22 Hilarious Easy Pranks You Can Perform on Your Friends

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50+ Pranks On Friends To Keep Your Bond Fun And Entertaining

As a lifelong prankster, I've always found joy in keeping my friends on their toes with a good laugh. Whether it's a classic prank or a more creative twist, there's nothing quite like the sound of your friends' laughter to brighten up the day.

In this article, I'm excited to share with you over 50 hilarious pranks on friends that you can pull to keep the fun and mischief alive! It's one of the best friendship day celebration ideas.

Easy Pranks to do on Friends

Let's start with some simple yet effective easy pranks to do on friends that are sure to get a few giggles. These Easy Prank Ideas are perfect for those spontaneous moments when you just need to liven things up.

1. The Switched-Up Salt and Sugar Prank Easy Pranks to do on Friends

Swap out the salt and sugar containers in your friend's kitchen, then sit back and watch the hilarity unfold as they season their morning coffee with salt or try to sweeten their food with sugar.

2. The Disappearing Stapler Trick Easy Pranks to do on Friends

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Discreetly remove the stapler from your friend's desk and watch their confusion as they search high and low for the missing office essential.

The April Fools' Day Prank That Sent Seattle Into A Panic

See the Almost Live! Stunt that backfired and sent panic through Washington state.

"The Space Needle collapsed."

Those were the words from the KING 5 newsroom, which aired live on April 1, 1989, that launched perhaps the most infamous April Fools' Day prank in Seattle history and sent many in Washington state into a panic.

"A lot of people wanted us fired," John Keister, host of KING 5's sketch comedy show Almost Live!, told KING 5's Evening back in 2009 for the 20th anniversary of the event.

The show's writers had an idea. Hire someone who looked like a news reporter to break into programming, go on air for a special report, and tell viewers the Space Needle had collapsed.

They went a step further, having the art department create a fake scene that made it look like the needle had, indeed, toppled onto nearby buildings.

But director and cast member Steve Wilson said after seeing the fake video footage, he was concerned people would believe it was real. Station management signed off on the prank, on the condition that it was made clear on the screen it was an April Fools' Day joke.

KING 5's sketch comedy show put on a fake news broadcast claiming the Space Needle had collapsed on April 1, 1989. This is archive footage from that broadcast.

What April Fools' Day Prank To Pull, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

The Funniest April Fools' Day Pranks to Pull Based on Zodiac Signs [2024]

Celebrating April Fools' Day? Find out the best prank to pull based on your zodiac sign—and let the practical joking begin!

April Fools' pranks to pull based on the zodiac

You don't need to wait until April Fools' Day to joke around … but it certainly gives you a great excuse to up the ante. April Fools' pranks can be tailored to your personal brand of humor, whether you love over-the-top slapstick comedy or clever storytelling—and that's something that is built right into you. If you're looking to get a little mischievous on the big day this year, you're going to love this list of pranks to pull based on your zodiac sign.

"Each sign of the zodiac has a unique sense of humor," explains astrologer Danelle Ferreira, and the perfect prank isn't just about yours. "If you want to play the best April Fools' Day prank on each sign and be sure to make them laugh, you must understand their personalities." Translation: Your mark's style of humor is just as important as your own if you're looking for a surefire hit.

Ahead, you'll find astrologically tailored pranks they'll never see coming, from situational humor that will totally confuse them to old-school pranks they can't help but laugh at. Even better? We've got plenty of options for everyone in your life, including April Fools' pranks for kids and plenty of April Fools' pranks for your unsuspecting friends and co-workers. Happy pranking!

Get Reader's Digest's Read Up newsletter for more zodiac insights, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.

About the experts

Danelle Ferreira is an astrologer and crystal specialist. She teaches about astrology, spirituality and divination on her EllAstrology YouTube channel.

Emily Newman is an astrologer and psychic reader.

Tiffany McGee is an astrologer and the founder of Nomadrs, an online website and community that posts about spirituality, dream interpretation, twin flames and soulmates.

