Marbles: Telestrations is such a great game and we love it here at Marbles!  Can you tell us how Telestrations came about?

Tony: An internal group meets regularly to test play all sorts of games, and one day we took a break to do a creative exercise to help switch from some of the types of strategy play patterns we were testing. The exercise involved paper and pens, and a category for everyone to choose something from (book title and movie title were among the first rounds). Each player had a stack of paper squares that would get sent around the circle alternating between sketching and guessing (think Telephone meets Pictionary) until it came back to the originator. Needless to say, after over an hour of laughter, tears of silliness and downright playful fun the early stages of Telestrations was born. The premise and playfulness of that first exercise is what drove the whole development process, and what almost everyone experiences when they play what we developed into Telestrations, we call it the Telestrations Effect. (check out TelestrationsEffect.com)

Marbles: What was your reaction to winning the 2010 Best Party Game award?

Tony: WOW! We are so thrilled, and humbled. Of course we know and believe this game to be a winner, but the validation from others is rewarding. For a company to create an “in house” game that receives such great response, sell through, press and reviews is wonderful, but somewhat unprecedented to happen so quickly. Though there are other games out there that have really caught on and gained popularity in play and sales, it has taken much longer for the grassroots efforts to really help get those games into the hands of enough people to really help start spreading the word and moving the needle in sales. Everyone who we show the game to or play with not only has a blast but they embrace the game as their own discovery and share it with their friends. The game play experience really does sell players on the game, and therefore why so many people do see it as their go-to for a party game now and why it is winning awards.

Marbles: You have an example of a Telestrations game where “Kick Ball” becomes “Swiss Cheese” on your website.  Do you have any other memorable rounds that still make you laugh?

Tony: Many, some of which are not suitable for print, however there are some that make me giggle still that I can share: “Santa’s Sleigh” becomes “Road Rage” or “Justin Bieber” becomes “Grandpa” or  “Mother Goose” becomes “Angel of Death”. A beautiful thing about the game is that it is different each time you play, therefore if you were to play the ”starting word” as “Mother Goose” it is highly unlikely that your group would end up with “Angel of Death” but likely something just as funny.

Marbles: What do you like best about working with Marbles?

Tony: The format of the Marbles store “…collection of hand-picked, expert-tested, certifiable fun ways to a healthier brain” is a perfect fit for some of our games, and the passion that the staff have for the products offered in stores is genuine and thorough. One of the more growing means by which many people are shopping is through recommendations from friends or store staff.  Since the Marbles staff play and test the products they sell, they’re prepared to make sound recommendations that are perfect for any shoppers needs. This is fantastic for the customer that comes into Marbles looking for a gift to fit a particular person or new item for him or herself. Wish we had Marbles in San Diego!

Marbles: The Brain Store: You started working on Reverse Charades in 2008. What prompted you to start designing a game?

Scott, Inventor of Reverse Charades: We played the game on a vacation weekend with friends and had such a blast playing it!  The concept was such a simple and hilarious twist on a familiar game, we thought that families and groups that love party games would really love Reverse Charades.  We grew up in a big family that went crazy for party games and we could imagine the game making groups everywhere laugh—hard—at each other and with each other.  And we loved that the game created unforgettable memories (and potentially incriminating photos and videos) for a lifetime.  So we started working to bring it to the masses—the design, the words, the manufacturing, the marketing.  We figured either it would fly and catch on or we’d have wedding and birthday gifts for the rest of our lives.

Marbles: The original Reverse Charades has 720 words!  How do you come up with the words?  Is there a process to narrowing down or choosing the words?

