April Fools' Day 2016: Best pranks and jokes to play on friends and family

April Fools' Day, also called All Fools' Day, is the day in the year when people all over the world play pranks and jokes on each other. The day is marked on 1st April every year.

There are many theories as to how the day began to be recognised as April Fools' Day, but the exact origin or reason is unclear. However, one story dating back to 1582 claims the day became known as April Fools' Day after Pope Gregory XIII adopted the Gregorian calendar and changed New Year's Day from 1 April to 1 January. When some people did not follow the Gregorian calendar they were mocked for their folly and called April Fools.

IBTimes UK has come up with a list of pranks and jokes for the occasion:

Change phone contacts

Change the names linked to the phone numbers on the phone of the person you want to prank. This will definitely drive them crazy throughout the day. However, be kind and save the details, and after the prank is done, do change the contact details to its original state.

Send accidental text messages

Send someone you want to prank a text message via phone. The message should be such that it makes the reader curious. If you what to prank "A" then send something like: Hey "B". I want to let you in on a secret! This will definitely arouse the reader's curiosity and when he or she replies, send another message saying: "Happy April Fools' Day!"

B---- text

Text your friend these words: Beautiful, Intelligent, Talented, Cute, Hilarious and wait for a reply. The first letter of the five words when added up describes a female dog. However, do mention: "Happy April Fools' Day!" in the message so they understand the joke.

Artificial creepy-crawlies

Scare someone by placing an artificial creepy-crawly like a spider, worm or even a snake hidden in between vegetables inside a refrigerator, or place these toys next to someone as they take a quick nap in office or at home.

TV remote prank

Prank someone by covering the sensor of the TV remote with an opaque tape. When the person you want to prank tries to access other channels they won't be able to do so.