Aries (March 21–April 19)

Aries is the feisty, bold leader of the zodiac, and people born under this sign have a playful and mischievous personality. They love pushing boundaries, and they're known for witty one-liners and pranks that involve fake-outs and surprise attacks (they're masters of the April Fools' meme too). "Aries has a spontaneous sense of humor—they like to keep things lively and exciting," says astrologer Tiffany McGee. "A good prank for Aries might involve something unexpected and over the top."

One idea? A surprise glitter attack! Simply grab a funny card to give to your selected target and then carefully fill the envelope with ultra-fine craft glitter. Place it on your co-worker's desk for an office prank or leave it for your friend to find, and watch as they get the surprise of their life.

Taurus (April 20–May 20)

With a practical and detail-oriented sense of humor, Taurus is very observant and notices the little things that other people might miss. Since bulls are low-key and laid-back, their pranks tend to be the same. "Taurus enjoys poking fun at everyday situations and mundane activities," explains Ferreira. "They may pull pranks that involve making subtle changes to someone's routine or surroundings, such as rearranging their desk or room, putting duct tape on the bottom of someone's computer mouse or hiding their phone."

To pull off the mouse prank, cut a tiny piece of duct tape in the same color as the person's mouse and attach it to the bottom. When your mark starts complaining about tech issues, try giving them bogus advice on how to fix it for some added laughs. Take your prank one step further by directing them to one of these numbers to prank call when they need "help."

Gemini (May 21–June 20)

Fun-loving, playful and intellectual, Geminis have very active imaginations and excel at pulling off clever pranks. That's because people trust them—but they can be very convincing liars when the occasion calls for it. "Geminis are known for their quick wit and communication skills," says McGee. "They enjoy being the center of attention and making people laugh." On April Fools' Day, that translates to pulling pranks that confuse others.

What's a great prank to pull based on this zodiac sign? Try placing a "Please honk!" sign on the back of your car to confuse your fellow carpoolers. Print out a sign or use washable window markers to make your odd directive really stand out. Similarly confusing signs (with different messages) also work in the office or classroom, or you can pull hilariously perplexing text pranks on friends.

Cancer (June 21–July 22)

Known for being sweet and sympathetic jokesters, Cancers have fluid personalities and know how to adapt their sense of humor to match. And while people born under this polite sign like to do their fair share of pranking, they avoid anything mean-spirited or too sneaky. So it's unlikely their April Fools' pranks would go wrong. "Cancer enjoys making others feel good and bringing joy to those around them," says Ferreira. "They are likely to pull pranks involving food or snacks, like surprising their friends with a box of treats … with a twist."

You can pull off this prank in a few ways, like offering a box of jelly doughnuts that have vegetables hidden inside. Or if you're looking for a gross-out factor, try freaking out unsuspecting friends with some edible bug lollipops in a normal-looking lollipop bag.

Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)

If you're a Leo, this will come as no surprise to you: You love being in the spotlight. And that means the people in your life had better watch out when you start scheming and planning a prank because it's going to be a big one. "Leo enjoys being the center of attention and entertaining others, so they might pull pranks that involve grand gestures and a huge payoff," says Ferreira. The best prank to pull based on this zodiac sign? One that is well-rehearsed and delivered with some serious flair. We're talking full-on drama and something that causes a scene in public.

The Master of Pranks needs an over-the-top gag to match that title, which is why the classic broken-car-window gag is perfect for you. Place a fake broken-glass decal on the window of a friend's car, then make sure to approach the car with your pal from a distance. Watch as they freak out before they realize it's just an April Fools' prank. Your zodiac sister sign might really appreciate this one!

Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Virgos have practical senses of humor and appreciate a good joke that also serves a purpose. And because this sign is known for always seeing the little details, the best pranks to pull will seem small but have a major impact. "Virgo is the most serious zodiac sign, but they love to prank," explains astrologer Emily Newman. "And they are successful because people think they will never prank." She adds that Virgos might enjoy a prank that involves the clever use of everyday items, like filling shampoo bottles with bubble bath.

Two of the best pranks to pull based on this zodiac sign? Swap sugar and salt, or go old-school with a classic jump scare, replacing a can of potato chips with a snake-in-a-can product.

Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Libras are known for being sensitive and kind, but they also have a sharp wit and a way with words, and they like to use their intelligence to make other people laugh. "Libra enjoys using humor to diffuse tension," says Ferreira. "They pull pranks that involve bringing different groups of people together or creating unexpected situations."

