How to Make Gag Gifts

Even if you are on a limited budget, you can make thoughtful, enjoyable gifts that your friends and family members will appreciate. Gag gifts are a fun, silly way to show affection or appreciation for someone, and the ideas for homemade versions are nearly endless. If someone on your gift-giving list has a rich sense of humor and enjoys jokes and being silly, consider giving a gift that is sure to bring a good laugh.

Things You'll Need

• Jars or decorative bags
• Gift wrap
• Card stock
• Dry beans (such as pinto beans)
• Large cardboard appliance box
• Metal washer
• Clothespin
• Cookie dough
• Toasted oat cereal (such as Cheerios)
• Batteries

Instructions

1. Fill a jar or bag with dry beans. Make a card to attach to the jar or bag that says, "Hillbilly Bubble Bath" using a computer and printer or handwritten on card stock. Include instructions that say "Step 1. Cook beans. Step 2. Eat beans. Step 3. Wait one hour, then take a warm bath."

2. Place a metal washer and clothespin inside a large appliance box. Close the box and seal it with tape or glue. Make a card that says, "I didn't know what to get you. I hope you don't mind appliances as a gift. I thought you might be able to use a new washer and dryer!"

3. Wrap a jar or baggie filled with cookie dough. Attach a note that says, "I shopped high and low for the perfect gift, but came up empty. I hope you can use a little extra dough!"

4. Fill a bag or jar with toasted oat cereal. Attach a card that states, "Donut Seeds. Plant one seed in a ten-foot deep hole. To grow jelly donuts, pour a jar of jelly into the hole. For glazed donuts, cover the seed with five pounds of sugar."

5. Wrap a package of batteries. Attach a card that reads, "Gift not included."

Tips & Warnings

• Don't give a gag gift to someone whose feelings might be hurt by the item.

Resources

• Practical Jokes