In this fast paced and stressful life that we often lead, one can have the tendency to forget how to laugh. The adage ‘laughter is the best medicine’ could well be true as there is strong evidence to suggest that laughter can actually improve health. I have read that laughter therapy (also known as psycho-neuroimmunology) can actually reduce stress hormone. The psychological benefits of humour are being recognised in the healthcare field. People often store negative emotions, such as anger, sadness and fear, rather than expressing them. Laughter provides a way for these emotions to be harmlessly released. Laughter is cathartic. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.

There are of course many reasons why a person laughs, but it is often as a response to what is said and what is seen. When choosing a gift for your friend or family member, would it not be an excellent idea to buy a funny gift, joke gift or a gag gift. Of course the funnier the gift, the bigger and louder the laugh! In this short article I want to highlight 5 top amusing and affordable funny gifts.

Executive Gentlemen’s Ball Scratcher- this really is the ultimate funny gift for men, boyfriends or husbands. This is definitely the present for the man who has everything! Aimed at the "Busy Male Executive" is the Gentleman's Ball Scratcher! For the days when your own hands are just not precise enough, the Gentleman's Ball Scratcher is in the shape of a delicate female hand, for those hard to reach places. The 9 inch handle provides excellent extra length to help get around difficult obstacles (beer bellies, old pizza, empty beer cans etc.) and provide the relief so many crave...not he can do it with style. This is most certainly not a gift for the ladies.

Crazy 8 Ball- the crazy 8 ball is perfect for those who play ball but often looses. This 2 inch diameter ball feels and looks exactly like a normal Pool ball but it has one fun difference which makes it wobble and go in all directions except the one intended. Just watch the amazement on your opponents face, as after you have discretely substituted the 8 Ball, he tries his pot! A really fun gift idea that will give you many laughs.

Remote Controlled Fart Machine- We all remember the good old fashioned Whoopee Cushion don't we? Now take this hilarious farting gag to a whole new level with this remote controlled fart machine. The remote works at impressive distances and the machine produces a variety of realistic sounds, from polite little "boom-sa-lars" to a "morning after baked beans" trumpet.

USB Missile Launcher- The ultimate weaponry gadget in office warfare, the USB controlled Missile Launcher with sound effects is controlled by your PC and fires foam darts. Next time someone annoys you, take aim, and fire. Your PC can control the aim and will also fire the dart.

Beer Alarm- Protect you precious pint with this Beer Burglar Alarm System. Attach the little "sucker" to the side of you beer glass or bottle, set the proximity alert and walk away. Whenever someone comes within 30cm (12 inches) of your beer the mafia style voice alert sounds: "Keepa Da Hands off ma BEER!" The alarm can go off as a Siren or as the Mafia Voice.

These are only a minute handful of the large range of funny gifts available. However, one common purpose they should all have, is to make the person laugh.