That's why we recommend launching a surprise confetti attack as an April Fools' prank on your boyfriend, spouse or children on April Fools' Day. You'll just need some precut paper confetti to place on top of your ceiling fan. Then wait for your unsuspecting victim to turn on the fan and be showered with a fun surprise. (Just make sure you're the one doing the vacuuming afterward if you want them to really appreciate this one!)

Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Scorpios are very smart and clever, so it should come as no surprise that they're among some of the best pranksters around. They gravitate toward humor that's dark, twisted and a bit sarcastic. "Scorpio has a mysterious and intense sense of humor," says McGee. "They enjoy a good prank that involves some secrecy and intrigue." Translation: They love pushing boundaries and may use humor as a way to shock or provoke others.

Since you love pranks with a good scare factor—so long as you're not the one getting spooked!—your ideal prank based on your zodiac sign might involve scaring your friends based on their fears. For example, if you know someone with a touch of arachnophobia, put a realistic-looking fake spider in their shoe or on their plate for dinner. (But for the sake of your relationship, never do this to someone with a serious phobia.)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

Sagittarius has an adventurous and daring sense of humor—and loves to crack jokes and pull pranks. Their favorite type? Those that are spontaneous and sometimes outrageous. "Sagittarius can create the best pranks," says Newman. She notes that they'd enjoy putting notices on board with fake news, a "no parking" sticker on a regular parking space or an "out of service" message on an elevator.

For that last one, you'll just need a handy roll of caution tape and a convincing story to tell your building maintenance team. Then simply tape up your warning signs and watch as your co-workers take the stairs.

Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

With a dry and very subtle sense of humor, Capricorns might view silly gag gifts as a waste of time … though even they like to let loose every now and again. But as you might have guessed, they tend to prefer more subtle and clever pranks. That means they always play the long game to get an over-the-top reaction. "Most of the time, you're the first in and the last out in the office, so you know what is essential for everyone to do their job," says Newman. "A good prank for a Capricorn could be an office prank like hiding or replacing supplies and waiting for everyone else to get frustrated."

Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Known for having a zany and eccentric sense of humor, Aquarius is the rebel of the zodiac who enjoys shocking others with unexpected acts of chaos. They can see the humor in almost any situation, which is why they're the most original pranksters of the bunch. "Aquarius enjoys pulling pranks that are out of the box and unexpected," McGee says. "A good prank for an Aquarius might involve creating a fake news story to shock their friends."

The trick to this one is creating a crazy headline that could actually happen—like a kid running for mayor in your hometown.

Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20)

There's no way Pisces would ever pull a prank that someone would take personally. Sensitive, empathetic and dreamy, people born under this sign like using their imaginations to create whimsical pranks that leave a touch of magic in the air. "Pisces live in a fairy-tale world, and they are always imagining something dramatic but ultimately lighthearted," says Newman. "So any prank involving Silly String is a perfect fit—and will feed their desire to be a kid at heart."

A classic for a reason, this prank takes almost no planning. Just grab a can of Silly String and hide in a closet or another inconspicuous spot. Then wait for your April Fools' victim to find you and unleash your can of Silly String! Not only will they get a big scare, but you're also sure to get a laugh or two. Talk about the perfect prank to pull based on this zodiac sign!

Why trust us

Reader's Digest has been telling jokes for more than 100 years, curated and reviewed over the past 20 years by Senior Features Editor Andy Simmons, a humor editor formerly of National Lampoon and the author of Now That's Funny. We've earned prestigious ASME awards for our humor—including comical quips, pranks, puns, cartoons, one-liners, knock-knock jokes, riddles, memes, tweets and stories in laugh-out-loud magazine columns such as "Life in These United States," "All in a Day's Work," "Laughter Is the Best Medicine" and "Humor in Uniform," as well as online collections such as short jokes, dad jokes and jokes so bad, they're great. You can find a century of humor in our 2022 compendium, Reader's Digest: Laughter, the Best Medicine. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

Danelle Ferreira, astrologer and crystal specialist

Emily Newman, astrologer and psychic reader

Tiffany McGee, astrologer and founder of Nomadrs

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