Scott: Oh, it’s very scientific.  :)  Actually, we are constantly on the lookout for new words that would be providing maximum laughs.  We just met someone from Salt Lick, Kentucky and thought that “salt lick” would be a really funny addition in the next edition.  When we first started out, we play-tested thousands of words in hundred of game sessions with family and friend groups in totally different settings for about a year.  We wanted to make sure that all of the words we selected for the game would be laugh-out-loud funny—words that would either be hysterical to have a multiple people act out in a mini-scene together (like synchronized swimming, dogpile, CPR or cow tipping) or for a group to all be doing the same thing at the same time (like kick boxing, slow motion, trampoline or grenade).  That’s really the secret to the game and why anyone would want to buy it.  They know they’re getting words that are guaranteed to make you laugh ’til you cry!

Acting out “lifeguard”

Acting out “jumper cables”

Marbles: What was your reaction to winning Creative Child’s Game of the year award?

Scott: We were absolutely thrilled!  We may have even done a cartwheel or two in celebration!  Especially since it was the Junior Edition that won.  We had just released it in June—it was hot-off-the-presses.  For the past years, our customers—especially moms with younger kids—loved playing the Original Edition but really wanted us to develop one with more kid-friendly words.  We thought it was a fantastic idea and we’re really glad we listened to them.  The Junior editions has already won a slew of awards in addition to the Creative Child recognition (like the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal, Toy Man award of Excellence and the Tillywig Laugh out Loud award) and mostly importantly kids and their parents go bananas over it!

Marbles: What’s next? We know you have different editions that you are releasing as well as an iPhone App!  Anything else new in the works?

Scott: The new Junior edition is just the beginning.  We’re really interested in further enhancing the traditional group game-playing dynamic in family, party, team building or even educational settings. So Reverse Charades now comes in App versions (for Apple and Android products) ready to unleash the fun anytime, anywhere—with 1,000+ words including new Junior, Awesome 80s, and Sports fans words, a built-in timer and scoreboard.  We’re also developing expansion word packs with new themed words to match those game-playing scenarios.  And even looking at new language editions in either App or hard copy editions (or both).  We love to hear suggestions and ideas for the game.

Marbles: We know you probably have many stories about words that have been acted out in hilarious ways.  Any word in particular that stands out?

Scott: Acting out “Mt. Rushmore” has really earned near legendary status in our Reverse Charades storybook.  Four team members heads were all lined up nicely and apparently looking presidential. One team member even drove her family in their “station wagon” to point out the historical site.  The guesser was just about to get it when one of the “president” actors erupted with her hands in the air, making sounds effects and then creating a very convincing lava flow with her arms.  The guesser and everyone else were completely stumped.  Then, from the back of the room, a spectator friend realized what had happened and corrected the “erupting president” with a kind yet humorous “Wrong mountain!”  We are still laughing about this one to this day.  Other honorable mentions: co-ed “chest bump” with complete strangers, “mistletoe” with cousins and grandkid-to-grandparent “cowtipping.”

Acting out “Rogaine”

Marbles: What do you like best about working with Marbles?

Scott: It’s so great to find a retail partner like Marbles!  How can you not love working with someone who’s mission is a to foster a healthier brain?  And you’re selective about what you offer your customers so we’re honored to have made the cut.  We both share a passion for fun and interactive play.  Reverse Charades’ unique twist on the classic game really unlocks powerful brain-building concepts that Marbles champions—like critical thinking, creativity and coordination.  We’re very impressed with the way that Marbles is reinventing the retail game experience—it’s like being in an Apple store for games.  You have game gurus consulting with each customer—listening to the customer needs and expertly providing advice on game selections.  It really is a special experience and we couldn’t be happier to be associated with such a brilliant and innovative group!

See for yourself how much fun Reverse Charades is! >>

6 Reasons Why Travel is Good for Your Brain:

1. Change of routine. When we change our daily routine, we stimulate our brain in new ways. According to neurobiologist Lawrence Katz, when we present the brain with non-routine activities that incorporate our physical senses, we promote the growth of new neural pathways and the creation of neurotrophins. Neurotrophins are brain nutrients that make neural cells stronger and more resistant to the effects of aging (Keep Your Brain Alive).

2. Maps. When we travel to new places, we almost always use maps to find our way around. Maps are a great workout for our visual-spatial skills and our memory.

