Types of Gag Toys and Practical Jokes
From whoopee cushions to fake vomit, gag toys and practical jokes have been making people laugh for decades. There's an endless variety of funny and outrageous novelty items designed to prank and surprise unsuspecting victims. Here's an overview of some of the most popular categories of gag toys and practical jokes.
Shock Toys
Electric shock toys like hand buzzers and shock pens have been startling people since the early 1900s. These novelty items give an harmless but surprising jolt when touched. Modern versions like the Shack Shock are even more advanced, allowing the prankster to trigger the shock remotely.
- Hand buzzers
- Shock pens
- Shock gum
- Electric nails
- Remote control shock toys like Shack Shock
Fake Body Fluids and Wastes
Simulated gross bodily fluids and excretions, like fake vomit and poop, are perfect for horrifying unsuspecting victims. These gag toys look amazingly realistic, making them ideal for generating reactions of disgust and shock.
- Fake vomit
- Fake dog poop
- Fake human poop
- Fake snot
Noisemakers
From fart machines to simulated burping and vomiting sounds, noisemaker gag toys are designed to embarrass and annoy. Whoopee cushions, which make a loud fart noise when sat on, have been popular since the 1930s.
- Whoopee cushions
- Fart machines
- Belching boxes
- Vomiting sounds
- Talking cans
Smells and Odors
From stink bombs to fart spray, gag toys that create foul odors are sure to clear a room fast. Some smell toys like the poo pourri even replicate the scent of real feces.
- Stink bombs
- Fart spray
- Skunk spray
- Poo pourri
Fake Bugs, Snakes and Animals
For the prankster that wants to scare people, realistic looking fake bugs, snakes, rodents and animals are the perfect prop. A fake spider in the corner or a phony snakehidden under a chair is sure to get a reaction.
- Fake spiders
- Fake snakes and frogs
- Fake mouse or rat
- Fake dog poop
Booby Traps
Booby trap gag toys are rigged to surprise victims through action. Think squirting lapel flowers, booby-trapped candy dishes with snakes or spiders inside, itching powder and more.
- Squirting lapel flowers
- Snake peanut brittle cans
- Loaded canes and umbrellas
- Itching powder
- Electrified doorknobs
With so many options, it's no wonder gag toys and practical jokes continue to be popular for pranksters of all ages. Just be sure to use them responsibly - startling an elderly relative with a fake snake may go too far! Focus on lighthearted fun and your pranks will be remembered fondly.
Whoopee Cushions: The Fart Noise Prank That Keeps on Tooting
Few gag toys have the staying power of the whoopee cushion. For over 80 years, these noisemaking prank items have been providing laughs by emitting loud, realistic fart sounds when sat upon. Thanks to their simplicity and comic effect, whoopee cushions remain a go-to gag gift and novelty item.
History of the Whoopee Cushion
The whoopee cushion was invented in the early 1930s by Canadian actor and prankster Jemimas Eagles. Eagles got the idea when he saw used rubber condoms discarded on the street and realized their noisemaking potential. Calling it the "Cushion of Wind", Eagles sold his early whoopee cushions at his joke shop in Toronto.
The cushions were introduced to American audiences at a New York City gag gift convention in 1932. The item proved hugely popular, being highlighted in TIME Magazine and selling in the millions over the next decade. Eagles sold the whoopee cushion patent to the Philadelphia Chemical Company before his death in the 1940s.
How Whoopee Cushions Work
A whoopee cushion is an inflatable bag made from thin, flexible rubber. It is sealed on all sides except for a small opening to blow air into the cushion. When the opening is stretched over a surface like a chair and pressure is applied, air is forced out of the cushion quickly, creating a loud farting noise.
