28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
5 Gifts That Are Really, Truly Funny
In this edition of The Gift, we're making the case for genuinely funny (not junky) gag gifts. Plus, some under-$25 delights and a swanky leather fly swatter.
Although I am against junk and clutter and all things future landfill, I am very much pro just-because little gifts—especially those designed to make someone laugh. Yes, usefulness and thoughtfulness are part of my gift-giving mantra, but so is delight. And what's more delightful than genuine laughter? Especially of the shared variety?
I recently put together our brand-new guide to gag gifts just in time for April Fools' Day, and I stand behind each knee-slapper on the list, especially the Banana Phone, which is funnier than it should be, and this planter that looks like Danny DeVito, because it's so bizarre but also oddly design-y and cool.
And while April 1 is by no means a big gift-giving day, it can be a welcome reminder to inject a little humor into our daily lives. I like to treat it as a sort of annual appointment with myself to stock up on a few funny—but also useful—gifts. You can do so either with a specific recipient in mind or just trust the right person with the right sense of humor will reveal themselves when the time comes. Here's what I'm eyeing this year: I recently picked up these adorably packaged sardine socks, because they are actually good looking and comfy once you get beyond the silly box, and I know enough tinned-fish fans who would appreciate them.
My extended group of family and friends, ages 15 to 50-something, has never laughed as helplessly as we did playing this charades spin-off—which requires the performer to keep their hands behind their back and give hints by making sounds only. Try to get your team to guess 'giraffe' or 'dizzy' without gestures or words. (My childhood improv classes definitely paid off.)
A more elegant but equally amusing option is the Things Could Be Worse Mug, which looks like a standard Chinese blue and white porcelain mug—until you look closer and see the tranquil scene is actually being besieged by Bigfoot, pterodactyls, UFOs, and other menaces.
At $50, this desk toy isn't cheap, but it gets the ridiculous corporate gobbledygook that business types take so seriously so exactly right, your stakeholders might dynamically align on the ROI. Spin each of the phrase wheels to generate corporate jargon. A perfect desk trinket for your favorite office worker.
Finally, a gift that tickles me every single day is my chunky brass Susan Alexandra Oy Vey signet ring. Other people sometimes notice and appreciate it, but it's mostly my own private inside joke, and I never take it off. The colorful enamel has long worn off, but I love its toned-down plain gold color and perfect message all the same.
Anywhere you have ground coffee and hot water, this syringe can make a great cup of coffee in less than two minutes.
It's a comically classy way to take care of your smacking, whacking, and thwacking needs.
This stainless steel chain-mail scrubber feels drapey in the hand and works wonders to scrape off gunk.
What is a good, small, thank-you gift for 12 guys who are flying to a destination 50th birthday celebration? — H.P.O.
From gifting expert Mari Uyehara:
One move might be hyping everyone up for the trip by sending them something in advance. You could tuck a note of appreciation inside these handsome leather passport covers. Or Apple offers free engravings to customize AirTags—after tracking their luggage, they can use it to find their wallet once home.
Since getting the same thing for that many pals can be hit-or-miss, another option is mixing it up, with say a sleek power bank, a minimalist hand sanitizer, a headlamp beanie, or my favorite travel (and water) bottle.
On the flip side, you could also send a thank you to arrive before their return, like a pack of bar-quality canned cocktails or a Japanese folding knife. Or put a group shot from the trip in one of these photo fridge magnets or engraveable metal frames. It's a feat to organize that many competing adult schedules, so a reminder of your time together might be more meaningful than even the most excellent doodad—and sure to get the group chat revved up again.
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What I Cover
I discover, vet, and write about gifts of all kinds from my office in San Francisco. I am particularly drawn to all things shiny or bookish, but I try not to impose my taste more than is strictly necessary.
