Prison life is often repetitive and isolating. Inmates may feel disconnected from the outside world, missing out on the news, culture, and stories that help people grow. While books provide deep learning, magazines are a unique source of entertainment, knowledge, and inspiration. They arrive regularly, bringing fresh perspectives and a much-needed break from daily routines.
For families looking to support their incarcerated loved ones, magazine subscriptions are one of the most thoughtful and uplifting gifts you can send. With colorful pages, diverse articles, and timely updates, magazines remind inmates they’re not forgotten.
Because the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) requires that reading material come only from approved vendors, families rely on CA Corrections Bookstore, trusted for over 30 years to provide inmate-approved magazines in California prisons.
Let’s explore why magazines matter for inmates, the best titles to send, and how CA Corrections Bookstore makes it easy for families.
Why Magazines Matter for California Inmates
Magazines are more than entertainment. They provide:
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Connection to the World – Inmates stay updated on sports, business, culture, and global events.
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Entertainment & Escape – Articles, interviews, and photos provide a refreshing break from daily routines.
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Practical Knowledge – Health, business, and lifestyle magazines give inmates tools for reentry success.
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Inspiration & Creativity – Design, photography, and storytelling ignite imagination and purpose.
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Consistency & Hope – Monthly issues give inmates something to look forward to.
A magazine arriving in the mail is more than reading material, it’s a message of care and connection.
Best Magazines for California Inmates
Here are the top inmate-approved magazines that bring knowledge, hope, and entertainment to prisoners in California.
1. Motor Trend Magazine
Motor Trend is a premier automotive magazine that covers everything from new car reviews to industry innovations. It features glossy photography, test drive insights, and in-depth comparisons of vehicles.
Why It Resonates with Inmates:
Many inmates have a passion for cars, and Motor Trend keeps that passion alive. It allows them to dream about the future while staying connected to automotive technology, design, and performance. For some, it sparks conversations and inspiration for careers or hobbies after release.
2. Sports Illustrated
A legendary publication, Sports Illustrated brings readers the latest in professional and college sports, athlete interviews, and behind-the-scenes features.
Why It’s Popular in Prisons:
Sports unite people everywhere, including behind bars. Inmates value staying connected to their favorite teams and athletes, while also reading motivational stories of discipline, teamwork, and victory. For many, it provides both entertainment and inspiration for physical fitness.
3. INC. Magazine
INC. is a go-to resource for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering success stories, small business tips, and expert advice on innovation. It highlights both well-known business leaders and everyday entrepreneurs.
Why It’s Inspiring:
Inmates preparing for reentry are drawn to INC. because it teaches resilience, creativity, and financial responsibility. It inspires them to explore entrepreneurship as a way to build independence and stability after prison.
4. The New Yorker
Known for its long-form journalism, essays, fiction, and cultural commentary, The New Yorker blends literature with current affairs.
Why Inmates Value It:
The New Yorker challenges readers to think critically. Inmates appreciate its thought-provoking essays, stories, and poetry, which expand their worldview and stimulate intellectual growth. It’s a publication that entertains while encouraging deeper reflection.
5. Forbes Magazine
One of the most respected business and finance magazines, Forbes covers leadership, investing, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It also features influential lists such as the Forbes 400.
Why It’s Powerful for Inmates:
For prisoners who want to prepare for financial freedom, Forbes provides lessons from some of the most successful leaders in the world. It’s motivating, practical, and a reminder that financial literacy can change lives.
6. Essence Magazine
Essence is a leading magazine celebrating Black culture, lifestyle, and empowerment. It covers fashion, relationships, health, personal growth, and inspiring stories of leaders and changemakers.
Why It Resonates with Inmates:
Inmates value its focus on empowerment, positivity, and cultural connection, offering both inspiration and encouragement.
7. Men’s Health
A leading magazine for fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle improvement, Men’s Health offers workout plans, health advice, and motivational stories.
Why Inmates Appreciate It:
Fitness and health are central to life in prison. Men’s Health provides practical tips that inmates can use daily, from bodyweight exercises to nutrition strategies. It inspires them to build healthier habits that benefit both mind and body.
8. Entrepreneur Magazine
Dedicated to startups, business growth, and innovation, Entrepreneur provides real-world strategies and case studies. It’s full of practical tools and inspirational stories.
Why It’s Relevant for Inmates:
Many prisoners dream of starting fresh after release, and Entrepreneur shows them how to do it. From small businesses to major ventures, it inspires creativity, determination, and self-reliance.
9. Time Magazine
Time delivers in-depth reporting on global news, politics, science, and culture. Its iconic covers and balanced articles make it one of the most trusted publications in the world.
Why It’s a Favorite:
Inmates value staying connected to world events. Time helps them stay informed about society, politics, and cultural shifts, ensuring they’re not left behind while serving their sentences.
10. Esquire
Blending men’s fashion, culture, and entertainment, Esquire is stylish and engaging. It features celebrity interviews, lifestyle content, and trendsetting advice.
Why It Resonates:
For inmates, Esquire offers entertainment while also inspiring confidence and self-improvement. It provides a glimpse into life after prison, encouraging positive thinking and preparation for reentry.
How to Send Magazines to Inmates in California
Sending magazines to California inmates requires compliance with CDCR rules. That’s why families trust CA Corrections Bookstore, an approved vendor with decades of experience.
Here’s how it works:
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Visit CA Corrections Bookstore.
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Browse our collection of inmate-approved magazines.
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Add your chosen subscriptions to the cart.
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Enter the inmate’s full name, CDCR number, and facility address.
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Place your order, we’ll handle the rest.
We ensure compliance and guarantee that magazines are delivered without rejection.
About CA Corrections Bookstore: 30 Years of Trusted Service
For over 30 years, CA Corrections Bookstore has helped families send approved reading materials to California inmates. As a CDCR-approved vendor, we guarantee that books, magazines, and newspapers comply with prison rules.
Why Families Trust Us:
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30+ years of experience serving California prisons.
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Fully CDCR-approved vendor.
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We manage everything after your order.
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Curated collection of books, magazines, and newspapers.
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Family-focused mission supporting loved ones.
Serving Correctional Facilities Across California
We deliver to all CDCR facilities, including:
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San Quentin State Prison
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Folsom State Prison
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Pelican Bay State Prison
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California State Prison, Los Angeles County
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Mule Creek State Prison
From Los Angeles and San Diego to Sacramento and Fresno, CA Corrections Bookstore ensures inmates across the state receive approved magazines safely and on time.
Contact Us
- Phone: 213.652.9880
- Email: info@cacorrectionsbookstore.com
- Website: https://cacorrectionsbookstore.com
We make sending approved magazines to California prisons easy, safe, and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Magazines are a unique way to support and uplift inmates. From Motor Trend and Sports Illustrated to Forbes, National Geographic, and Esquire, each title delivers entertainment, education, and connection to the outside world.
At CA Corrections Bookstore, we’ve been the trusted source for inmate-approved magazines in California for over three decades. With guaranteed compliance and delivery to every CDCR facility, families can show their love and support with confidence.
Give your loved one something to look forward to each month, send them an inspiring magazine subscription today.