Fun Things to Do on April Fools' Day (Without Being Too Mean)

April Fools’ Day—aka the one day of the year when it’s socially acceptable (and expected!) to play pranks and have a good laugh at the expense of your friends, family, and coworkers.

But, let’s be real: you don’t want to be that person who pulls a prank so cruel that it ruins the whole day. So, we’ve rounded up some fun, harmless, and creative ways to prank your people while keeping it lighthearted. Here are a few foolproof ideas to bring the giggles without going too far.

1. Swap the Keyboard Keys

This one’s simple but classic—just swap the keys on a coworker’s or housemate’s keyboard. If you’re feeling extra cheeky, mix up the letters (like swapping "Q" and "P") or even add a little extra confusion by changing the layout completely (Dvorak, anyone?). When they try to type, they’ll be baffled for a few seconds, and you’ll be laughing quietly from the sidelines. Bonus points if they don’t realize what’s happened until they’ve already sent out an email or text with a few typos!

2. The Fake Bug Invasion

Nothing gets people squealing like a surprise bug! But don’t worry—you don’t need to start an actual insect invasion in your home or office. Instead, grab some realistic-looking fake bugs (you can find these at most novelty stores or online), and casually place them in places where people least expect them: under a pillow, in a drawer, or even in the fridge. Watch as their faces go from confusion to horror and then quickly turn to laughter once they realize they’ve been pranked by plastic.

3. Toothpaste-Filled Oreo Cookies

This one’s a snack attack—perfect for a fun little trick on your family or friends. Grab a pack of Oreos, carefully remove the cream filling, and replace it with toothpaste (preferably minty!). Reassemble the cookies and leave them out on a plate as if they were a tasty treat. The look on their face when they bite into the "cookie" will be priceless. Just make sure they know about the prank quickly after so no one ends up with an unexpected minty mouth for too long!

4. Phone Screen Flip

This is a super easy prank to pull on anyone—simply flip their phone screen upside down! For iPhones, go to “Settings,” then tap “Display & Brightness,” and switch it to “Standard” or “Bold.” For Android, you can usually do the same by changing the orientation. Watch as they try to navigate their phone, only to find themselves completely disoriented. It's like a virtual maze, and they’ll be scratching their heads trying to figure out why everything looks so weird.

5. The Fake Lottery Win

Get your friends’ hopes up in the most harmless way possible with a fake lottery ticket. You can find novelty tickets that look incredibly real but end up showing that they’ve won… absolutely nothing. Hand it over to someone as a “gift” and let the excitement build as they think they’ve just struck gold. But be ready with the punchline when they check the "winning" number. Make sure they laugh with you, so no one gets genuinely heartbroken over an imaginary fortune.

6. "Broken" TV Remote

There’s nothing more frustrating than when the TV remote "stops working" during the best part of a movie or show. You can have some fun by putting a small piece of opaque tape (like masking tape) over the remote’s sensor. When your target tries to change the channel or pause the TV, nothing will happen. After a few minutes of confusion, they'll probably start pressing buttons frantically, which is when you swoop in with the reveal. It’s a classic move that will have them questioning their tech skills!

7. Switching the Soap with Clear Gel

This one’s an absolute laugh riot—replace the soap in the bathroom with clear gelatin or hair gel. When someone tries to wash their hands, they’ll be surprised when the "soap" refuses to lather, leaving them confused and possibly a little bit sticky. It’s harmless but totally effective in giving them a quick giggle. Just be sure to swap it back before they need to wash off after a long day!

8. The Fake Ice Cube

Take your pranking skills to the next level with fake ice cubes. You can freeze small plastic bugs, tiny toys, or even a little plastic spider inside an ice cube tray. The next time someone asks for a drink, plop these bad boys into their glass. As they sip away, they’ll get an unexpected surprise when they encounter something other than ice in their beverage. Pro tip: use clear ice cubes for maximum effect!

9. Invisible Ink Messages

Leave a note or a “secret message” for someone to find—except it’s written with invisible ink! Use a UV pen (available at most novelty stores) or lemon juice to write your prank message on a piece of paper. When they try to read it, nothing will show up. Wait for them to get puzzled, then reveal the ink with a flashlight or heat source. They'll think they’ve discovered some spy-level trickery, and you’ll be the mastermind behind the mystery.

10. The Classic Whoopee Cushion

Let’s not forget the oldies—but goodies! The whoopee cushion is a classic prank that never goes out of style. Sneak one under a seat (office chair, couch, or car seat) and watch as your target sits down to the unmistakable sound of flatulence. You’ll have everyone in stitches without a single harsh word. Keep it light, and maybe use it only on those who have a good sense of humor—because no one likes a prank that’s taken too seriously!

April Fools’ Day is all about having fun, creating laughs, and letting your inner prankster shine. Whether you're pulling harmless pranks at the office or at home, remember the key is to keep it light, easy-going, and—most importantly—fun for everyone involved. The best pranks are the ones that make people giggle, not groan, so be sure to keep it friendly and full of good vibes. And don’t forget to save a little bit of laughter for yourself while you’re at it. After all, you’re the mastermind behind all these giggle-worthy shenanigans!