10+ Simple & Side-Splitting Pranks to Pull on Your Loved Ones & Pals

10+ Simple & Side-Splitting Pranks to Pull on Your Loved Ones & Pals

This piece was collaboratively written by wikiHow staff writer Cheyenne Main. Cheyenne Main serves as an Editing Fellow at wikiHow and resides in Kansas City. With more than four years in the editorial field, her contributions have appeared in numerous literary publications. She earned a BA in English and History from Cottey College in 2023. Today, Cheyenne enjoys exploring diverse subjects and contributing to the development of thoroughly researched, reader-friendly materials.

This article includes 10 references, all listed at the end of the page.

The facts in this article have been verified, guaranteeing the correctness of all referenced information and affirming the reliability of its sources.

This piece has been read 31,951 times.

Searching for the top pranks to pull on your family at home? Look no further. Whether it’s sticking a fake insect inside a lampshade or swapping your sibling’s entire room around, we’ve gathered the ultimate list of hilarious practical jokes to help you claim the title of prank champion. Check out these ideas for the best at-home pranks you can try today!

Buggin’ Out remains unchanged, as it is a proper noun or a specific title that should not be altered.

  1. This simple, timeless prank is sure to startle your family. Just attach a fake bug or plastic spider to the interior of a lampshade. Once the light is switched on, they’ll panic, believing an actual insect is lurking inside![1]

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Swirling haze of particles

  1. For this prank, place roughly ¼ cup (30 g) of flour into a family member’s hair dryer. Once they switch it on post-shower, the flour will burst out in a massive cloud, covering their entire head!

Car in EEEEE Minor

  1. Before the rest of the household is awake, head outside and attach a to the exhaust pipe of a family member’s car. As they leave for work or school, the sudden loud whistling sound will leave them puzzled about its source!

    • Another option is to attach the harmonica to the bumper of a family member or friend’s car. While it won’t produce as much sound as the exhaust pipe, it could leave them puzzled for an even longer time!
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  • Another option is to attach the harmonica to the bumper of a family member or friend’s car. While it won’t produce as much sound as placing it on the exhaust pipe, it could leave them puzzled for an even greater amount of time!

Don’t Mess With My Donut

  1. Purchase a cream-filled donut (or prepare one at home) and remove all the filling. Next, grab a piping bag, load it with mayonnaise, and squeeze it into the empty space. Anyone who takes a bite will be in for a disgusting shock![2]

    • If you receive a box of donuts, consume the remaining ones (or share them) and replace the contents with bananas along with other fruits and vegetables.
      • Upon opening the box in search of a sugary delight, they’ll quickly feel let down!
  • If you receive a box of donuts, consume the remaining ones (or share them with others) and replace the contents with bananas along with other fruits and vegetables.
    • Upon opening the box in search of a sugary delight, the person will instantly feel let down!
  • Upon opening the box in search of a sugary delight, they’ll quickly feel let down!

You’re In Deep Trouble Now

  1. Purchase one of those containers and fill it with apple juice to mimic a urine sample. Leave the cap open, drink it in front of your family in the living room, and enjoy their baffled and horrified reactions![3]
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Fire the Confetti Cannons

  1. Grab a packet of and gently arrange the flakes over each blade of a single fan. Once someone activates the fan by flipping the switch or pulling the cord, the confetti will shower down in a colorful display![4]

    • Pull this prank on the living room fan to surprise everyone at the same time, or target the fan in your sibling’s or parents’ room to prank a particular person.
  • Pull this prank on the living room fan to surprise everyone simultaneously, or target the fan in your sibling’s or parents’ bedroom to focus on one person.

Surprise Grape

  1. With Easter approaching, this could be the ideal trick. Simply cover grapes in silver foil or used chocolate egg wrappers to mimic festive treats. Distribute them to your relatives or place them in a bowl, then watch for the next person to fall for the joke![5]
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It’s All Greek to Me

  1. Secretly borrow a family member’s phone for a short time and switch its language settings. When you return it, they’ll be baffled and annoyed as everything on their device becomes incomprehensible![6]

    • Android:Navigate to Settings, then choose “System” > “Languages & Input” > “Languages.” Pick a different language from the options and move it to the beginning of the list by dragging it upward.[7]
    • iPhone:Open the Settings application. Navigate to “General” > “Language & Region” > “Add Language…” and choose a language (one they are not familiar with) from the options provided.[8]
  • Android:Navigate to Settings, then choose “System” > “Languages & Input” > “Languages.” Pick a different language from the options available and move it to the first position in the list.[7]
  • iPhone:Open the Settings application. Navigate to “General” > “Language & Region” > “Add Language…” and choose a language (one they are not familiar with) from the options provided.[8]

