Beloved by pranksters worldwide, the joy buzzer has been delivering unexpected zaps to its victims since 1928. The device was created by Danish inventor Soren Sorensen Adams, who founded the S.S. Adams Co., the premier novelty producer of the 20th century. After dreaming up his first gag concoction, Cachoo Sneeze Powder, in 1906, Sorensen went on to create prank product staples like the razzberry cushion, the snake nut can and the exploding cigar. Officially patented in 1932, the buzzer doesn't actually deliver an electric current but rather a loud vibrating noise, just enough to "shock" the unsuspecting.
TIME reporter Allie Townsend picks the 100 most influential toys from 1923 to the present