Silly Sausage Review
John Adams Silly Sausage Review
John Adams Silly Sausage Review sizzles onto the scene as one of the quirkiest picks from the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2016 list. This foot-long plastic sausage, created by John Adams, turns festive fun into a full-blown reflex showdown. Packed with five hilarious commands and three game modes, Silly Sausage challenges players to twist, shake, stretch, poke and dip at lightning speed—all while laughing uncontrollably. It’s silly. It’s chaotic. It’s the ultimate party game for families and kids who love something a bit bonkers under the tree.
Planning this year’s Christmas gift haul? Check out the best Christmas toys 2025 or browse where to buy Christmas toys online before the holiday frenzy hits.
What’s in the Box?
- Silly Sausage Unit: A 30cm plastic interactive sausage with electronic sensors and LED prompts across 10 fast-paced mini games.
- Instruction Manual: Setup guidance, game rules, and battery installation instructions.
- 2 x AA Batteries: Included in-pack, though fresh replacements recommended for turbo play.
- Festive Packaging: Bright and goofy Christmas-themed box with sausage branding—guaranteed to get a giggle under the tree.
Gameplay: How It Works
Power it on, hit the belly button, and select a mode—Single for solo reflex training, Party for hot-potato style multiplayer, or Turbo for extreme-speed chaos.
The sausage calls out commands like “Twist Me,” “Shake Me,” “Poke Me,” “Dip Me,” and “Stretch Me.” You’ve got a split-second to react. Get it right, and you keep going. Get it wrong, and the sausage groans out a goofy “Game Over.”
Games ramp up in difficulty the longer you play. No app, no screen—just a plastic talking sausage shouting nonsense at your Christmas guests. What’s not to love?
From Quirky Concept to Toy Chart Topper
Released in 2016 by John Adams, Silly Sausage quickly earned its place in the “Dream Dozen” from the Toy Retailers Association. It rode the wave of popularity created by other quirky games like Pie Face—games that encouraged group play, quick reactions, and hysterical laughter.
It was featured at numerous Christmas toy fairs, and the top score of 45 became the stuff of legend. The toy was discontinued in 2018, but it’s still remembered fondly and often pops up in festive flashback lists. Its success even led to the more physically active follow-up, Silly Sausage Active.
Developmental Benefits (Beyond the Belly Laughs)
Sure, it’s a silly sausage. But it packs a punch when it comes to skill-building:
- Fine Motor Skills: Fast hand movements and coordination are essential to keep up.
- Reaction Time: The faster the mode, the quicker the reflexes needed.
- Cognitive Agility: Processing and responding to verbal commands boosts brain activity.
- Social Play: Party mode encourages turn-taking, cooperation, and communication.
- Emotional Growth: Kids learn to laugh off losses and embrace silly mistakes.
- Sensory Play: The tactile inputs and energetic audio engage multiple senses.
Its durability and simplicity make it a win for both structured play and spontaneous party mayhem.
Festive Play Ideas
- Santa’s Sausage Sprint: Wrap it in tinsel and set up a North Pole reflex challenge with a leaderboard.
- Candy Cane Countdown: Give a treat for each command correctly followed in a row.
- Christmas Command Chaos: Rotate players around the table with each successful move for a holiday twist on musical chairs.
- Elf Olympics: Combine it with other reaction games to host a full “Elf Skill Championship.”
- Silly Snapshot Station: Take a photo of the funniest reaction face for each game over moment.
This one’s made for family gatherings. Expect roars of laughter, accidental cheating, and a bit of sibling rivalry before pudding’s even served.
What Parents Are Saying
“The kids were obsessed. It got everyone off the sofa!”
“Even the grandparents joined in. Total Christmas chaos.”
“Battery life could be better, but it’s a riot.”
“Some commands didn’t register at first, but the kids got the hang of it.”
“Sturdy, noisy, and endlessly silly. We love it.”
Parents agreed it wasn’t just for the kids—Silly Sausage brought whole-house hilarity. Minor quibbles about batteries and sensors didn’t stop it from being a holiday hit.
About John Adams
John Adams is one of the UK’s most respected names in creative play, known for classic titles like Fuzzy Felt and Rummikub. With Silly Sausage, they broke into the party game scene with a bang—and a few snorts of laughter. The toy showcased their ability to innovate while still keeping things simple, durable, and family-friendly.
Why It Made the 2016 List
Between the wacky gameplay, social appeal, and affordable price tag (£19.99–£24.99), Silly Sausage was a no-brainer for 2016. It stood out as a toy that parents could understand and kids would never stop playing.
Its universal appeal and instant hilarity made it a staple for Christmas morning madness.
Recommended Age
Silly Sausage is best for ages 7+, though younger kids can join in with help:
- ⚡ Ideal for fast-thinkers and party starters
- Great for 8–10 year olds in group settings
- Not recommended for under 3s due to small parts
Setup & Storage Tips
- Batteries: Replace with fresh AA batteries for longer party sessions.
- Clean-Up: Wipe with a damp cloth after use to keep it party-ready.
- Storage: Keep in a dry cupboard—original packaging isn’t great for re-storage.
- Game Tip: Use firm, confident actions to ensure commands are registered.
Where to Buy (in 2025)
Silly Sausage is no longer in production, but second-hand copies are still sizzling on sites like eBay, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace. Expect to pay around £10–£20 depending on condition and battery compartment quality.
Check for full functionality and ensure no corrosion inside the battery area. If in doubt, ask the seller for a video demo.
Final Verdict
Silly Sausage by John Adams is a brilliantly bonkers reaction game that added pure joy to 2016’s top toy lineup. With its silly commands, simple setup, and riotous replay value, it’s still worth tracking down today. Batteries might run low, but the laughs never will.
For more holiday game night legends, visit our list of most popular Christmas toys or discover what toys every kid wants in 2025.
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