Regarding The Consolation Prize On The Match Game - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Sgt. Saunders · 07-23-2026, 10:37 PM

Whenever a contestant on The Magic Game lost to the other contestant on the show without winning any money at all, host Gene Rayburn would tell that person that they were going to receive a “very nice departing gift.”

I’ve always wondered what that “very nice departing gift” actually was? Did the departing contestant get a TV set, a microwave or a clock radio? Maybe the departing contestant only got a $10.00 gift certificate at McDonalds or Burger King?

I wonder if Joyce Bulivant or Fannie Flagg remembers what those departing gifts were?

PhoenixAcres · 07-25-2026, 04:44 PM

Sometimes BUZZR will retain the segment of the show where Johnny Olson spotlights a collection of beauty or household products. I'm pretty sure those are the prizes they give to the losing contestants.

07-23-2026, 10:37 PM	#1
Sgt. Saunders Member Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 27, 2021 Location: The Garden State Posts: 548	Regarding The Consolation Prize On The Match Game Whenever a contestant on The Magic Game lost to the other contestant on the show without winning any money at all, host Gene Rayburn would tell that person that they were going to receive a “very nice departing gift.” I’ve always wondered what that “very nice departing gift” actually was? Did the departing contestant get a TV set, a microwave or a clock radio? Maybe the departing contestant only got a $10.00 gift certificate at McDonalds or Burger King? I wonder if Joyce Bulivant or Fannie Flagg remembers what those departing gifts were?

07-25-2026, 04:44 PM	#2
PhoenixAcres Member Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 26, 2016 Location: United States Posts: 6,828	Sometimes BUZZR will retain the segment of the show where Johnny Olson spotlights a collection of beauty or household products. I'm pretty sure those are the prizes they give to the losing contestants.