Modern whoopee cushions enhance the effect by using two thin sheets of rubber with a smaller interior chamber. This improves air flow and increases the noise volume.
| Whoopee Cushion Features | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Thin, flexible rubber | Allows cushion to inflate and manipulate |
| Sealed edges | Keeps air inside cushion |
| Opening for inflation | Allows air to be blown inside |
| Interior chamber | Aids air flow for better sound |
Whoopee Cushion Uses
The genius of the whoopee cushion is its simplicity. Some classic pranking methods include:
- Sitting on the cushion yourself and blaming someone else for the fart sound
- Planting the cushion on an unsuspecting victim's seat
- Using misdirection, like spilling a drink, to place the cushion without notice
- Concealing inside furniture like couch cushions
Whoopee cushions are a gag gift staple and popular for office pranks, bachelorette parties, dorm room hijinks, and April Fool's Day. Their harmless but embarrassing nature makes them fun across generations.
Pop Culture Appearances
As one of the most recognizable gag toys, the whoopee cushion has made numerous appearances in films and TV:
- Caddyshack - Rodney Dangerfield's character booby traps the golf course with whoopee cushions
- American Pie - Finch sits on a whoopee cushion full of shaving cream
- The Simpsons - Bart regularly uses a whoopee cushion on unsuspecting Springfield residents
The enduring appeal of the whoopee cushion proves laughter at flatulence humor is here to stay. More than 80 years since its invention, the whoopee cushion remains a reliable source of pranking hilarity.
Fake Vomit and Dog Poop: Gross-Out Gag Toys
For gags designed to shock and disgust, it's hard to beat fake vomit, dog poop, and other simulated gross bodily fluids. These ultra-realistic novelty items have been fooling people for decades and remain a top choice for pranksters looking to get a reaction.
Brief History
Fake vomit first emerged as a gag toy in the 1940s, made from primitive materials like papier-mâché. By the 1950s, plastics allowed for more realistic fake puke. The candidate kit by Don Post Studios, released in 1968, contained sticks of fake vomit as well as a fake dog poop candle.
Today's fake vomit and poop makes use of sophisticated latex, urethanes, and soft gel compounds. They're extensively molded and painted to convincingly imitate the real thing. Premium brands like Firebox and TromaFX pride themselves on their ultra-realistic gag bodily fluids.
Fake Vomit
From chunky 3D vomit piles to oozing puddles of half-digested food, fake vomit spares no gross-out detail. It's designed to look like the aftermath of someone being violently ill. Most options are non-toxic and scented to provide an authentic barf smell.
- Chunky 3D vomit piles - Simulates partially digested food
- Liquid vomit puddles - Resembles a splattering episode
- Vomit with food pieces - Chunks of fake hot dogs or veggies
- Edible vomit - Some contain gross food like dog food
For added realism, some brands offer fake vomit with smells like sour milk, onions, and rotten eggs modeled after real puke.
Fake Dog Poop
From afar, fake dog poop looks like the genuine article. Many options replicate solid excrement, while "soft serve" poop has a pudding-like consistency. Features include:
- Realistic 3D shape
- Colors simulating digested dog food
- Textures imitating moist or dried poop
- Painted "fly specks"
- Scent replicating actual feces
Higher end models contain ingredients to mimic undertones of a dog's diet. Plastic or rubber construction allows the poop to be molded and reusable.
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Solid poop | Mocks firm, coiled excrement with 3D shape |
| "Soft serve" poop | Resembles runnier poop texture and pile shape |
Pranks and Uses
Disgusting pranksters since the 1950s, fake bodily fluids like vomit and poop remain a top choice for funny reactions. Classic pranks include:
- Simulating vomiting on someone's bed or clothes
- "Accidents" on furniture, floors, or carpets
- Smearing poop on shoes or other objects
- Planting poop surprises in weird spots
Beyond laughs, special effect artists also use realistic fake vomit and poop to create gory scenes. As long as bathroom humor stays funny, gross-out gag toys will keep revolting people.
Fake Bugs and Snakes: Frighteningly Realistic Novelty Items
For scaring the daylights out of unsuspecting friends, family, and coworkers, not much beats unexpectedly coming across a fake bug or snake. Today’s models use sophisticated materials and detailing to fool even keen observers.
Brief History
Fake insects, spiders, and snakes became popular as gag toys in the early 20th century. Early models were made from basic materials like papier-mâché and rubber. By the 1950s-60s, plastics allowed more lifelike bugs and snakes to be manufactured.
