Gag gifts are usually inexpensive novelty items intended to get a laugh, but if your sensibilities find the laugh worth more than a few dollars, you can also find gag gifts for more money.

Often a gag gift is an impulsive buy when something funny instantly brings a friend or family member to mind. It could be anything from Betty Boop boxers to a coffee mug with a hilarious one-liner. There doesn't have to be an occasion to present someone with a gag gift.

The faces of past and present Presidents are often found on gag gifts along with political satire. Cartoon characters, infamous sayings and off-color innuendos are all standard faire.

Kids often like gag gifts that double as pranks, finding fun in mild shock and good-hearted embarrassment. The innocent looking pillow otherwise known as the whoopee cushion, "fake barf," pack of gum with a spring-loaded snap, and hand buzzer (concealed in the palm it delivers a shock when shaking hands), have all brought laughs for generations.

Gag gifts are often chosen when a gift is appropriate but the recipient is a mere acquaintance. For example, an office party for a retiring employee may require a little present, even if you don't know the person well. Getting something useful, like a coffee mug, but with a funny picture or saying, makes the gift appear to have more value and be more thoughtful. Bringing a laugh from the crowd as it's opened adds a bit of joy to what would otherwise be a mere drinking utensil.

When giving a gag gift make sure the gag won't hurt the recipient's feelings. Gags related to someone's special talents or hobbies are usually a big hit, but gags meant to highlight shortcomings or faults - even if the person is aware of those faults or shortcomings — will probably make them feel bad. Giving a baldhead cap to someone who's worried about losing his hair would not be kind. However, giving it to someone who has so much hair that he's always complaining about it could be very funny.

For a few gift ideas consider these:

• For the friend who's always bragging about his or her golf game, gag golf balls will do just about anything but what's expected. Pull a switcharoo for laughs!
• Know a girl who just can't live without her coffee? Consider the "coffee cup air freshener" for her car. It's a miniature "to go" cup with a familiar looking logo that hangs from the rear view mirror releasing the scent of fresh mocha for those long drives between Starbucks pit stops.
• Is there someone at the office who's always helping themselves to the goodies you keep on your desk? The old, "snake in the peanut brittle can" fools them every time! Pop off the lid and two spring-loaded "snakes" fly out! Or if they only eat your healthy food try wax fruit!
• Many tee shirt shops will screen-print anything you want on to a shirt for a small fee. Does your friend have a signature phrase? Put it on a tee shirt for their next birthday.
• Have a friend in the hospital? Huge fuzzy bunny slippers will not only make them laugh but they'll think of you every time they shuffle down the hall or into the bathroom — plus they sure beat the paper hospital slippers and they last longer than flowers!

Gag gifts can be a lot of fun for just a little money. And laughter - the best gift of all - is priceless.