15 Magazines You Couldn’t Wait to Read Every Month
There was a time when magazines weren’t just something you grabbed to pass the time at the dentist’s office—they were absolute treasures filled with pop culture gossip, quizzes, and cutting-edge fashion tips. Every month, the latest issue would arrive like a little package of excitement, and no weekend was complete without reading it cover to cover (and maybe tearing out a poster or two). Here’s a nostalgic look at 15 magazines you probably couldn’t wait to dive into every single month.
1. Seventeen
A rite of passage for teenage girls everywhere, Seventeen was the magazine that taught you everything you needed to know about dating, style, and navigating high school drama. Each issue had a must-take quiz, dating advice that seemed crucial, and fashion spreads that influenced countless mall shopping trips. And who could forget the intense thrill of getting beauty tips that promised to transform you overnight?
2. Tiger Beat
If you were crushing on the latest teen heartthrob, Tiger Beat had your back. Each cover was a colorful collage of celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Zac Efron, and the Jonas Brothers grinning like they were smiling right at you. Packed with mini posters, trivia about your favorite stars, and rumors (true or not), Tiger Beat was pure pop culture goodness for any starry-eyed fan.
3. Cosmopolitan
Though a bit more mature, Cosmo had a forbidden allure, especially for those sneaking peeks at it a little before they were technically “of age” for the advice inside. The covers were bold, the beauty advice was daring, and the cover lines often made you blush. It was the go-to for anyone wanting to feel a little older, a little wiser, and maybe just a little bit edgier.
4. Rolling Stone
Music lovers, unite! Rolling Stone was a mainstay for those who wanted to be in the know about the latest bands, albums, and music industry gossip. More than just tunes, it also had hard-hitting stories, iconic cover photography, and long-form interviews that made you feel like you really knew your favorite artists. Each issue had a cool factor that couldn’t be beat.
Follow us for more of these articles.
5. Teen Vogue
Fashion-forward and surprisingly woke, Teen Vogue managed to blend style tips with a socially aware edge. From makeup tutorials to political issues that mattered to its young readers, Teen Vogue was the magazine that made you feel cool and informed at the same time. You were just as likely to find articles on social activism as you were on how to rock red lipstick.
6. National Geographic Kids
If you were curious about animals, space, or just the weirdest stuff around the world, National Geographic Kids had all the answers. Filled with bright photos, fun facts, and sometimes free stickers, it made learning about science and nature feel like an adventure. It was also parent-approved, so you could read it guilt-free knowing you were learning something.
Follow us for more of these articles.
7. Sports Illustrated for Kids
For the sports fans, Sports Illustrated for Kids was as thrilling as a winning touchdown. It featured stories on famous athletes, tips on how to improve your game, and often included trading cards of players right in the magazine. Whether you were into basketball, soccer, or skateboarding, each issue was packed with athletic inspiration.
8. J-14
Part of the holy trinity of celebrity teen magazines (along with Tiger Beat and BOP), J-14 was a must-have for fans of any boy band or Disney Channel star. The magazine had just the right blend of dreamy celebrity posters, juicy gossip, and fan mail that made you feel like you were right in the mix with Hollywood’s hottest stars. For any pop-culture-loving preteen, this was essential reading.
Follow us for more of these articles.
9. Mad Magazine
If you preferred humor over Hollywood heartthrobs, Mad Magazine was the place to go. Known for its snarky take on pop culture and its hilarious cartoons, Mad appealed to anyone who loved a good parody. Each issue promised ridiculous, side-splitting satire that made fun of everything from TV shows to movies, all with that classic Mad edge.
10. BOP
If Tiger Beat and J-14 weren’t enough, BOP was the cherry on top of the teen magazine pile. Bursting with posters and sometimes even stickers of your favorite celebs, this magazine was almost a scrapbook waiting to happen. You’d get your fix of the latest crush-worthy guys, along with some light, gossipy reads to satisfy your inner fan.
Follow us for more of these articles.
11. Highlights
No waiting room was complete without Highlights, the magazine that appealed to curious minds of all ages. Known for the “Hidden Pictures” puzzles, “Goofus and Gallant” comics, and brain teasers, it was actually pretty fun to read and packed with low-key educational value. It was the perfect way to pass the time or get a little mental workout.
12. YM (Young & Modern)
YM was like your big sister, dishing out advice on beauty, friendships, and relationships without making it sound like a lecture. The “Say Anything” section was especially legendary for its embarrassing stories, proving that someone out there always had it worse. Each issue was like an instruction manual on how to navigate teenage life, from fashion to friendships and everything in between.
Follow us for more of these articles.
13. Nintendo Power
Before the internet, Nintendo Power was the absolute authority on all things gaming. Each issue had cheat codes, game tips, and reviews that were a lifeline for any aspiring Mario Kart master. If you wanted to level up your game or get the inside scoop on new releases, this magazine was a monthly essential for gamers everywhere.
14. Vogue
Even if you didn’t have the budget (or a clue) on how to pull off runway fashion, flipping through Vogue was an experience in itself. Each issue felt like an entry into the world of high fashion, with bold photoshoots, daring looks, and designer spreads. Just reading Vogue made you feel fancy, and it was basically a fashion education every month.
Follow us for more of these articles.
15. Boy’s Life
Geared towards Boy Scouts, Boy’s Life was the go-to magazine for adventure stories, outdoor tips, and survival skills. Each issue had everything from how to tie knots to tales of courageous explorers. Even if you weren’t a scout, it was packed with practical advice for building stuff, discovering the outdoors, and generally being a cool kid with a pocketknife.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us!
