11 Gas Station Giveaways That Were Actually Worth Collecting
Back when road trips were king, gas stations gave away freebies that were surprisingly collectible—and sometimes even cool.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Long before loyalty apps and touchscreens, gas stations lured travelers with quirky, limited-edition freebies. These giveaways ranged from fun to functional, and believe it or not, some became real collector’s items. Let’s fill up on nostalgia with 11 gas station promotions that actually made pit stops worth it.
1. Collector Drinking Glasses
Phillip Pessar on Flickr
From cartoon characters to sports teams, these thick glass tumblers were pure treasure. You’d get a new one with every fill-up, hoping to complete the whole set.
2. State Map Series
bscalled on Flickr
These fold-out state maps were more than navigation tools; they were travel trophies. Each had bold graphics, local trivia, and colorful highway routes.
3. Toy Cars and Miniature Trucks
Pixabay on Pexels
Gas stations nailed it by offering branded die-cast cars that kids obsessed over. Little replicas of delivery trucks or muscle cars made every refuel feel like a surprise.
4. Commemorative Coins or Medallions
Dave Clark on Flickr
Some chains handed out limited-edition coins featuring national landmarks, presidents, or historic events. Packaged in little display sleeves, they felt weighty and important—even if they weren’t worth much.
5. Holiday-Themed Records or 45s
Robin McPherson on Pexels
Believe it or not, vinyl records came with your tank of gas. Often tied to Christmas or patriotic events, they featured popular songs or unknown gems.
6. Branded Road Atlases
Jasperdo on Flickr
Bigger and more detailed than single maps, these booklets featured entire regions and were stamped with the station’s logo. Complete with ads, scenic routes, and gas stop tips, they felt custom-made.
7. Character Stickers and Decals
CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
Kids loved slapping these onto school folders, lunchboxes, or backseat windows. Each stop added flair to your collection, from cartoon mascots to racing flags.
8. Plastic Tumblers with Lids and Straws
Ron Frazier on Flickr
Durable, reusable, and perfect for road sodas, these colorful cups became must-haves. They often bore the station’s logo or a seasonal theme and were easy to spot in the family car.
9. S&H Green Stamps (Redeemable Rewards)
frankieleon on Wikimedia Commosn
Technically not just gas-station specific, but many chains handed them out with every fill-up. You’d paste them into booklets and save for real prizes—like blenders, toys, or furniture.
10. Branded Matchbooks
Dan Lockton on Flickr
Small, slick, and often more decorative than practical, these free matchbooks were collectibles in disguise. Each station had its own unique design—some even seasonal or promotional.
11. Bumper Stickers with Catchy Slogans
Ross on Flickr
Whether promoting fuel quality or a cheesy road-trip pun, these vinyl stickers ended up on bumpers, coolers, and garage doors. Some became cult classics, known for their humor or regional pride.