Best Practical Jokes to Play on Someone Who Recently Had a Stroke

Last Updated on June 10, 2024 by Michael

Nothing says “I care about you” like a well-timed practical joke. When it comes to someone who’s recently had a stroke, you’ve got a prime opportunity to bring some unexpected laughter into their life. Whether they appreciate it or not, well, that’s another story.

The Talking Toilet Seat Surprise

Imagine their bewilderment when the toilet starts giving them life advice. Install a motion-activated voice recorder under the toilet seat. Program it with phrases like “Oh, you’ve been eating asparagus again!” or “Did you wash your hands?” Nothing says recovery like a porcelain pep talker.

Or go further: record a monologue of Shakespearean insults. They’ll be halfway to a heart attack hearing, “Thou pribbling ill-nurtured knave!” from their own toilet. Bonus points if you can somehow rig the flush to respond with a sassy comeback.

Fake Lottery Win Fiasco

Print a fake lottery ticket and slip it into their wallet. Watch the sheer joy and utter confusion unfold as they believe they’ve won a million bucks, only to find out it’s a cruel, delicious hoax. Just make sure their heart can handle it. No need to add another medical condition to their repertoire.

For the grand reveal, hire a couple of fake lottery officials to show up at their door, complete with oversized checks and confetti cannons. When it all comes crashing down, assure them it’s the thought that counts. Besides, who needs a million dollars when you’ve got a friend like you?

The Wheelchair Rodeo Challenge

Rent a mechanical bull and retrofit it with a wheelchair. Challenge your friend to a “wheelchair rodeo.” Tell them it’s part of their new physical therapy routine. It’s a win-win: they get some much-needed core strength training, and you get the joy of watching them hang on for dear life.

Throw in a cowboy hat and some spurs for added flair. Remember, safety first—pad the room with pillows and maybe have a nurse on standby. Nothing says fun like borderline-safe physical challenges!

One-Armed Chef Showdown

Invite them to a cooking showdown, but here’s the twist: they have to do it one-handed. Choose complex recipes like soufflés or delicate pastries. As they struggle, keep offering unhelpful advice, such as, “Use the other hand! Oh wait…” or “Maybe you should stick to toast.”

For added chaos, swap the ingredients labels around. Sugar becomes salt, flour becomes powdered sugar. Let’s see them try to make a delicious cake with that. It’s all in the name of fun, right?

Home Invasion Prank

Coordinate with a few friends to stage a fake home invasion. Dress up in ski masks, burst in with water guns and start demanding they hand over their “valuables.” Have one of them dramatically search under the couch cushions for “hidden treasures.”

Make sure to include absurd demands like, “Give us all your spoons!” or “Hand over your collection of toenail clippings!” Once the confusion settles and they realize it’s a prank, offer them a hot cocoa and a hug. What’s a little terror between friends?

Sensory Overload Adventure

Blindfold them and take them on a “sensory adventure.” Lead them through a series of ridiculous experiences, like walking barefoot through a kiddie pool filled with Jell-O or sitting in a chair surrounded by live chickens.

Narrate each step with exaggerated drama. “Now, you will feel the squishy embrace of the gelatinous sea!” When the blindfold comes off, they’ll be either laughing or plotting revenge. Either way, mission accomplished.

Stroke Survivor’s Obstacle Course

Design an obstacle course in their living room. Make sure to include hurdles, a mini rock-climbing wall, and a balance beam made from a two-by-four. Encourage them to complete it for a prize, which could be something as mundane as a jar of pickles.

Cheer them on with sarcastic enthusiasm. “Wow, you’re really great at this for someone with limited mobility!” The prize reveal should be equally underwhelming. “Congratulations, here’s your jar of pickles. Enjoy!”

The Mysterious Remote Control

Rig all their household electronics to one universal remote. TV, lights, microwave, garage door—everything. Then hide the remote. Sit back and enjoy the chaos as they try to figure out why their microwave turns on the TV or why the lights dim every time they open the garage.

For an extra twist, periodically switch the locations of the remote without them knowing. Leave cryptic notes with hints that make no sense. “The remote lies where the shadow meets the light at noon.” They’ll be chasing shadows and you’ll be chasing laughter.

Voice Activated Appliances That Don’t Listen

Replace their appliances with voice-activated versions that have been tampered with to misunderstand commands hilariously. “Microwave, cook for 2 minutes,” might turn into the microwave playing polka music instead. “Fridge, give me a soda,” could result in the fridge responding with, “Sure, if you can find Waldo first.”

The joy is in their escalating frustration. Offer to “fix” it by giving even more convoluted instructions. “Try saying it in Klingon, maybe that will work.”

The Daily Horoscope of Doom

Create a series of fake horoscopes that predict absurd and slightly alarming events. “Today, you will encounter a rabid squirrel. Avoid trees and wear a helmet.” or “A mysterious figure will offer you a burrito at precisely 3:14 PM. Accept it and you will gain magical powers.”

Leave these horoscopes where they’ll find them daily. The suspense of when these bizarre events will happen (or not) will keep them on their toes. When they finally catch on, offer a new horoscope: “Today, you will find out who your real friends are. Hint: It’s not the one who writes these horoscopes.”

Conclusion: It’s All Fun and Games Until Someone Gets Pranked

Practical jokes, especially on someone who’s recently had a stroke, can be a great way to lighten the mood and bring some joy. The key is to keep it light-hearted and ensure that everyone involved has a good sense of humor. Whether it’s talking toilets, fake lottery wins, or a chaotic obstacle course, there’s a prank for every occasion.

But remember, it’s all in good fun. Make sure your friend is up for the humor, and if not, well, maybe save these ideas for another unsuspecting victim. After all, laughter is the best medicine—right after actual medicine and professional medical care, of course.