13 Magazine Subscriptions Every Family Used to Have
These classic magazine subscriptions were once household staples, arriving monthly with fresh stories, puzzles, and pop culture.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Before the internet took over, magazines were a big part of everyday life in American homes. From celebrity gossip and cooking tips to jokes and DIY projects, there was a magazine for every family member. Let’s rewind to 13 print publications that once stacked up on coffee tables and bathroom racks across the country.
1. Reader’s Digest – Short Stories, Big Appeal
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This compact magazine was packed with heartwarming tales, health tips, and the ever-popular “Laughter is the Best Medicine.” It appealed to adults who liked quick reads with a moral punch.
2. TV Guide – Channel Surfing’s Best Friend
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Long before on-screen menus, this weekly booklet helped you plan your viewing schedule. It featured celebrity interviews, show synopses, and fall previews.
3. National Geographic – Adventure in Your Mailbox
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With its iconic yellow border, this magazine brought the world to your doorstep. Incredible photography, wildlife features, and global cultures were all inside.
4. Good Housekeeping – Mom’s Lifestyle Manual
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Recipes, cleaning hacks, and product reviews made this a go-to for moms across America. The Good Housekeeping Seal meant trust and quality.
5. Highlights for Children – The Dentist’s Waiting Room Classic
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With “Goofus and Gallant,” hidden pictures, and jokes, it was the magazine kids actually looked forward to. It taught morals while keeping things fun.
6. Better Homes & Gardens – Inspiration for Every Room
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This glossy was packed with gardening tips, decorating ideas, and seasonal recipes. It turned average homes into dream projects.
7. Sports Illustrated – For the Household Sports Buff
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From game recaps to exclusive athlete interviews, this magazine was a goldmine for fans. The annual Swimsuit Issue made it even more popular.
8. Seventeen – Teen Fashion and Crush Advice
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Teen girls turned to this for beauty tips, celebrity crushes, and quizzes about everything from friendship to dating. It helped shape adolescent style and self-image.
9. Time – The Nation’s Weekly News Capsule
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Serious headlines, political analysis, and human interest stories filled its pages. It wasn’t flashy, but it was respected. Often read by parents at the kitchen table, it gave families something to discuss.
10. Boys’ Life – Scouts and Stories for Young Adventurers
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Officially tied to the Boy Scouts, this magazine was full of survival tips, comics, and outdoor gear reviews. It gave young readers a sense of independence and adventure.
11. Woman’s Day – Budget-Friendly and Family-Focused
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This was similar to Good Housekeeping, but with a greater emphasis on everyday budgeting and quick meals. It was packed with relatable content for busy moms.
12. Popular Mechanics – DIY for Dads (and Grandpas)
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Projects, car repairs, and future tech — it was the handbook for tinkerers. Dads loved the step-by-step guides and gear breakdowns. It felt smart and hands-on without being boring.
13. Entertainment Weekly – Hollywood in Your Hands
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Movie previews, TV recaps, and celeb scoops made this a pop culture treasure. It was sleek, fun, and perfect for the casual reader. Even if you weren’t obsessed with celebrities, you stayed for the features.