10 Posters That Came Free With Purchases
Here's a look back at 10 iconic posters that once came as free extras with popular purchases.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Freebies have always been a clever way to make a product more tempting, and posters were one of the most beloved extras. From music albums to magazines and even food brands, these giveaways often became collector’s items. Let’s revisit 10 standout posters that fans proudly hung on their walls after pulling them out of a purchase.
1. The Beatles’ “White Album” Poster
Rudi Riet on Flickr
Tucked inside one of the most famous records ever released, this collage-style poster gave fans a personal glimpse of the Fab Four. The images ranged from candid snapshots to experimental photography, making it feel like a scrapbook straight from the band’s life.
2. Nintendo Power Subscription Posters
Bryan Ochalla on Flickr
Gamers who subscribed to Nintendo Power magazine often found folded posters tucked in the middle pages. These featured characters from blockbuster titles like Super Mario, Zelda, and Metroid. They not only decorated bedrooms but also served as makeshift guides, sometimes showing maps or level layouts.
3. Led Zeppelin’s “Physical Graffiti” Insert
Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr
When fans opened up this album, they didn’t just get music; they got a striking poster to pin up. Its design leaned heavily into the band’s mystical, larger-than-life image. The artwork captured Zeppelin’s rock-and-roll aura, instantly transforming any wall into a shrine for classic rock.
4. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Posters
WBUR Boston’s NPR News Station on Flickr
In the ’80s and ’90s, buying a copy of this iconic issue often meant scoring a free pin-up style poster. These glossy fold-outs highlighted top models of the time and quickly made their way onto dorm walls. For many, the posters became as big a draw as the magazine itself.
5. Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” Goodies
Lawren on Flickr
Not only did the record include one of the most recognizable covers in music history, but early pressings also came with free posters. These featured prism-themed artwork and band photography, expanding the album’s trippy visual experience.
6. WWE Pay-Per-View Posters from DVDs
gfxground on DeviantArt
During wrestling’s golden DVD era, many WWE releases included bonus posters inside the case. These often showcased larger-than-life superstars in their most dramatic poses. For young fans, they became instant wall art, capturing the high-energy spectacle of professional wrestling.
7. National Geographic Fold-Out Posters
Rajeshodayanchal on Wikimedia Commons
Some issues of National Geographic slipped in stunning poster-sized photographs of wildlife or maps. They offered a perfect balance of education and decoration, appealing to kids and adults alike. Whether it was a full-color world map or a striking animal portrait, these posters often stayed up long after the magazine was read.
8. Taco Bell’s “Star Wars Episode I” Posters
1darthvader on DeviantArt
When The Phantom Menace premiered, Taco Bell rolled out collectible freebies with meals, including limited posters. Each one highlighted different characters, from Darth Maul to young Anakin. Fans snatched them up as part of the hype storm surrounding the long-awaited prequel.
9. Rolling Stone Magazine Posters
Sander Van ’t noordende on Pinterval
Throughout the decades, Rolling Stone frequently tucked band posters into its issues. Readers could unfold a glossy portrait of their favorite rock star or group and pin it straight to the wall. It became a tradition that cemented the magazine’s role as both a journalism and a pop culture curator.
10. Pokémon VHS Bonus Posters
James Maskell on Flickr
Back when Pokémon tapes filled shelves, kids were delighted to find free posters inside. These usually showed the full lineup of creatures or scenes from the anime. Bedrooms across America soon became covered with Pikachu and friends, marking the height of the franchise’s early craze.