10 Fun Office Desk Prank Ideas: Creative (and harmless) pranks I’ve pulled during my interior design office days

One time, back when I was working late on a small apartment layout, I came in the next day to find my entire desk wrapped in aluminium foil — mouse, keyboard, coffee mug and all. The prank wasn’t just hilarious, it actually gave me some unexpected aesthetic ideas for reflective finishes. That’s the beauty of working in a creative environment: a little mischief sparks big inspiration. Today, I’m sharing 10 harmless office desk prank ideas you can pull off without making enemies.

1. Post-it Note Makeover

Cover a colleague’s desk, chair and monitor entirely with Post-it notes. Bonus points if you use a gradient of colors. It’s tedious but visually satisfying—and easy to clean up.

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2. Keyboard Garden

Sprinkle cress or chia seeds into a keyboard, add a little water, and in a few days your coworker will have a desk plant they didn’t ask for. Just be careful not to ruin the hardware.

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3. Mouse Underwrap

Tape a small piece of paper under the optical sensor of their mouse with a funny message written on it. It’s quick, harmless, and doesn’t leave a mess — a bit like testing layouts on a room planner without consequences.

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4. Desktop Screenshot Trap

Take a screenshot of their desktop, set it as wallpaper, and hide all the icons. Watch as they try to click endlessly without results.

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5. Chair Height Swap

If your office chairs have adjustable heights, lower or raise them to extremes. It’s subtle but gets a big reaction, especially first thing in the morning.

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6. Balloon Avalanche

Tape a large trash bag filled with balloons above their cubicle entrance, so when they enter it all comes raining down. Planning the setup feels like using a free floor plan creator — you need the right dimensions for it to work perfectly.

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7. Jell-O Everything

Inspired by TV sitcoms, suspend small desk items (like staplers or pens) in gelatin. It’s messy but hilarious to see the victim dig through dessert for their gear.

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8. Tiny Desk Takeover

Replace their regular items with miniature versions—tiny keyboard, mini lamp, shrunken notepad. The mild inconvenience is the real joke here.

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9. Bubble Wrap Heaven

Wrap their entire desk surface in bubble wrap. It’s oddly satisfying to work on and hard for them to resist popping throughout the day — a bit like when I obsess over popping textures in a 3D floor planner.

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10. The Sticky Drawer

Place a bit of removable double-sided tape inside a frequently used drawer so it tugs when opened. Not strong enough to damage, but enough to make them pause in confusion.

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FAQ

1. Are these pranks safe for electronics?

Yes, as long as you avoid liquids (except the keyboard garden, which carries a risk) and always get permission to use equipment afterward.

2. What’s the best prank for a first timer?

The mouse underwrap prank is simple, fast, and doesn’t damage equipment or create a big mess.

3. How can I make sure my prank is workplace-appropriate?

Keep it harmless, reversible, and respectful. Avoid anything personal or that could be perceived as bullying.

4. How do I clean up after a big prank?

Always clean up fully yourself. Bring supplies for balloons, tape residue, or anything you’ve altered.

5. Can I prank my boss?

If you have a friendly relationship and they enjoy humor, yes — but keep it extra mild and quick to undo.

6. Are there cultural differences in prank acceptance?

Yes, some workplaces or cultures may view pranking as unprofessional. Always assess your environment first.

7. Which prank works best for remote workers?

Try the desktop screenshot gag during a shared screen session — it works surprisingly well over video calls.

8. Are there legal issues with workplace pranks?

Generally, no, if it’s harmless. However, according to SHRM guidelines, anything causing property damage or distress could lead to HR issues.