (but in a good way). If you want to mess with someone’s taste buds, try one of these ideas.
Frosting vs. Mayonnaise Swap
Go for the good old switch-a-roo trick. You can swap vanilla frosting with mayonnaise and spread it on cupcakes or inside Oreos. Watch as your unsuspecting victim takes a bite and gets slapped with immediate regret. Share the comedy by taking a video of their reaction and playing it back for them.
You can also do a classic swap with other foods. Put the salt in the pepper shaker and vice versa or replace their steak with hyper realistic cake. They'll never know what hit them.
The "Juice" That Won't Pour
Mix gelatin into a juice container and let it set overnight. When someone tries to pour a drink, nothing comes out, or even weirder, little blobs of jelly. The victim will be confused and you can sit there like "Huh. I have no idea how this is happening".
The Best Office Pranks for Maximum Laughs
We'll be the ones to say it, sometimes work's boring. Lighten the mood for April Fools with a practical joke. But don't land yourself at the HR office. Here are some ideas:
The "Mouse Won't Work" Trick
Put a sticky note under a co-worker’s mouse sensor. Watch them struggle to figure out why their mouse isn’t working.
Rearranged Keyboard Keys
If someone has a removable keyboard, switch around the letters to spell something funny. It’s harmless but hilarious!
Airhorn Chair Surprise
Tape an airhorn under a co-worker’s chair. When they sit down—BOOM! The whole office will burst into laughter. Sneakily move it to different people's chairs and see how many honks you can get.
WhatPrank Office Pranks
Looking to buy some pranks specifically for the office? We've got you covered. Browse our Office Pranks collection to find hilarious materials and more prank inspiration for the workplace.
The Best April Fools' Day Pranks for Kids
Kids love a little lighthearted prank. Here are a few that are sure to get them giggling.
The "Invisible" Parent Trick
Act like you can see or hear your child. Even better if you get the whole family involved for maximum effect.
Backwards Day
Tell your kids that everything has to be done backward today. Get dressed backward, dinner for breakfast, dessert for mains, even talking backward!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best April Fools' pranks for school?
If you want to play a prank at school, try swapping a friend’s phone wallpaper, hiding a classmate’s backpack, or posting hilarious (but harmless) notes around the classroom.
What is the history of April Fools' Day?
April Fools' Day dates back centuries, though its exact origins remain a mystery. One theory is that it started when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in the 16th century. Some people continued celebrating the new year in April instead of January and were mocked as "April Fools."
Is April Fools' Day celebrated worldwide?
Yes! People all around the world love April Fools' Day. In France and Italy, people celebrate "Poisson d'Avril" by sticking paper fish on each other’s backs. We offer international shipping, too, so you can have April Fools fun anywhere.
What Prank: The Best Gag Gifts and Pranks
If you want to pull off an epic prank, What Prank has you covered. We have the most hilarious gag gifts and mail pranks so you can nail that clever office prank, tickle your dad, or cause a choir of giggles at the girls’ night out. Here are some things to consider before to make sure land the laughs:
Know Your Target – Consider your prank victim’s personality. Are they playful and lighthearted, or are they more of the serious type? Tailor the joke so everyone can enjoy the comedy, including them.
Plan the Details– The best pranks are usually thought out and well-timed. Consider the time, the occasion along with the other materials you'll need. You'll never know for sure how everyone will take the joke but anticipate possible reactions. A well-executed prank leaves no room for errors.
Capture the Moment – Revisit the moment where your mom bit into a lemon instead of an orange on video. If possible, record the reaction so you can share the laughs (with permission, of course).
Know When to End It – You want to mess with the prank victim not mess up their day. Dragging it out too long can kill the fun. When everyone’s laughing, you know it’s time to say, “Gotcha!”
Final Thoughts
The fun of April Fools Day pranks is the unexpected laughter and harmless tricks. Laughter is cool but shame or embarrassment aren't. The best way to do this is to keep things light and silly. After all, everyone loves pranks that end with laughing and shouting "April Fools"!
Go forth and get your props ready, and deliver the kind of joke that has everyone entertained. And if you need the best prank gear and inspiration, What Prank has you covered. Let the fooling begin!