By Adam Nedeff, researcher for the National Archives of Game Show History
This month’s column isn’t so much for game show lovers as it is for the people who shop for them. Because of their love of game shows, fans of the genre have impossibly high expectations when it comes to “fabulous merchandise,” and that makes holiday shopping difficult. So, for those of you who have a game show fan on your gift-buying list, here’s a handy little guide to stuff for stuffing stockings and under-the-tree treasures, too.
25 WORDS OR LESS HOME GAME
Be sure to pick this up for anyone who’s a fan of Meredith Vieira’s game. Teams compete to convey lists of five words to each other, bidding against each other to use as few clues as possible.
ALL THINGS JEOPARDY!
The official Jeopardy! website has a slew of official goodies for fans of the show; Christmas tree ornaments, shot glasses, keychains, socks, sweaters, magnets, umbrells, and more!
PASSWORD HOME GAME
Password is possibly the most durable “home version” in the history of game shows. Since 1961, at least 43 Password home versions have been released by various publishers. The newest one on the market is from Goliath Games, it comes with enough material for a whopping 100 games of Password, which should be enough to last you until the next home version comes out.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT PLINKO GAME
The most famous pricing game on The Price is Right is available as a tabletop game, designed for indoor and outdoor use. Come on down to Costco if you want one…
https://www.costco.com/p/-/plinko-game/4000337961
WHEEL OF FORTUNE PAJAMAS
Bedhead offers officially-licensed Wheel of Fortune pajamas, with two designs available in sizes for adults, children, and dogs. Olive, pictured in this article, is modeling her new set of pajamas.
WHEEL OF FORTUNE EVERYTHING-ELSE!
Like Jeopardy!, its sister show, Wheel of Fortune has an official online store chockful of unique gifts for the Wheel Watcher in your life. Pint glasses, pillows, tumbler sets, coasters, blankets, wine glasses, and more!
https://shopwheeloffortune.com
THE BOOKS OF ADAM NEDEFF
By far, the most self-serving gift on the list, the writer of this guide is the author of a whole bunch of books about the history of game shows. For general history, pick up Game Shows FAQ and/or This Day in Game Show History. Or maybe you’d rather read Gong This Book!, a look back at Chuck Barris’ most famous creation. I’ve also authored biographies of legendary hosts Bill Cullen, Monty Hall, Dennis James, Allen Ludden, and Gene Rayburn.