If you're tired of tacky gag gifts that are more garbage than giggle, Samantha Schoech at Wirecutter has your back. In her article “5 Gifts That Are Really, Truly Funny,” she serves up a curated list of gifts that actually deliver on both humor and quality. From a Bluetooth-enabled Banana Phone to Danny DeVito-shaped planters, these items aren’t just funny—they're also unexpectedly chic or functional. Samantha’s philosophy blends usefulness, beauty, and, most importantly, shared laughter. “What’s more delightful than genuine laughter? Especially of the shared variety?” she asks. Whether you’re shopping for April Fools’ Day or just want to surprise someone with a smile, these picks rise above the usual junk and channel thoughtful whimsy instead.

Here are the key highlights from the article:

🎙️ Top Truly Funny Gift Picks:

• Banana Phone: A Bluetooth-enabled phone handset shaped like—you guessed it—a banana. It works with your smartphone and elicits laughs every time you answer a call.
• Danny DeVito Planter: An absurd and stylish plant pot that looks like the actor. Because, why not?
• Sardine Socks: Funky but fashionable socks cleverly packaged in a tin that looks like sardines. Surprisingly cozy and perfect for tinned-fish fans.
• Sound-Only Charades Game: A twist on the classic party game—no hands, no words, just sounds. Ages 15 to 50+ have been reduced to giggles with this one.
• “Things Could Be Worse” Mug: A Chinese porcelain–style coffee mug that on first glance looks elegant—until you notice the UFOs, Bigfoot, and pterodactyls invading the peaceful landscape.
• Corporate Jargon Generator Desk Toy: Priced around $50, this sleek executive toy lets you spin wheels to crank out delightfully meaningless corporate-speak like “leverage cross-platform synergies.” A must for any office comedian.
• Susan Alexandra Oy Vey Ring: Not laugh-out-loud funny but a personal favorite of the author’s. A cheeky inside joke you wear daily, this brass signet ring is both funky and oddly sentimental.

💡 Overall Vibe:

• These aren’t your gas-station impulse gags. They’re well-made, clever, and designed to spark real joy.
• Most items are under $25, but a couple fall into the “splurge for the right person” category.
• Great for birthday surprises, office swaps, or those “just because” moments when you want to brighten someone’s day without contributing to future landfill.

Want to spread a little silliness without sacrificing taste or utility? This guide has you—and your gift list—covered.
Link to Article