Top brands today like TNP and Joyin invest heavily in realism. Through 3D scanning and molding, as well as paints and materials like latex or resin, they replicate every creepy crawly detail.
Common Fake Bugs
From menacing spiders to revolting roaches, fake bugs prank across the insect spectrum. Popular options include:
- Spiders - Tarantulas, black widows, brown recluses, etc.
- Roaches - Large American roaches with gross egg cases
- Flies - Dead flies coated in dust or dirt
- Maggots - Disgusting rice-sized larva
- Beetles - For leaving in food or pantries
Realistic mobility, body shaping, patterns, coloring and texturing all help fake bugs pass as the real deal. Hairs, wrinkles, feelers and jointed legs enhance authenticity.
Common Fake Snakes
With reptilian skin and anatomy mimicked in rubber, resin and plastic, fake snakes often fool their prey. Favorite models include:
- Garter snakes - Small and harmless looking
- Rattlesnakes - Complete with vibrating tail tips
- Pythons - Long and muscular
- Cobras - Iconic hoods and intimidating poses
- Dead snakes - For leaving discarded places
Details like scales, coloring, Forked tongues, and poseable coils make fake snakes very convincing. YouTube is full of pranksters getting strong reactions.
| Fake Bug & Snake Features | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Realistic materials | Simulate actual insect/snake skin, textures |
| Molded anatomy | Mimic body shape and structures |
| Color patterns | Reproduce distinctive markings |
| Lifelike mobility | Enable realistic looking motions |
Pranks and Uses
From homemade horror movies to elaborate hidden camera pranks, faux bugs and snakes are a longstanding gag item. Clever prank ideas include:
- Planting in beds, clothes, or dresser drawers
- Coiling snakes in toilet bowls or shower stalls
- Putting spiders on faces of sleeping victims
- Hiding snakes in bags or boxes
- Scattering bugs on food or counter tops
Special effects artists also rely on fake creepy crawlies. As phobias like arachnophobia are so common, fake spiders and snakes will likely keep freaking people out for generations.
Fake Winning Lottery Tickets: Gag Gifts That Deliver Fortune Foolery
For playing an innocent yet hilarious prank, fake winning lottery tickets convince the recipient their financial dreams just came true - until the deception dawns on them. Let's explore how these novelty items work and their humorous pranking potential.
Brief History
Gag fake winning lottery tickets emerged in the 1970s-80s as state lotteries spread across America. Early novelty companies like Royal Industries and Cobblestone Ltd. specialized in creating convincing fakes that resembled real scratch and pull tab tickets.
Modern options from companies like LA Trade and Funny Or Die replicate intricate security features and use high resolution printing to appear authentic. Customization like adding the victim's name helps set the stage.
Ticket Features
To successfully dupe lottery players, fake winning tickets accurately mimic real instant win ticket features like:
- Scratch-off coatings that resemble latex covering
- Authentic-looking play area with numbers/symbols
- Lottery logo, name, and official elements
- Barcodes and serial numbers
- Fine print text detailing rules and restrictions
Winning amounts like $1,000,000 or $10,000,000 in large font ensure the prank victim spots it fast. Realistic scratch-off effects and prize symbols underneath drive home the impact.
Pranking Techniques
Crafting a convincing backstory and set-up helps sell the believability of a fake winning ticket prank. Tactics include:
- Placing in a wallet or purse to be discovered
- Slipping under doors or in mailboxes anonymously
- Leaving in plain sight with story of finding it
- Handing to a victim as a gift to scratch
- Secretly swapping for real losing ticket they actually purchased
Capturing the reaction on camera provides extra laughs down the road. Letting the prank go on for a while before revealing adds to the impact.
| Prank Planning Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Backstory | Develop story for how victim got/found ticket |
| Convincing details | Match ticket style and info to local lottery |
| The reveal | Time it for maximum surprise and reaction |
| Record results | Capture the response on video if possible |
Impact on Victim
Part of the comedy is seeing the victim's excitement and disbelief turn to realization it's fake. Common reactions include:
- Shock - "I can't believe this!"
- Euphoria - "I'm rich!"
- Disbelief - "This can't be real..."
