How to Buy a Gag Gift

Gag gifts can be tough to shop for. Ideally, you want the recipient to laugh, but not be offended by your choice of gift. Read on for some tips to make sure your gag gift gets a good giggle, not a glower.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

How to Buy a Gag Gift

1. Spend some time thinking about what the recipient is involved in. If you're buying a small gift for a secretary in a volunteer group, for example, buy a silly pen or paper that can be useful yet fun. If they're an avid duck hunter, buy a duck decoy that is so clearly ridiculous it will get a good laugh.
2. Know the recipient. You need to have a good sense of humor to handle a gag gift, so make sure you've got a good bead on how you think the recipient will respond before making your purchase.
3. Focus on one thing. Don't buy five things that are a little bit funny. Instead, buy one thing that will be the central gift. You can certainly add little things to it, but too many things will strain the joke.
4. Shop well in advance. Nothing is worse than running around town trying to find something "funny." Give yourself time and space to buy the gift so that it will really resonate with the recipient.
5. Provide fun wrapping, too. Whatever type of gift-wrapping you choose, start the joke with laughter at the wrapping.