13 Gas Station Collectibles People Fought Over
These are the gas station collectibles that people went wild for back in the day.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Gas stations were not just a place to fuel up. They were once hot spots for collectibles that sparked excitement, trading, and even arguments among friends and strangers. From branded glasses to limited-edition toys, people stopped for the merchandise as much as the gas.
1. Branded Glass Tumblers
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Gas stations often handed out collectible glass tumblers featuring logos, cartoon characters, or sports teams. Many families ended up with full sets proudly displayed in their kitchens. Some were used daily, while others were saved as prized keepsakes.
2. Road Maps
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Long before GPS, road maps were a big draw at gas stations. Some were plain, while others were highly detailed and collected for their artwork and state branding. People often kept stacks of them in their cars and glove boxes.
3. Toy Cars
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Miniature toy cars branded by gas companies became instant collectibles. Kids loved playing with them, while adults often kept them boxed as part of larger collections. Certain rare ones are still valuable today.
4. Promotional Keychains
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Keychains were one of the easiest giveaways and quickly became collectibles. They came in fun shapes, company logos, and even mini flashlights or bottle openers. People loved swapping them like trading cards.
5. Gas Station Patches
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Sew-on patches featuring logos or mascots were a favorite among collectors. Truckers and travelers would add them to jackets or bags to show where they had been. Today, vintage patches are highly sought after online.
6. Commemorative Coins
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Gas stations loved releasing limited-edition coins during anniversaries or promotions. These coins were often branded and sometimes featured presidents, landmarks, or events. Many families saved them in coin albums.
7. Mini License Plates
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Kids loved collecting mini license plates at gas stations. They often came with state names, slogans, or personalized names, making them fun for road trip souvenirs. Some even clipped onto bike spokes for style.
8. Branded Matchbooks
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Matchbooks were once given out by nearly every gas station. They often featured logos, ads, and quirky artwork, making them fun to collect. Smokers and non-smokers alike kept boxes of them as souvenirs.
9. Travel Stickers
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Gas stations gave out colorful stickers featuring their brands or regional landmarks. Families often decorated coolers, suitcases, or even car windows with them. Collectors saved them like postcards.
10. Branded Coffee Mugs
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Coffee mugs stamped with gas station logos became travel essentials. They were sturdy, practical, and collectible, often released in limited series. Some people still treasure these mugs decades later.
11. Mascot Figurines
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Gas stations sometimes gave away or sold small figurines of their mascots. Characters like Sinclair’s green dinosaur became iconic collectibles. Kids loved them, and adults displayed them as quirky décor.
12. Holiday Ornaments
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Seasonal ornaments were a big hit at gas stations, especially during Christmas. They often carried the station’s logo or a festive design, making them unique souvenirs. Families proudly hung them year after year.
13. Collectible Pins
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Lapel pins were another gas station giveaway that sparked collecting trends. They came in all shapes and themes, often tied to events or promotions. Enthusiasts displayed them on hats, jackets, or pin boards.