- Anger - "You really got me good!"
- Laughing - "I should have known!"
Used responsibly, fake winning ticket pranks generate tons of laughs and memories. Just be prepared for some initial disappointment when the truth sets in!
How Amazon Prime Benefits Frequent Buyers of Gag Toys & Practical Jokes
For those who regularly purchase gag gifts like fake vomit, whoopee cushions, and shock pens, an Amazon Prime membership can be extremely useful. The shipping and entertainment benefits allow you to buy and enjoy more for less.
Free One-Day Shipping
As a Prime member, you qualify for free one-day shipping on over 10 million items. This means you can order gag toys and jokes on Amazon and receive them incredibly fast at no extra shipping cost.
This perk is perfect when you need a funny or outrageous novelty item quickly for an upcoming event, office prank, or to surprise friends.
Free Two-Day Shipping
Can't get it in one day? You still get free two-day shipping on most Amazon purchases with Prime. This allows you to order gag gifts for upcoming occasions and ensures prompt delivery.
For last minute birthday gifts, bachelor/bachelorette party favors, or items to sneak into a friend's home, two-day shipping makes procurement easy.
Prime Video
Use the Prime Video collection to get ideas and laugh at pranks. You can stream prank shows like Impractical Jokers or movies like Jackass which feature outrageous practical jokes.
Watching pranking masters at work inspires funny ideas you can replicate with the right gag toys ordered fast thanks to Prime shipping.
Prime Music
Set the mood for hilarious pranks with fun background music. Prime Music offers a huge catalog of songs and comedy albums to entertain while you set up whoopee cushions or fake vomit.
You can also find sound effects like fart noises to enhance your pranking ambiance.
Easy Returns
Mishaps happen, so easy returns are a must. Prime members enjoy free returns on eligible items for added peace of mind.
If you order the wrong fake poop or it arrives defective, simply print a label and drop it off to return at no cost.
For frequent buyers of gag toys and jokes, a Prime membership can take the hassle out of shipping costs and delays. Enjoy unlimited pranking possibilities!
Find The Best Prank Toys For April Fool's Day
Here are some of the best prank toys for April Fool's Day that you can find online:
These prank toys are perfect for fooling your friends and family on April Fool's Day. Whether you want to make them laugh or scare them, these toys will definitely do the trick.
What Are Some Harmless Prank Ideas For April Fool's Day?
April Fool's Day is a great opportunity to have some harmless fun with your friends and family. Here are some prank ideas that you can try:
- Magic Potato Chip Cans Fries Toys April Fool Prank Gifts for Kids
- The nail polish on the carpet trick
- Sticky Shoe Situation
- Create Brussels sprout cake pops that look super-appetizing, but become quite the surprise at first-bite!
- Whoopee Whoops
- Chivao 7 Pieces Fake Poo Realistic Fake Turd Prank Lifelike Poo Toy
- Fill a doughnut up with mayo and expect plenty of cringe-worthy reactions!
- Jello Surprise
- Googly Eyes
- Change the Date
These prank ideas are harmless and fun, and they are sure to make your loved ones laugh. Whether you want to play a practical joke on your co-workers or trick your kids, these ideas are perfect for April Fool's Day.
What Are Some Office-Friendly Prank Ideas For April Fool's Day?
Here are some office-friendly prank ideas for April Fool's Day that you can try:
- Create a fake company announcement
- Replace all the office pens with crayons
- Drop your colleague's stapler, tape dispenser, or other office supplies into a jello mold
- Use tape to secure an air horn under your colleague's swivel chair
- Bring a tub of crayons or markers to work and draw on your colleague's face while they're sleeping
- Put googly eyes on everything in your colleague's office
- Swap your boss's family photos in their office for new photos of you and your coworkers
- Put a "Out of Order" sign on the office coffee machine
- Put a fake spider in your coworker's desk drawer
- Put a "Wet Paint" sign on a chair
These prank ideas are harmless and fun, and they are sure to make your coworkers laugh. Just make sure to gauge the appropriateness for your own work environment and don't do anything that could get you in trouble or cause any emotional damage to anyone.
