Ah, April Fool’s Day; 24 hours when we’re all on edge waiting for the next big prank.
There was a time when it was all about fooling your nearest and dearest, from switching their food to give them a shock when they take a bite to surreptitiously sticking embarrassing notes to their back.
Nowadays, though, it’s a day that largely belongs to brands.
Businesses from all sorts of industries pull out their best hoaxes, to the point it’s hard to know what to believe come April 1.
Fear not, as we’ve compiled the best, weirdest, and silliest tricks you’ll come across this April Fool’s Day.
Keep your wits about you and your gullibility in check, and hopefully you’ll make it through the day without being the butt of the joke.
Toolstation launches trade-inspired fragrance line
DIY retailer Toolstation’s April Fool’s stunt sees the ‘launch’ of three new trade-inspired fragrances: Sawdust Seduction, Plumbers Paradise and Welding Whisper.
The product description reads: ‘Bask in elegant tones of fragrances that transcend time itself. Awaken your soul with notes of sawdust, unveil a captivating journey through the rich scents of plumbing, and ignite the flames of desire with whispers of welding.’
Alternatively, have a spritz when you need to pretend you’ve been grafting (when really your toolbox is catching dust).
Lakeland creates the world’s first diamond air fryer
To celebrate its 60th – diamond – anniversary (diamond year!), Lakeland hasencrusted an air fryer with 52,000 diamonds in a global first.
Artists Samantha Sutcliffe and Jayne Bill from Diamond Art Studio UK collaborated with the homeware store on the project, making just one of the blingy appliances over 35 hours.
It was transferred to the Kingston Lakeland store with maximum security before being unveiled to staff before doors opened, and will apparently be protected by a 24-7 security guard.
Dole releases Ham and Pineapple-in-a-Can
In an effort to target Hawaiian pizza lovers, Dole Sunshine Company has gone all out with the flavour combination that divides the nation, creating the world’s first Ham and Pineapple-in-a-Can.
The company’s head of innovation, April Asinus, commented: ‘We know that there’s a growing tribe of Hawaiian Pizza lovers out there and we’re convinced this new can will become a cult kitchen must-have in no time.
‘Cooking with it couldn’t be easier either, just open the can and away you go – a pizza topping in seconds!’
LEON announces new Aioli toothpaste
Most people brush their teeth to ensure their breath doesn’t smell of garlic, but LEON Grocery wants to flip the switch with its April Fool’s Day product.
Described as ‘tangy, creamy, and with extra bite’, Aioli Brite toothpaste is leaves you with the taste of garlic all day long – and doubles up as a morning snack.
Senior Dental Officer at LEON, Mary Bowkett commented on the launch: ‘Mint has been monopolising toothpaste for far too long – it’s time for a taste of garlicky goodness!’
HANX launches prosecco-flavoured lube
Sexual Wellness brand HANX has teamed up with winemaker Liquid Diamond Wine to create a prosecco-flavoured lube just in time for April Fool’s Day.
Tasting notes suggest a hint of peach, apple and pear, and pairs perfectly to use alone or with partners. It’s also vegan friends, non-sticky, and tried and tested by the ‘hun’ community.
Farah Kabir, HANX co-founder, commented: ‘For too long, huns have been overlooked in the sexual wellness market. We’re beyond excited to partner with Liquid Diamond Wine to meet the desires of the hun community, launch a totally unique product and bring a little more fizz to the bedroom.’
In case you can’t get hold of the totally-not-a-joke product, HANX and Liquid Diamond Wine are offering 25% off their websites all April 1 with code ‘ProseccoLube’.
PizzaExpress transforms train carriages into moving pizzeria
PizzaExpress is joining forces with Heathrow Express to transform its train carriages into the world’s first moving pizzeria, for holidaymakers heading to the airport on April 1.
Passengers will be welcomed on board with a selection of favourites like American Hot and Padana, alongside a new Pesce D’Aprile pizza and Pizzaiolos flaring dough in the aisle.
