Easy and safe pranks are a great way to get a good laugh and have a little fun with family, friends, co-workers, or even complete strangers.

Pranks are the perfect comedic tool, whether you are celebrating April Fool's Day, trying to add some life to a party, or looking for a good joke to honor an initiation to a club, team, or fraternity. They are an ideal way to lighten up the mood, create camaraderie, or test the sense of humor of that person who always likes to play the jokes but, somehow, never seems to be the recipient. While getting even with the jokester can be satisfying, it is important to remember that pranks are supposed to be funny, not harmful or damaging. Choose a prank that your recipient will appreciate but will not expose them to injury or destroy any of their possessions.

It is necessary to be safe, or else funny can quickly become serious, and your trick can turn into a problem.

Some of the best pranks are true classics, the kind that people of any age will enjoy. Whether your victim is a parent, college roommate, co-worker, or neighbor, there are some proven jokes that can be used on anyone and will be appreciated by all.

Hard-boil some eggs and put them back in the carton, or replace your victim's favorite section of the newspaper with last week's edition and watch while they try to work through their sense of deja vu. Fill an umbrella with confetti or put powder in a hairdryer. Glue the lids on all the office pens or tape desk drawers shut.

For that person who pampers their car, leave a note on their windshield pretending to be someone apologizing for the damage they caused, and then watch from your hidden post while they frantically check their vehicle for scratches and dents. If you have a non-mutual friend, you may even be able to have them play along by leaving their number on the note for your victim to call.

Set a television or stereo to come on by a timer. Make sure the volume is turned up and choose a time that will have the greatest effect. Tell your family or roommates that you have noticed a recent rodent problem and place mousetraps around the house. When they wake up the next morning, make sure these traps are filled with fake mice, so you can innocently witness their startled reaction.

Do you want to play a prank on an unsuspecting neighbor? Wait until they leave for work or go on vacation and then 'borrow' one of their garden gnomes. Take pictures of this character participating in various activities such as eating at a restaurant, visiting a park, shopping at the mall, and even spending some time in another neighborhood garden. At the end of the day, replace the gnome and leave the photos on your neighbors doorstep or in their mailbox for them to discover when they arrive home.

Harmless, safe pranks can be a fun way to play jokes on friends without the risk of them becoming your enemies. The best practical jokes are those that bring good-natured laughter without causing damage, risking injury, or hurting relationships. So, choose a prank, select a victim, and begin doing your part to add a little more hilarity to this world.