Bananagrams
Big & Li’l Nanners
Published: 1/19/2022
By: Gordon Dawson
Based in Rhode Island, Bananagrams Inc. aspires to help people everywhere develop a love for tabletop games. It started as a family game with simple rules that were competitive, portable, and easy to play while waiting in a restaurant or hanging out in an airport. The Nathansons loved to play word games, but no existing game had the speed and fluidity the family craved. After marathon sessions experimenting with various permutations of word games and subjecting extended family and friends to hours of testing, the Nathansons finally came up with Bananagrams.
The name originated from the eldest of the family, Abe Nathanson, who one evening declared, “this anagram game will drive you bananas!” The family knew right away they had hit the mark with this game as they loved how a round could be played in as little as five minutes but found the game so addictive it was hard to put away. They never really set out with the idea of selling and marketing the game. They just loved playing it with friends and family and started making a few extras to give as gifts. Eventually, someone suggested the game be shared with the general public, and it took off from there.
Introduced and successfully launched at the 2006 London Toy Fair, Bananagrams is a modern classic played by millions worldwide in over 30 countries and 16 different languages. It’s fast, fun, exciting, and anyone can enjoy it, no matter their age or expertise.
Founder: Abe Nathanson
Born in 1929, he was the son of a fruit peddler and is up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He lived an eclectic life, served in the US Army, but was also a graphic and industrial designer, an artist, and businessman. He loved his family and friends. He also loved wit, wordplay, and having fun with those around him. Abe was a driving force behind Bananagrams, and at the age of 76, his energy and enthusiasm established Bananagrams Inc. and enabled the idea to grow into an international phenomenon. Abe's daughter, Rena Nathanson, is CEO and runs the daily operations positioning it as a top ten best-selling toy and gift.
I was introduced to this game once we moved to Cincinnati in 2009. I vaguely remember using this game to exercise my mother-in-law's mind, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. She would play at great lengths, creating some memorable moments with her brilliance of vocabulary. However, during our 2021 staff Christmas party, I was reminded of the excitement this game can bring to a table full of kids and adults. Since that party, my wife and I played nearly every night and even found a “large tile” edition that we dub “Seniorgrams!”
Context
Thoughts
– Favorite family game?
– Do you have a passion in mind that you could capitalize on?
– Bananas?