What’s more, each carriage table will display a ‘push for more Dough Balls’ button for that added Express service.
Contiki floats submarine world tour
Contiki’s first-ever underwater trip lets travel the seven seas in one week via submarine – and although it’s a prank, it actually sounds amazing.
Travellers will board a state-of-the-art Sub-Sea coach – capable of reaching speeds of up to 15 million kilometres per hour and crossing the entire Indian Ocean in just half a day – in London, before transitioning from land to sea in Dover.
Activities on the itinerary include an underwater cooking class, a visit to the Gulf of Mexico’s ‘Museum of Sunken Treasures’, the chance to spot the underwater Big 5, a trip to Atlantis National Park (one of the last places on Earth where you can witness the three-headed slime green conger eel in its natural habitat) and more.
Guests also spend their nights in Contiki’s luxury Underwater Château and DeepDive – the ‘world’s coolest underwater hostel’, boasting a seabed sauna and racquetball court.
Evri rolls out roller-skating couriers
Delivery firm Evri’s stunt has been touted as its latest zero-emission initiative – roller-skating couriers.
In an effort to ensure staff remain safe, training and protective equipment will be provided, alongside alternatives such as skis in case of snow and other bad weather.
An Evri spokesperson said: ‘We’re always looking to trial new innovative ways to help us meet our goal of being net zero by 2035 and this further strengthens our commitment. We think there are multiple benefits to this trial on top of the environmental ones; we hope it will increase delivery efficiency and help our couriers be fitter and healthier.’
Babybel releases super spicy Inferno cheese
Babybel Inferno is an intense twist infused with the world’s hottest ghost peppers. It’s apparently so hot that lab technicians had to suit up in protective gear while formulating it.
The cheese manufacturer issued a warning as part of the launch, saying: ‘Approach with caution. Consumption may induce intense sweating and tongue tingling and uncontrollable cravings for more…if you wish. Keep gloves and milk on standby – trust us, you’ll thank us later.’
Moonpig branches into dating
Still looking for love after completing all the other dating apps? A new feature from Moonpig, MoonMatch, aims to change that.
The dating service allows customers to get to know their new love interest only through writing love letters: once they find a match, they can send up to five free love letters to one another, making use of the card retailer’s handwriting tool to show they care.
A MoonMatch spokesperson commented: ‘At Moonpig we’re all about creating better and more meaningful connections, which is why we thought we’d take it one step further by helping the nation find love!’
Honest Burger launches Quattro Pickle-O Burger
Pickles may be a ‘love it or hate it’ ingredient, but this one’s strictly for the lovers.
Honest Burger’s Quattro Pickle-O Burger combines classic pickles, deep-fried frickles, pickle mayo, and Heinz Pickle flavour Tomato Ketchup for a symphony of deliciousness.
‘It’s a pickling masterpiece,’ said head of food Adam Layton. ‘Here for a good time, not for a long time.’
Mouse and Grape combines wine and cheese in a can
Wine and cheese go great together; a theory Mouse and Grape has pushed to its limit this April Fool’s.
In collaboration with Canned Wine Co and dairies Quicke’s, Nettlebed Creamery and White Lake, the company has combined three premium wines with three British cheeses, for a fusion of flavours without the need for a sommelier.
The products in the collection include Sparkling Chardonnay and Nettlebed Creamery Bix (an indulgent triple-cream cheese) Grenache Rosé and White Lake Cheese Driftwood (a creamy and soft cheese) and Old Vine Garnacha and Quicke’s Cheddar Cheese (a rich and buttery extra mature clothbound cheese).
Odd but slightly enticing!
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MORE : When does April Fools’ Day end? Rules, etiquette and history on jokes or pranks after noon
MORE : 17 funniest April Fools’ Day pranks you can do over text, Facebook or WhatsApp
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