The free gift copy came with the PRE-STEAM preorders.
Let me try to clarify.

- If you buy NS2 after release you get the game (including the source code & modding tools) Let's call this the "standard" version.

- You can also buy the "deluxe edition" wich includes the the "standard" edition plus a digital artbook, the NS2 soundtrack and a special "deluxe" armor skin for marines.

Now there were two "stages" of preorders: pre-steam and on steam.

- If you preordered the game on steam you would automatically get a free upgrade to the "deluxe" edition. Meaning Steam-Preorders get the game (+source code & modding tools), digital artbook, soundtrack and the deluxe armor skin. But NOT a free copy of the game or beta access.

- Finally if you preordered the game BEFORE it was available for preorder on Steam (they started the preorder programm back in 2009), you got all the nice stuff Steam-preorders has plus a free gift copy. (Oh and the black armor skin for marines).

So, if you preordered the game from their website, you should be allegable for a free gift copy. I recommend contacting them via email (don't forget to include your transaction-id from your pre-order email confirmation) and kindly ask them to look into that problem. You can find the correct email address for this kind of thing on their website and/or on their forums.
If you preordered here on Steam you "only" get the deluxe version with all the nice goodies... wich still is a very good price for an awesome and fun game (but I'm biased ;)).

Hope this helped. Enjoy the game!

/Hyper

Oh thank you for the reply. I preordred on steam in the beginning of September and it said the preorder came with a free copy but I guess the old presteam preorder info was posted and got changed.