10 Common Items That Used to Come Free with a Purchase
There was a time when buying everyday products came with fun extras, little gifts that added excitement to a simple purchase. From toys in cereal boxes to collectible items at gas stations, these free add-ons made shopping more rewarding.
- Tricia Quitales
- 3 min read
In the past, companies often added small gifts or extras to everyday products to attract loyal customers and stand out from the competition. These free items were simple, fun, and memorable, often sparking collections or excitement for kids and adults alike. Over time, many of these giveaways disappeared due to cost cuts, safety rules, or changing shopping habits. Here are 10 once-common free items that many people still remember fondly.
1. Toys in Cereal Boxes
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Small plastic toys used to be tucked inside cereal boxes, waiting to be discovered. Kids would dig through the cereal just to get to the prize. These toys are now rare due to safety concerns and changes in packaging.
2. Cracker Jack Prizes
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Cracker Jack snacks once came with a toy surprise inside every box. From stickers to tiny puzzles, the prizes made the snack extra special. Today, they’ve mostly been replaced with printed paper “games” or digital codes.
3. Gas Station Glassware
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Filling up your car in the 1960s or ’70s often earned you a free glass, mug, or even a dish. Drivers collected full matching sets just by filling their tank regularly. Gas stations stopped the giveaways as promotions and loyalty cards took over.
4. Records or CDs with Magazines
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Some magazines once came with a free music CD or vinyl record attached to the cover. These bonus tracks introduced readers to new bands or special mixes. As music moved online, the free discs disappeared from print media.
5. Gifts Inside Laundry Detergent Boxes
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Boxes of detergent sometimes hid small items like measuring cups, mini towels, or toy figures. They were meant to surprise customers and make the brand stand out. Today, you’re lucky if you even get a scoop inside.
6. Promotional Glasses from Fast Food Chains
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Places like McDonald’s and Burger King used to give out collectible glass cups featuring movie characters or mascots. They came free or at a low cost with a meal purchase. These are now collector’s items, with few fast food spots offering anything similar.
7. Trading Cards in Food Packaging
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Snack foods, gum, and even pasta boxes once included sports cards or cartoon trading cards. Kids traded them at school and built collections from their snacks. These extras have faded as digital entertainment has replaced physical cards.
8. Free Maps at Gas Stations
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Before GPS, gas stations gave out free paper maps to help travelers on the road. These folded guides were detailed and often branded with the station’s logo. As smartphones became the norm, maps were phased out.
9. Toy Prizes in Kids’ Meals
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While toys are still present in some places, the quality and frequency of toys in kids’ meals have changed. In the past, kids could collect themed sets or get action figures tied to movies. Now, toys are simpler, smaller, or have been replaced by coupons.
10. Stamps or Coupons with Every Purchase
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Stores once handed out stamps or coupons that customers collected in books for future rewards. Shoppers saved them up for discounts, kitchenware, or even furniture. Loyalty programs have moved online, leaving these physical freebies behind.