15 Hilarious DIY Gag Gift Ideas You Can Actually Make (and People Will Love)
Published on April 27, 2025
If you've ever wanted to prank a friend, liven up a white elephant exchange, or just create a legendary gift that will be talked about for years, DIY gag gifts are where it's at.
Making your own funny gifts is not only cheaper than buying them — it's also way more personal. Plus, crafting a ridiculous, one-of-a-kind masterpiece shows you put in the extra effort (even if that effort results in a glitter-filled disaster).
Ready to roll up your sleeves and get weird? Let's dive into the best DIY gag gift ideas you can whip up right at home!
1. Emergency "Dad Jokes" Kit
Print out a bunch of terrible dad jokes and stuff them into a decorated mason jar labeled "Emergency Jokes." Bonus points if you glue a plastic mustache to the lid. Perfect for any pun-loving friend.
2. Customized "Certificate of Mediocrity"
Design and print a fancy-looking certificate awarding your friend for something hilariously underwhelming, like "Most Frequent Bathroom Breaks During Meetings." Frame it for extra effect.
3. Fake "Award-Winning" Products
Create fake product packaging around something totally mundane. Wrap a brick and label it "World's First Smart Paperweight: Now with WiFi!" Add a fake tech spec sheet for added laughs.
4. The "Survival Kit for Adulthood"
Fill a box with random junk: a band-aid (for life's little wounds), instant noodles (dinner of champions), a coffee packet (liquid motivation), a stress ball (obviously), and maybe a tiny bottle of wine.
5. Soap With Something Hidden Inside
Make a DIY soap bar and embed something weird inside, like a plastic cockroach or a mini action figure. As they use the soap, the "treasure" slowly appears. Diabolical and delightful.
6. The "Grow-Your-Own" Pet Kit
Decorate a small pot, add dirt and grass seeds, and include instructions like "Grow your very own pet rock's habitat!" You can even create an elaborate backstory for their new "pet habitat."
7. "World's Tiniest Gift"
Wrap a tiny bead or pebble in about 50 layers of increasingly large boxes and wrapping paper. Watching someone unwrap for 10 minutes straight? Priceless. Bonus: record it for eternal internet fame.
8. DIY "Mug of Self-Love"
Buy a plain mug and decorate it with a Sharpie. Write something like "You Tried," "Hot Mess Express," or "Caffeine Queen." Bake it in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes to set the design.
9. "DIY Invisibility Cloak"
Gift them an empty box and include "instructions" on how to activate their invisibility cloak. Include steps like "think invisible thoughts" and "whisper 'you can't see me' repeatedly."
10. Personalized "Complaint Department" Button
Glue a small "easy button" (or any big button) onto a base and label it "Press to file a complaint." Rig it to play a loud honking noise or sarcastic phrase whenever pressed.
11. The "Friendship Survival Guide"
Make a tiny booklet with ridiculous advice like "Step 1: Pretend to listen while scrolling memes" or "Step 2: Always bring snacks."
12. Prank Candles
Melt down wax and create candles that smell nice on top but hide something awful (like "burnt rubber" or "rotten egg" fragrance) in the middle layer. Guaranteed shock value.
13. Handcrafted "Pet Rock Adoption Center"
Paint a few rocks, give them googly eyes, and create adoption papers detailing their "personalities." Set up a little "adoption event" for maximum dramatic flair.
14. "Never Ending" Candy Jar
Glue the bottom of a mason jar and only fill the very top layer with candy. Your victim will keep reaching… and reaching… and finding nothing.
15. "World's Slowest Puzzle"
Print a completely white or all-black image and cut it into tiny puzzle pieces. Package it up nicely and label it "Hours of Fun!" Bonus: offer a fake "prize" for completing it.
Bonus: Explore Some Non-DIY Gag Gifts!
Don't feel like crafting? We've got you covered! Check out some of the best ready-to-buy gag gifts that are guaranteed to get laughs.
From hilarious socks to questionable coffee mugs, sometimes it's easier (and just as funny) to click "Buy Now."
Why DIY Gag Gifts Are the Best
They're personal: Inside jokes, custom jokes, and personalized messages make DIY gifts unforgettable.
They're budget-friendly: Most of these can be made with stuff you already have lying around the house.
They're eco-friendly: Reuse, repurpose, and prank — all at once!
They show off your creativity: Whether you're crafty or just have a mischievous spirit, DIY gifts showcase your wit and humor.
They're memory makers: DIY gag gifts are perfect for creating unforgettable party moments and hilarious stories that people will retell forever.
Pro Tips for Crafting the Perfect DIY Gag Gift
Know your audience: Tailor the prank level to the recipient's sense of humor. Some people love gross-out gags; others prefer witty or absurd humor.
Package it nicely: Fancy wrapping can make the joke hit even harder. Presentation is everything!
Add a heartfelt note: A ridiculous gift paired with a sweet note doubles the emotional rollercoaster.
Capture the unwrapping moment: Have your phone ready to film reactions — trust us, it's pure gold.
Final Thoughts
DIY gag gifts aren't just a cheap alternative to store-bought gifts — they're an opportunity to create something unique, hilarious, and heartfelt. Whether you're crafting a pet rock adoption center, a jar full of emergency dad jokes, or a survival kit for adulthood, the real gift is the laughter you'll share.
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just a chaos enthusiast, DIY gag gifts are an unbeatable way to turn an ordinary event into an extraordinary memory.
And hey, if you ever get tired of DIY projects (or just want to save yourself the glitter mess), you can always explore even more cursed, bizarre, and hilarious gift ideas at Giftmare.com.
Happy crafting 🖌️ Happy gifting 🎉 Stay weird 🤘