How to Prank a Friend (Without Losing Them)

The best way to prank a friend is to make them laugh with you, not at them. Here is how to land a prank that becomes a story you both retell for years.

Rule One: Know Your Target

Before you prank a friend, think about what they will find funny. A good-natured wind-up beats anything mean-spirited every time.

Rule Two: Nail the Timing

Timing is everything. Spring the prank when they are relaxed, never when they are stressed or in a hurry.

Rule Three: Have an Exit

Always have a clean reveal ready. The reveal is the payoff — make it warm.

Easy Prank Ideas

• A fake text screenshot from a celebrity
• A joke product label on their lunch
• A mugshot poster for the office wall

When you prank a friend with one of these, the trick is commitment. Sell it, then laugh it off together.