Tip of the Iceberg

  1. Open your refrigerator’s ice dispenser and replace the ice cubes with any small item you prefer. Try using jelly beans, brussels sprouts, plastic spiders, or similar objects. The next time a family member goes for ice, they’ll be surprised with a glass filled with baby carrots![9]

    • If your refrigerator lacks a dispenser, consider placing jelly beans or similar small objects inside your ice cube trays before freezing them.
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  • If your refrigerator lacks a dispenser, consider placing jelly beans or similar small objects inside your ice cube trays before freezing them.

Popping Party

  1. Inflate balloons and secure plastic wrap over all glass doors and windows facing the front of the home. Position the balloons between the plastic and the glass to create the illusion that your house is packed with them!

    • To earn bonus points, cover a whole space with balloons, such as a restroom or another person’s sleeping area.
  • To earn bonus points, completely cover a space with balloons, such as a bathroom or a bedroom.

He’s Really My Cousin

  1. Print photos of Danny Devito, your preferred celebrity, or even yourself, then swap all the framed pictures in your home with them. You can gradually make the changes and see how long it takes for a family member to notice, or switch every photo at the same time for an instant and dramatic effect![10]

    • Alternatively, enhance all your photos by adding a celebrity to your household’s most cherished vacation snapshots and family portraits.
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  • Alternatively, enhance all your photos by adding a celebrity to your household’s most memorable vacation snapshots and family portraits.

All That Shines

  1. Simply take a plastic or styrofoam cup filled with and place it between the door frame and the top of the door by opening it slightly. As soon as someone opens the door, they’ll be showered in sparkles!

    • This joke involves a bit more mess compared to others, so be sure to assist with tidying up once you’re done.
  • This joke involves a bit more mess compared to others, so be sure to assist with tidying up once it’s done.

Hands Stained with Color

  1. Remove the aerator from the end of the sink faucet and insert one of those tablets typically used for dyeing Easter eggs or add a few drops of food coloring. Reattach the aerator, and when someone turns on the water, their hands will be stained with the color you selected![11]
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Double Take

  1. Grab a packet of mustard, ketchup, or any preferred sauce and cut off one corner using scissors. Insert a straw into the opening and fasten it with tape to keep it in place. Then, when no one’s paying attention, swap their regular straw with the rigged one![12]

Quiet and cunning like a mouse

  1. If someone in your household works remotely or is often on their computer, insert a into their USB port. Once they’re connected, move the mouse randomly and enjoy hearing their annoyance from afar!
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A Twisted Tuesday

  1. For optimal results, try this with at least two siblings to prank. While they’re away, swap all their furniture between their rooms. Upon returning, they’ll be completely baffled, questioning how their belongings ended up in the wrong place!

Unleash the Quackin’

  1. Purchase a and scatter them throughout everyone’s rooms. Hide them in cabinets, within sugar and flour canisters, inside socks or shoes, and atop every picture frame to baffle your parents, siblings, and relatives!

    • To earn extra points, number each duck from 1 to 220, but exclude the range between 180 and 200. This will leave your family endlessly hunting for—or quietly anticipating—the missing 20.
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  • To earn extra points, number each duck from 1 to 220, but omit the numbers 180 through 200. This way, your family will keep looking for (or quietly hoping to discover) the missing 20 indefinitely.

Wishing you a wonderful Birthday!

  1. This prank requires plenty of time, tape, and wrapping paper, but the payoff is unforgettable. Picture your family member returning home after a tiring day at work or school—only to discover every item in their room meticulously wrapped like a gift.[13]

    • Cover all items, such as pens, pencils, door handles, and plant pots, ensuring nothing is left exposed.
    • Alternatively, opt for newspaper, aluminum foil, or oversized images of yourself!
  • Cover all items, such as pens, pencils, door handles, and plant pots, ensuring nothing is left exposed.
  • Alternatively, opt for newspaper, aluminum foil, or life-sized images of yourself!

