12 Magazine Freebies Everyone Collected
Here's a nostalgic look at 12 unforgettable freebies that made magazines more than just something to read.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Magazines of the past often lured readers with freebies that became collectible treasures, ranging from cassette singles and covermount CDs to Pokémon cards and Lego sets. These giveaways not only added value but also helped define entire cultural moments, such as beauty trends, music discovery, and toy crazes. Looking back, these small gifts remind us how print media once sparked excitement far beyond its pages.
1. Cassette Singles in Smash Hits
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In the 1980s and 1990s, British pop magazine Smash Hits often included cassette singles from rising stars. These tapes were prized by young music fans who wanted exclusive tracks or remixes not found elsewhere. Many people kept them as collectibles, making them one of the most beloved freebies of the time.
2. Covermount CDs from NME
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The New Musical Express magazine in the UK regularly attached CDs to its covers, featuring everything from indie rock to hip hop. These compilations introduced readers to new artists and became the soundtrack of the alternative music scene. Many collectors still hunt for rare issues because of the music included.
3. Lip Gloss from Seventeen
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Seventeen magazine often gave away small lip glosses and makeup samples aimed at teenage readers. These freebies doubled as an entry point into beauty products for many young girls. The colorful packaging made them even more appealing to collect.
4. Lego Mini-Sets from Lego Magazine
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The official Lego Magazine often attached small polybag sets to its issues, such as exclusive Star Wars or City-themed builds. These mini-kits were highly collectible since they were not always sold in stores. Fans saw them as treasures that made the magazine worth the purchase.
5. Pokémon Cards in Nintendo Power
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Nintendo Power in the late 1990s gave away special edition Pokémon cards, such as the iconic “Pokémon Snap” promo. These became hot items for both gamers and collectors. Today, some of these cards are worth far more than the magazine itself.
6. Fashion Tote Bags in Vogue Japan
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Vogue Japan was famous for attaching luxury-branded tote bags and pouches to their issues. Readers loved the practicality and style of these freebies, often collecting them as fashion accessories. It blurred the line between magazine and retail shopping.
7. Free Books with The Sunday Times Magazine
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In the UK, The Sunday Times Magazine occasionally gave away paperback novels or literary collections. These book freebies attracted readers who might not otherwise have bought a standalone novel. Many households kept these on their shelves long after the magazine was gone.
8. Beanie Baby from McCall’s
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During the Beanie Baby craze of the 1990s, McCall’s magazine once included a small plush as a special promotion. Readers bought extra copies just to get more of the collectible toys. It marked one of the rare times when magazines offered a non-paper goodie of high perceived value.
9. Glamour Nail Polish Bottles
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Glamour magazine in the UK regularly included mini bottles of nail polish from trendy brands. These items made readers feel like they were getting a stylish bonus with their magazine purchase. Many subscribers held onto entire collections of shades.
10. Free Maps with National Geographic
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For decades, National Geographic tucked detailed fold-out maps into its issues. These maps ranged from world atlases to regional studies, becoming both educational and collectible. Readers often stored them for years, creating personal libraries of cartographic history.
11. DVDs with Total Film
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In the early 2000s, Total Film magazine frequently gave away DVDs with trailers, short films, or even full movies. For cinephiles, this was a gateway to discovering hidden gems. The DVD freebies made the magazine feel like a full entertainment package.
12. Poster Pull-Outs from Rolling Stone
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Rolling Stone often inserted large posters of rock bands and cultural icons. Teens plastered their bedroom walls with these, turning them into a visual marker of the times. Collectors today still value mint-condition copies with posters intact.