Creative Gags, Harmless Pranks, and Printable April Fool's Day Jokes

By Chris Dunmire, CEO DUNMIRE LABS

Although they are usually extremely popular on April Fool's Day (April 1), the use of light-hearted jokes, harmless pranks, and goofy gags are open season anytime of the year. In fact, I highly recommend them! In moderation, of course.

Now, I'm not talking about the kind of gags that unduly scare people, mess up their computers, hurt feelings, cost others money, damage property, or generally cause a nuisance. I'm talking about creative ways you catch people off guard and make them smile or laugh afterwards.

My Dollar Bill Money Plant, World's Smallest Sand Castle, Impossible Puzzles, CreativiTEA, Creativity Patch, and imaginative factly-fiction stories (see all of my offerings below) are great examples of harmless jokes that inspire and delight. My rule of thumb: if someone's gonna be sore at you (physically, mentally, or emotionally) for pulling your gag, don't do it!

Pranking through Puberty

Ever since I was a child and could count pocket change I've spent a fair amount of money buying novelty gags. I'd twirl that rack of shrink-wrapped jokes in toy stores and spend my hard-earned allowance on cheap tricks, black soap, and pepper-hot candy. Yes, from squirting flowers and cameras to spilled coffee cups and a grab-n-snatch money lines, I've seen and had it all. People I used to work with started walking with a buffer zone between us, eyeing me like I was up to something. I could never figure out why.

Anyway, now that I've acquired some decent graphic design skills, I've put away my rubber vomit and fake poo and found other creative ways to express my paper prank-playing on others. Hint: Official-looking documents and other well-designed printed pieces that mimic what people know make great "zinger zappers!"

To inspire you to more creative play-full-ness and fun this April Fool's Day (or any day!), enjoy playing with and using some of my personal creative gags and humor tricks described below. Most are free, and a few are available in printable e-book and document forms.

— Chris Dunmire, Humorist

Chris Dunmire's Real Fake Fun Stuff:
Popular Printable April Fool's & Every Day Jokes

Dollar Bill Money Plant Project Instructions with Printable Joke Money Plant Seed Packets
A fun gag and GIFT for your favorite green-thumbed friends. Features fake Money Plant Seed Packets you can reprint, fill with seeds, and gift away.

World's Smallest Sand Castle April Fool’s Day Joke
Betcha never seen a sand castle this small. This one features nanobots and other unbelievable true grit small children and gullible adults will find hard to resist!

World's Hardest Word Search & Crossword April Fool's Puzzles
After a frustrating amount of time, unsuspecting victims, will realize that these puzzles can't be solved. Teachers love this puzzle!

Mirecle33 Creativity Patch
Thanks to an innovative explosion in the body patch market, you can be inspired by a steady stream of creativity through the Mirecle33 Creativity Patch.

Fake Fortune Cookie Fortune Generator
Not only can you toggle through an assortment of fun fortunes, but you can purchase an entire sheet of these original one-of-a-kind hilarious messages to stuff into an unsuspecting victim's cookie!

Snowman Poop Stocking Stuffer Printable Joke Tag
Variations on the theme are ripe for the picking on this classic razzle gift. Here's my version.

Mirecle CreativiTea Printable Tea Packets
Herbal tea that enhances creativity? You bet! And with flavors like Earl Grey Matter and Mornin' Stormin', creative people of all kinds will line up for this stuff with cup in hand. (Bonus: 2006 Online April Fool's Day Joke page.)

The Amazing Creativity Tool! (2010 Marketing Concept)
An amazing creativity-expressing invention. Includes free printable Penatomy chart for your delightful inspiration!

Printable No Frills Greeting Cards: Flaunt Your Frugality
With the ever rising-cost of greeting cards Hallmarking store aisles, you'd think they'd last longer than an acknowledging nod and thank you from their recipients before being roundly-filed. Here's over a dozen simple solutions the next time you're compelled to shell out for an estranged co-worker, ever-expectant friend, forgetful sibling, or score-keeping in-law.

Just Creative Fun: Almost-Believable Stories

Art Rat: The Rodent Artist (2007 April Fool's Day Joke)
As a nature and animal lover, it has not escaped my notice that humans are not the only beings endowed with the power of creativity.

My Exclusive Interview with Popeye The Sailor Man (2005)
"I yam what I yam..."
Since 1929, Popeye has embedded himself into the American consciousness as an underdog who found power and strength in a lowly green vegetable called spinach.

Jimmy Durante Strawberry and How I Made $17,000 on an eBay Auction (2005 April Fool's Day Joke)
Forget men wearing wedding dresses and Grilled Cheese Virgin Mary's. I have an eBay story that you'll find hard to believe.

Parody MiceSpace Community (Concept Only)
Sign up for a personal account on MiceSpace to create your own blog, upload photos, videos, announcements, RSS feeds, and connect with countless other vermin users!

© 2005-2011 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.