3. Language. If you travel to a foreign country, you have to be able to communicate in another language even if it’s rudimentary. Learning new language and then speaking it works both hemispheres of the brain.

4. Museums and historical attractions. Sightseeing agendas almost always include these, and they are full of fascinating information to see, hear and touch. Learning new information, as well as recalling facts we may already know about a place or historical event, gives our memory a workout.

5. Walking. Exercise is great for the brain and most people are more physically active on vacation than they are normally.

6. Less time in front of the television. Down-time and time spent getting to and from your destination is often filled with reading, doing puzzles or playing games with your travel companions. These are all great ways to strengthen your cognitive skills. We have lots of fun and challenging travel games and puzzle books. Some of our fellow travelers enjoy Scrabble Slam, Kwizniac, Spot it and Mini Quarto.

“This is one of our first hit products at Marbles and still is a great seller for us.  I love to recommend it because people are familiar with it but haven’t ever seen it with two person game play and instantly love it.  I think the packaging is perfect (all the pieces and challenges fit tightly in the 2 inch by 6 inch container) and it is great for on-the-go (I often pull out my game on the airplane).   When I first had one at home I brought it out at our Holiday Party and it instantly became a hit with everyone trying to beat the reigning champ. There was a line going to be the next competitor.  Of course, I joined the fun and was able to stick in there for awhile but eventually got beat by one of my Tangram expert friends (dang it, Naveed….) .   I had to give that one away and continue to do so– so I am constantly restocking my home collection.  I must have bought at least 20 of these since we have been open. I also like the Deluxe version that is made in high quality wood and metal and think it is great adult sibling gift for the design savvy or picky members of the family (yes, David, that’s you).”

“The trick about getting good at it- is to cheat at first. Use the solution cards to determine how the pieces work.  Warm up with a little assistance on a few cards and then once you solve one you will start to get it. You really can get better at these with some practice. Take that from one who really needed to improve and now can hold their own.”

Happy Valentine’s Day from our brains to yours!

Baby Beads – Okay. Technically, Baby Beads is for babies—just like the name suggests. And while it’s a brilliant toy for keeping infants engaged while exercising fine motor skills, we happen to think it’s a smart toy for grown-ups, too. That’s because Baby Beads gives fidgety hands something to do, which can relieve stress and help wandering minds stay focused.

Pepastars – A deer. An alligator. Or a ball and dice. Take your pick with these recycled paper construction sets. But don’t stop there. Because although Pepastars include detailed instructions for making a predetermined shape, these little paper craft beauties also provide hours of creative free play. Just let your imagination run wild while connecting different star pieces to create three-dimensional shapes.

Piperoids – Robots take us back to days spent battling it out with our friends over the future of the universe. Whether you’re a kid out to have fun or a grown-up trying to reclaim the lost days of feuding robot warriors, Piperoids will inspire your imagination, build dexterity and exercise visual perception skills as you create insanely cool and posable robots with movable joints.

Tavern Puzzles – Did you know that Blacksmiths require their apprentices to create a tavern puzzle in order to graduate? We didn’t either until we added these beautiful and challenging puzzles to our brain-building assortment. Our puzzles are a series of mind-boggling brainteasers from Museum-trained blacksmith Dennis Sucilsky.

Marbles Mind Putty – Magnetic Matter Mind Putty is Marbles’ very own brainchild. So you’ll have to excuse us for a moment while we brag, as every proud parent should. What makes our putty smarter than all the other putties on the playground? Well, it has magnetic properties inside, which makes for some pretty nifty tricks with paper clips. To top it off, this fun, non-toxic substance can actually boost brainpower by strengthening dexterity and letting fidgety folks release nervous energy and keep their minds focused.

Bunny Hop – Don’t let the cute bunnies and sleek game board designed by Umbra fool you. Bunny Hop is a challenging version of the golf tee jumping game that drives you (almost!) mad while waiting for your dinner to arrive at your local Cracker Barrel restaurant. Here’s how it works: You start with one space open and then jump a white rubber bunny into the open spaces one at a time, removing every bunny you jump.

