SNAP GUM TRICK | REX LONDON

Snap Gum Trick | Rex London

The oldest trick in the book, executed with proper commitment. This fake chewing gum pack is a spot-on replica of a real stick gum box — the box reads “Fruit Twist / Tropical Punch Flavor Gum / 15 Sticks” and is printed in full colour with a tropical fruit illustration convincing enough to fool anyone. Offer it around. Watch someone reach for a stick. The moment they pull the drawer out, a spring-loaded plastic cockroach launches straight at their hand.

The cockroach is dark reddish-brown with red legs and antennae, mounted on a coiled steel spring inside the sliding drawer. At rest it’s invisible; in motion it’s extremely effective. The only tell is the rainbow stripe on the drawer tab — but nobody notices that until it’s too late.

An excellent 50p-level joke for party bags, stocking fillers or the kind of person who genuinely enjoys mild chaos. Works repeatedly. By Rex London.

• Spring-loaded cockroach launches when the drawer is pulled open
• Disguised as a realistic ‘Fruit Twist Tropical Punch’ stick gum packet
• Convincing full-colour tropical fruit illustration on the box
• Dark reddish-brown plastic cockroach with red legs and antennae on coiled steel spring
• Sliding drawer format — reusable prank, resets easily
• Not suitable for children under 3 years — small parts
• By Rex London