Knock, knock. Who’s there? GFL. GFL who? GFLarious blog alert. This holiday season, amidst the chaos and turmoil in the world, let’s hit the pause button and focus on the gift of laughter. Why? Because we need to LOL, and science says so! After all, laughter is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. The holiday season is an opportunity to give and receive gifts of all kinds, so why not surprise someone with a gag gift? When we laugh, we feel better. So, buckle up for a jolly sleigh ride through the scientifically proven benefits of laughter and the GFL Chuckle Challenge for your gift-giving pleasure.

Benefits of Laughter Backed by Science

Here are a few reasons why we should laugh every day and why gag gifts are so good.

• Pain Management and Decrease Anxiety. “Laughter is the best medicine” isn’t just a saying; it’s a prescription. When we laugh, our brains release endorphins that temporarily relieve pain. Plus, laughing decreases the stress hormone cortisol, contributing to a more relaxed state of mind.
• Improve Cardiovascular Health. Laugh your heart out is no joke! When we laugh, we breathe in more oxygen, and blood flow increases, leading to improved circulation, which can contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease. Moreover, daily laughter was linked to lower mortality.
• Boosts the Immune System. Laughter is a natural immune system superhero. Scientists state that increased stress is associated with decreasing immunity. When we laugh, our bodies release infection-fighting antibodies and boost our immunity.
• Social Glue. Beyond the physical benefits of laughter, it also plays a crucial role in our social and mental well-being. Shared laughter fosters strong connections and camaraderie among individuals. Laughing also releases oxytocin, which creates a feeling of relatedness. Laughing is like a group hug without the awkwardness.

How To Choose the Best Gag Gift?

Gift-giving during the holidays is a beautiful tradition among family, friends, and co-workers. But before choosing a gag item, let’s get serious. You should consider your relationship with the person and other factors like age, personality, likes, and dislikes. The item you select needs to surprise them delightfully, and they can relate to the meaning of the gift. Also, you may want to pick the right time and setting to give the present. If you are giving a gag gift that may shock or offend someone in a group, wait until you’re alone to give it. With that in mind, let’s talk gifts. Brace yourself and check out GFL’s curated gifts to make your loved ones laugh. 

GFL Chuckles

Giggle-Inducing Gadgets

• Polar Bear and Penguin Silicone Ice-cube Mold (because regular ice is meh)
• Lego Shaped Mold for Ice and Baking (to look cool to your tots and friends)
• Splatypus Jar Scraper Spatula (for the chef with a sense of humor)
• Funny Food Plastic-free Produce Bags (to make your veggies laugh, maybe)

Games

• Dog vs. Cat Chess Set (battle of the furs: checkmate, woof!)
• Do You Really Know Your Family? (probably not, prepare for awkwardness finding out)
• Punderdome (have a pun-derful time)

Paper

• Knock Knock Paper Products (knock yourself out)
• Customizable WTF/Notebooks (for those “What the funny!” moments)

Wearables

• NDLBS Animal Paw Socks (positively hilarious)
• Custom Photo Pet Socks (wear your pet with pride)

Decoratives

• Plant Peeper Animal Stakes (because plants need fun companions)
• Figure Bobblehead Customizable (capture a pose or expression forever)

Candy

• Memory Mints for Senior Moments (for unforgettable forgettable moments)
• Who’s Awesome? You’re Awesome Gum (spread the love, one chew at a time)
• Beanboozled Naughty or Nice Jellybeans (a fun game of bean roulette)

Personalized Gifts

• Create a custom joke book with inside jokes, funny memories, or puns that only two of you will understand.
• Do Laughter Yoga together. Check out this 5-minute Laughter Yoga video, a tutorial that combines laughter and breathing to decompress. 
• Schedule time to watch funny shows on TV. Some of my favorites are Best in Show, Ted Lasso, and Sheng Wang Sweet and Juicy. Take your pick. 
• Buy show tickets to see a favorite comedian or local improv theater.
• Read a funny book together and discuss it in your next book club meeting. Here are a few suggestions:
  • I Feel Bad About My Neck: A candid, hilarious look at women aging and dealing with the tribulations of maintenance, menopause, empty nests, and life itself.
  • The Rosie Project: A romantic comedy novel that follows the story of a socially awkward genetics professor looking for love. It is filled with witty humor and clever one-liners.
  • Me Talk Pretty One Day: A collection of essays on the author’s humorous life and quirks. 

Take Away

Laughter is the gift that keeps on giving, and the scientific evidence proves it– stress reduction, cardiovascular health, immune function, pain management, and social bonding. So, wrap a bundle of joy, sprinkle some mirth, and gift the ultimate prescription–laughter. May your holidays be merry, bright, and full of laughter.