Marbles Good Thinking Kit – We review thousands of brain training products in search of the very brightest for our virtual and physical shelves. So, naturally, we were thrilled to partner with Dr. Cynthia Green—the founder and director of The Memory Enhancement Program at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York—to create the Good Thinking Kit. This portable kit boasts over 100 activities to help improve your memory, critical thinking, coordination, visual perception and word skills.

Eni Puzzle -  The Eni Puzzle is a colorful and stylish little workout for the mind. The little buttons can move up or down and each layer can be twisted which creates many different ways to send it into disarray before you decide to put it back the way it started – with all eight colors lining up nicely.

Tangoes – You can’t go wrong with a 4,000-year history of brain cell stimulation. That’s just one of the reasons we love this clever learning tool based on the ancient Chinese Tangram puzzles. Classic Tangoes includes two sets of seven Tangram pieces and 27 cards with 54 puzzles and solutions.

Blink Card Game – Blink is a great game for those looking to think fast and have fun doing it. Decision time is critical for winning against your opponent. A little like UNO and slap jack all rolled in one. I would recommend this game to people of all ages who want to increase their thinking speed.

Here are some of great games to play together with your family.  Go ahead, give them a try!

Telestrations

Telestrations is the visual version of the classic schoolyard game Telephone. The game starts with a secret word that’s passed onto the first player who sketches a picture of the word. When time is called, the sketch is passed onto the next player who writes down what they think the picture is before passing it onto the next player who draws that word, and so on. The results of Telestrations are unpredictable and hilarious. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll pee your pants. Well, on second thought, hopefully not that last one.

Perpetual Commotion

Perpetual Commotion is a real-time card game that’ll have your hands and mind operating in nanoseconds. This crazy-fun amalgamation of strategy, speed and luck challenges players to get rid of their cards as fast as they can. The first player to empty their feeder pile wins the round and the first player to get 150 points wins. Although Perpetual Commotion seems like all fun and games, our brain will be working hard as the neurons in your prefrontal cortex fire at warp speed. This addictive party game will have your heart racing as you improve your visual processing speed and reaction time

Blurt

Think fast! What word means “a partially dried grape”? Be the first to say “raisin,” and you’re on your way to winning this riotous game of rapid word recall. Players take turns reading clues aloud, competing to blurt out the correct answer first and move ahead on the board. The first person or team to circle the board wins. Sounds simple, right? But as the race for the right word heats up, and the blurting gets boisterous, it’s easy to get tongue-tied! Blurt is a great vocabulary builder for kids, a hilarious addition to adult parties, and a must for family game night.

I may be a bit biased since I majored in Spanish, but learning languages can be really fun. Not only will it prepare you for an amazing trip, but it also opens up doors to new cultures. And I have made so many friends by speaking another language! In my experience, learning a language that is written with completely different characters – like Mandarin Chinese – adds an additional challenge. Not only are you working your word skills, but you are also stimulating your memory and visual perception skills as you strive to recall certain characters and their meanings.

Ultimate Chinese

The book, The Female Brain, by Dr. Louann Brizendine covers the female brain as it goes through different life points like puberty, motherhood, and menopause, as well as the emotional states like love, feelings, and sex. This may be a good pick for a guy who wants to figure out the ever-elusive female brain, but also extremely interesting and insightful for mothers who may be able to relate to many part of the book.

Little B&W Book of Crosswords

On the Dot

Lastly, I would suggest “The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain: The Surprising Talents of the Middle-Aged Mind” for all the mothers out there who feel like their brains just aren’t what they used to be. Did you know that research has shown that brains are at their prime between their early 40s and late 60s? Scientific American gives a great review of the book and explains that brains, “like certain French cheeses, get better with age.” The author, Barbara Strauch, also recently wrote a fascinating piece in The New York Times about training the aging brain.