Everyone has heard of Bananagrams, it’s an old faithful, a game that has always been there. But did you know that the much-loved word game turns 20, marking two decades of frantic spelling, family competition and cries of “PEEL!” around the world.
There are some family games that come and go, and others that really do last the test of time. Bananagrams certainly falls into the latter category, and this year the iconic word game is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
First launched in 2006, Bananagrams has grown from a simple word game into a worldwide favourite, with more than 13 million copies sold across over 30 countries.
And it seems we’re in good company when it comes to enjoying a spot of speedy spelling. The game has reportedly built up an impressive celebrity following over the years, with fans including Dame Judi Dench, Scarlett Johansson, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Bieber, as well as making appearances on both the big and small screen.
Part of its enduring appeal has to be its simplicity. There’s no complicated board to set up, no score sheets and, crucially when playing with impatient youngsters, no waiting around for your turn.
For those not in the know, each player races to arrange their letter tiles into their own interconnected crossword-style grid. Use all your letters and you shout “PEEL!”, prompting everyone to take another tile.
Eventually, when there aren’t enough tiles remaining for everyone to take another, the first player to complete their grid shouts “BANANAS!” and wins – assuming all their words pass inspection.
The Classic Bananagrams game contains 144 letter tiles, all packed inside its instantly recognisable banana-shaped pouch. With no board, pencils or paper required, it can easily be popped into a backpack or suitcase so it’s an easy game to take on the go.
And while plenty has changed in terms of family entertainment since Bananagrams first arrived, there’s something rather refreshing about a game that still manages to get everyone around the table with no screens or chargers required.
Photo credit @binkynixon