Stunned by the Blast

  1. This prank isn’t just hilarious—it’ll completely astonish your family member. Grab an egg at room temperature and place a tiny strip of tape on both ends. Carefully pierce a small hole at the top with a needle, keeping it above a bowl to collect any dripping liquid.[14]

    • Pierce a hole in the base and maneuver the needle to enlarge the opening. Rotate the needle’s tip within the egg to scramble the yolk.
    • Turn the egg upside down, placing the pointed side upward, and gently blow air through the opening. After the entire egg has been emptied into the bowl, wash both the interior and exterior of the shell with water.
    • Allow the egg to fully dry before peeling off the tape and placing it in the refrigerator. Request a relative to prepare an omelet for you and observe their response!
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  • Pierce the base to create an opening, then maneuver the needle gently to enlarge it. Rotate the needle tip within the egg to scramble the yolk.
  • Turn the egg upside down, placing the pointed side upward, and gently blow air through the opening. After the entire egg has been emptied into the bowl, wash both the interior and exterior of the shell with water.
  • Allow the egg to fully dry before peeling off the tape and placing it in the refrigerator. Request that a relative prepare an omelet for you and observe their response!

Under Constant Observation

  1. Stick a pack of onto every appliance, item, and photo around your home. This playful trick will leave your family discovering the wobbly eyes for days![15]

Community Questions & Answers

  • Question
    What makes for the ultimate prank?
    Ashley
    Ashley
    Community Response
    A fake spill works perfectly. Craft a realistic-looking spill (such as juice or coffee) using plastic or wax paper, then set it on a table. It appears genuine but is entirely safe.

    We appreciate your feedback and are happy this was useful to you.

    We appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us.

    If wikiHow has made a difference for you, think about making a modest donation to help us assist more people like yourself. Our goal is to offer free, practical guidance to everyone, and even a contribution as small as $1 supports this mission.

    Support wikiHow

    Yes
    No
    Unhelpful6
    Helpful 7
  • Question
    What are some good pranks I can pull on my friend?
    Ashley
    Ashley
    Community Response
    You might like a few of these ideas: Fake Bug: Put a lifelike fake insect on their desk or inside their lunchbox. When they spot it, they’ll get a fun little shock—all in good humor! Switcheroo: If your friend is obsessed with a particular snack, swap it with something unexpected (like replacing chips with a healthier option). Just ensure it’s something they can safely eat and won’t have allergies to. Sticky Note Attack: Cover their locker or workspace with sticky notes. Add silly or uplifting messages to make it extra entertaining. Fake Computer Screen: Capture a screenshot of their desktop and set it as their background image.

    Thank you! We’re happy this was useful.

    We appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us.

    If wikiHow has made a difference for you, think about making a modest donation to help us assist others like yourself. Our goal is to offer free how-to guidance to everyone, and even a contribution as small as $1 aids our cause.

    Support wikiHow

    Yes
    No
    Unhelpful3
    Helpful 2

Tips

You May Also Enjoy

References

  1. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g31094996/best-april-fools-pranks/
  2. ↑ https://parade.com/984978/kelseypelzer/april-fools-pranks/
  3. ↑ https://parade.com/984978/kelseypelzer/april-fools-pranks/
  4. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g31094996/best-april-fools-pranks/
  5. ↑ https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/kids-club/cool-kids/general-kids-club/april-fools-pranks/
  6. ↑ https://www.parent.com/blogs/conversations/2022-april-fools-day-pranks-for-kids-to-play-on-grownups
  7. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/how-to-change-language-on-android
  8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/109358
  9. ↑ https://parade.com/984978/kelseypelzer/april-fools-pranks/
  1. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g31094996/best-april-fools-pranks/
  2. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g31137436/april-fools-pranks-for-kids/
  3. ↑ https://parade.com/984978/kelseypelzer/april-fools-pranks/
  4. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/prankster-covered-her-entire-boss-office-in-holiday-wrapping-paper-2019-12
  5. ↑ https://www.sierranevadajourneys.org/snjblog/2020/04/09-how-to-empty-an-egg
  6. ↑ https://www.today.com/life/holidays/april-fools-pranks-rcna75932

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  • Pranks (Practical Jokes) are playful tricks or mischievous acts intended to amuse or surprise others, often involving lighthearted deception or humorous setups. These antics typically target friends, family, or colleagues, creating laughter without causing harm. Pranks can range from simple, spontaneous gags to elaborate, planned schemes, all designed to entertain both the prankster and the unsuspecting participant. While they thrive on unpredictability, the best pranks maintain a balance between fun and respect, ensuring everyone involved enjoys the experience.
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