12 Most Popular Gas Station Giveaways That People Actually Collected
There was a time when filling up your gas tank came with more than just a receipt and an empty wallet—you’d actually walk away with cool freebies! Gas stations successfully lured in customers with giveaways that became unexpected treasures.
While today’s rewards mostly come in the form of loyalty points and digital discounts, the thrill of driving away with an actual prize made pit stops far more exciting.
So let’s take a ride through history and see what were the 12 gas station giveaways that people actually collected.
1. Drinking Glasses & Tumblers
Gas stations once gave out branded glassware, from Coca-Cola tumblers to cartoon character mugs, turning every fill-up into an opportunity to upgrade your kitchen cabinets. Some of these sets, like the 1970s Shell “Looney Tunes” glasses, are now hot collector’s items.
Many families ended up with mismatched sets, but that just added to the charm of building a collection over time.
2. Trading Stamps
Before credit card rewards, gas stations handed out trading stamps—stick them in a book, save up enough, and redeem them for household goods, toys, or even furniture. Families strategically planned fill-ups to rack up more stamps, creating a kind of gas-fueled treasure hunt.
Though they eventually faded out, these stamps were a major part of mid-century shopping culture.
3. Toy Cars & Model Kits
Kids (and adults) loved collecting tiny cars from brands like Hess and Texaco, which turned these gas station giveaways into highly sought-after collectibles. Some special edition models, like Hess trucks from the ’80s and ’90s, now sell for hundreds of dollars online.
They were the perfect freebie. They were small enough to fit in your hand but exciting enough to fuel a lifelong love of cars.
4. Road Maps
Before Google Maps and GPS, road trips relied on fold-out maps, and gas stations were the go-to source for fresh directions. These weren’t just helpful tools for navigating—they were also branded souvenirs, often featuring colorful artwork and advertisements.
Many travelers saved them, turning them into time capsules of long-forgotten highways and roadside attractions.
5. Commemorative Coins & Medallions
Many stations issued limited-edition coins featuring presidents, famous landmarks, or even Apollo moon missions, encouraging customers to return for a complete set. The thrill of completing a series made these highly collectible, and some still hold significant value today.
While they weren’t exactly useful for buying anything, they made for excellent conversation pieces.
6. Baseball Cards & Sports Memorabilia
During major league seasons, some gas stations handed out exclusive baseball cards with every fill-up, making kids beg their parents to stop for gas. These weren’t your average trading cards—some were part of limited-edition sets, making them rare finds today.
If you had a full set, you were practically the king of the neighborhood.
7. Cartoon & Movie-Themed Collectibles
Whether it was Disney figurines, Star Wars posters, or Looney Tunes stickers, gas stations partnered with big brands to create must-have giveaways. These promotions were especially popular in the ’70s and ’80s, when kids could get free collectibles just by riding along with Mom or Dad to the pump.
Some of these items, like original Star Wars promo cups, are worth a surprising amount today.
8. Holiday-Themed Goodies
Around Christmas or Halloween, stations often handed out seasonal trinkets like miniature snow globes, Santa mugs, or festive plates. Many families saved these over the years, using them as part of their holiday traditions.
While they weren’t as flashy as some of the other giveaways, they had a sentimental charm that made them feel extra special.
9. Vinyl Records & Music Cassettes
Some stations gave away promotional music, including compilation records or cassettes featuring the latest hits. It wasn’t quite a record store experience, but it was a fun way to score new tunes while filling up the tank.
Some of these gas station-exclusive albums have become rare collector’s items among vintage music lovers.
10. Oil Company Branded Toys
From Texaco tanker trucks to Shell-branded playsets, gas stations loved putting their logos on toys that kids would beg to collect. These weren’t just advertising gimmicks. Instead, many of these toys were well-made and designed to last, making them favorites in toy boxes for years.
Some of these old promotional toys still show up at flea markets and vintage toy stores.
11. Gas Station Branded Lighters & Keychains
Before giveaways got stricter, stations gave out branded Zippo lighters, keychains, and bottle openers, turning everyday items into collectibles. They were often stamped with the logos of gas giants like Gulf, Texaco, or Shell, making them perfect for brand loyalty enthusiasts.
Some of these old lighters now sell for big bucks among collectors.
12. Glass Ashtrays with Gas Station Logos
Back when smoking was the norm, gas stations freely handed out branded ashtrays, which found their way into homes, cars, and office desks everywhere. These weren’t just practical—they were mini billboards, advertising fuel brands while sitting on coffee tables and bar counters.
Today, these glass relics serve as a quirky reminder of a bygone era.