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In a world where “staying in” has become the new “going out,” families are rediscovering the simple joy of gathering around the table for a classic board game. The search for virus-safe fun has led to a boom in puzzles, card games, and creative challenges that bring everyone together. If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift that promises hours of laughter and connection, it’s time to put down the screens and pick up a pen—a very, very silly pen. Enter PenSilly, the super silly drawing and guessing game that’s perfect for the whole family. We got our hands on a copy and put it to the test. Here’s our full review of this wobbly, wacky, and wonderful addition to game night.
What is PenSilly?
At its heart, PenSilly is a drawing and guessing game, but with a hilarious twist that sets it apart. The goal is to get your teammates to guess what you’re drawing, but you’re not using just any old marker. You’re drawing with the giant PenSilly pen, which wibbles, wobbles, and vibrates uncontrollably as you try to create your masterpiece.
Designed for children aged six and up, it’s an accessible game that bridges the gap between younger kids and adults, ensuring everyone from your first-grader to grandma can get in on the action.
How to Play PenSilly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with PenSilly is quick and easy, which is a huge plus for families with impatient little ones. Here’s how a round works:
- Pick Your Cards: On your turn, you draw two cards from the two decks: a white Subject card (the what) and a green Description card (the how).
- Combine and Create: You now have to draw a single picture that combines both words. For example, if you pick the Subject card ‘Christmas Tree’ and the Description card ‘Daydreaming,’ your challenge is to draw a daydreaming Christmas tree! With over 5,500 possible combinations, the prompts never get old.
- Draw with the Wobbly Pen: This is where the chaos begins! Turn on the PenSilly pen (it has two speed settings—fast and a bit slower) and start drawing while the one-minute sand timer runs. The pen’s unpredictable shakes and wobbles turn even the simplest lines into comical squiggles.
- Guess and Score: While you draw, your teammate(s) frantically shout out their guesses. If they guess just one of the words (either the Subject or the Description), you get to keep that card. If they guess both words before the time runs out, you keep both cards!
- Winning the Game: Each card has a point value in the bottom corner. The first team or player to reach a total of 10 points wins the game!
Is PenSilly Just Another Pictionary?

While the core concept of drawing and guessing might sound like Pictionary, PenSilly brings a unique and, frankly, much sillier energy to the table. The vibrating pen is the star of the show. It’s a brilliant equalizer—it doesn’t matter if you’re a professional artist or can barely draw a stick figure. The pen’s wobbles make it a challenge for everyone, which levels the playing field and removes any pressure to be a “good drawer.” This focus on fun over skill makes it far more inviting for players of all ages.
The Subject + Description card combination also produces far more imaginative and hilarious scenarios than a single-word prompt, leading to even bigger laughs.
Our Honest Family Review of PenSilly

We unboxed PenSilly on a Friday night, and it was an instant hit. The moment we turned on the pen, our daughter was howling with laughter just watching it vibrate.
What We Loved:
- Genuinely Fun for All Ages: It’s truly a game the whole family can enjoy. Our five-year-old was able to participate fully, although she occasionally needed a little help reading some of the more complex words on the cards.
- A Sneaky Way to Learn: I loved watching my daughter sound out the words on the cards. She was practicing her reading skills through play without even realizing it—a massive win for any parent!
- High Replay Value: With 75 cards in each deck, the 5,500+ combinations mean you could play this game dozens of times without ever getting the same prompt.
- The Two Speed Settings: The pen has a fast and a really fast setting. We preferred the faster one for maximum chaos, but the slower setting is great for younger players who are just getting the hang of it.
Room for Improvement:
While we had a blast, there were a couple of things we wished were included. The game doesn’t come with an eraser or cleaning cloth for the whiteboards, so you’ll want to have a paper towel or cloth handy.
More importantly, it only comes with two whiteboard markers. Given how much fun we were having, I can see those running out quickly. The giant PenSilly pen also requires a specific size of marker, so finding replacements might take a little effort. It would be great if the manufacturer offered refill packs.
What’s in the Box?

Here’s a quick rundown of everything you get inside the PenSilly box:
- 1 PenSilly Pen
- 1 One-Minute Sand Timer
- 75 Subject Cards
- 75 Description Cards
- 2 Whiteboard Markers
- 2 Reusable Drawing Boards
What You’ll Need: You will need to supply your own 3 AAA batteries to power the pen.
The Final Verdict: Is PenSilly a Worthy Gift?

Absolutely. PenSilly is more than just a board game; it’s a laughter-generating machine. It’s the perfect antidote to pandemic fatigue and a fantastic way to create fun, lasting memories with your family. It’s simple enough for young kids to grasp but silly enough to keep teens and adults entertained.
If you’re looking for a Christmas board game that will have everyone laughing until their sides hurt, PenSilly is an excellent choice. It’s a wonderful, wacky, and wobbly way to spend quality time together.
