10 Gas Station Freebies That Don’t Exist Anymore
Gas stations once offered free items to attract customers, but most of these promotions are now discontinued.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Decades ago, gas stations often gave away free items to bring in drivers and build brand loyalty. These included everything from dishes to maps and toys. Today, these kinds of freebies have mostly disappeared due to rising costs and changing business models.
1. Free Road Maps
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Gas stations used to give out printed road maps for free to help drivers plan their trips. These maps were usually branded with the station’s logo and covered major highways and local roads. They were stored behind the counter or near the cashier. Today, GPS apps have largely replaced printed maps, and stations no longer distribute them.
2. Trading Stamps
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Many gas stations participated in trading stamp programs like S&H Green Stamps. Customers received stamps with every purchase, which they could collect in booklets. Once filled, the booklets could be exchanged for household goods from a catalog. These programs faded as shopping habits changed and loyalty cards took over.
3. Glassware and Dish Sets
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In the 1950s and 1960s, gas stations gave away glassware or dish sets one piece at a time with each fuel purchase. Over time, families could collect full sets of drinking glasses, bowls, or plates. The items were displayed in-store, encouraging repeat visits. Rising product costs and shifting customer preferences ended this trend.
4. Toy Cars and Miniatures
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Some gas stations gave out small toy cars, trucks, or model planes as a reward for buying gas. These were often part of short promotions or seasonal events. Children looked forward to visiting the gas station because of these small gifts. The giveaways ceased as production costs increased and safety standards were revised.
5. Calendars
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Many gas stations gave out free calendars during the holiday season. These usually featured the company logo, scenic images, or classic cars. They served as a yearly reminder of the brand hanging in people’s homes or garages. As printing costs increased and digital calendars became common, this practice declined.
6. Air Fresheners
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Some stations offered free air fresheners with fuel or car wash purchases. These were usually shaped like trees or company logos and came in basic scents like pine or vanilla. They were displayed near the register or given out by attendants. Over time, they became a paid item or disappeared altogether.
7. Oil Checks and Windshield Cleaning
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Full-service gas stations once included free oil checks and windshield cleaning with every fill-up. Attendants would lift the hood, inspect fluid levels, and clean the front window without being asked. This level of service was standard at many stations across the country. With the rise of self-service stations, these practices became rare.
8. Comics and Activity Books for Kids
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To attract families, some gas stations gave away free comics or activity books to children. These often featured cartoon characters or car-themed puzzles. They kept kids entertained on long trips and encouraged loyalty from parents. The giveaways ended as printing costs grew and digital entertainment became more popular.
9. Keychains and Promotional Items
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Branded keychains, pens, and stickers were once handed out for free at gas stations. These items usually had the station’s logo and were offered during special events or grand openings. They served as both gifts and advertising tools. Today, they are rarely offered unless part of a larger paid promotion.
10. Car Window Flags and Decals
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During sports seasons or national events, gas stations gave away small car flags or decals. Drivers placed them on windows or bumpers to show support for teams or causes. These items were popular for creating a sense of community and brand visibility. Their decline came with new advertising strategies and cost-cutting efforts.