If you’re planning a summer wedding, there are so many exciting things to take advantage of with the gorgeous, long sunny days and hot weather. Most importantly, you know you’re going to be able to enjoy the best day of your life with your friends and family.
As far as buying your groomsmen a gift to show your appreciation, there are many options on the market. Grooming kits, adventure gear, cool gadgets, you name it, there’s something for every type of man.
That being said, when it comes to taking care of your best buds, encourage your wedding party to make the most of the summertime by gifting your groomsmen a personalized beverage cooler!
We’ve got everything you need to know about gifting a cooler below, so read on to learn more.
Why Are Coolers a Great Gift?
When it comes down to it, coolers are one of those things that are typically the last thing to be thought of. But once you’ve remembered that they exist, it becomes so obvious that they’re sorely needed.
Taking an impromptu road trip? Stopping at that gas station in the middle of nowhere to load up on beverages and snacks is a good idea for maybe the first hour or so… but then a few hours have gone by, and nobody wants to drink that warm Gatorade that’s been rolling around in the backseat.
Having a soft cooler in the back of the car means you always have easy access to an ice-cold, refreshing drink. Ice is easy enough to pick up at a gas station- it’s just the small matter of keeping it chilly!
Nobody likes a warm, room temperature drink on a hot day. The sky is blue, the water is wet, and the beverages need to be cold… it’s a non-negotiable.
There are many varieties and types of coolers, so keep in mind what your groomsman would most likely use them for.
Is he the type to throw parties in the backyard, or would he be more interested in something lightweight or collapsible that can tag along for an outdoor adventure?
Your groomsmen will be able to use their coolers at the next weekend barbeque, fishing trip, tailgating event, or boating excursion, among lots of other events and get-togethers. Show them how much you care by choosing a gift that is truly tailored to their needs.
What to Look For in a Cooler
Durability
The number one thing to consider when gifting a cooler is its durability.
If you anticipate that it will primarily be used for picnics or sitting in the back of the car, then there’s no need for a rugged, tough exterior.
The same considerations apply if you know the cooler will be hauled out on trips in the wilderness or to store that big catch from the lake. Softshell coolers, as well as ones made with harder, more durable plastic, have their place in the gifting world!
Look for something that has sturdy handles if you anticipate the cooler being dragged around from adventure to adventure.
With the same consideration, if you think your groomsman will be carrying a beer cooler bag on his back or across his shoulders, look for straps that are adjustable and comfortable.
Ratings and reviews are always important to take a look at as well!
All of these details matter in ensuring that your gifted cooler will have a long and happy life with your groomsman.
Insulation
Insulation is another important factor. Obviously, the longer ice stays ice, the better, right?
Hardshell coolers are better suited to keeping things ice-cold because they are generally designed with more insulating material. These make great gifts because they’re the go-to item for packing food or drinks safe to consume for up to multiple days.
If you think your groomsman would only reach for the cooler for shorter trips or even one-day events, a soft and flexible cooler will do just the trick! Just remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to insulation ability.
Size
When it comes to coolers, size does matter.
There’s nothing worse than having an awesome cooler that does the job but is a pain to lug around, or never fits where you need it.
You should consider how much food and drink the recipient most typically would want to keep cool, and then factor in ice and ice packs too. Hot tip: The general rule is – one thing (this is a scientific term) of ice for every two beverages.
Coolers are most efficient when they’re filled to the brim, which we’re sure your groomsman will have zero problems doing! Just make sure it can fit in his vehicle easily.
Check out our list below of some awesome cooler ideas. Some are soft-sided with sweet monogrammed capabilities, and some are plain and simply rock the well-known brand name.
We’ve also thrown in some noteworthy can coozies and stainless steel tumbler ideas if you’re looking for something smaller!
“Stay Chill” Beer Cooler Sleeve
"Stay Chill" beer cooler sleeve for 7 cans of beverage is the ultimate beer cooler you should bring to golf courts! It is the best holiday gift choice for your husband, dad, boyfriend or just golf friend!
For the most chill of golf bros, this beer sleeve is discreet and fits into a golf bag. This sling bag fits roughly seven standard-sized cans as well as tallboys.
We love that it’s easy to carry and has thick PEVA insulation to keep the beer cold on the course. A long sling of beers is just as necessary as a driver we’d say.
Soft Cooler Backpack
This ice pack for hiking is made of high-quality materials, which can keep snacks and drinks cool for a long time at a temperature and keep the food fresh; for hot food, it can also remain hot for a long time.
The perfect gift for a hiking enthusiast or someone who loves to spend time in the great outdoors, this insulated backpack can hold up to 30 liters worth of food and beverages.
With multiple pockets, it can keep dry items dry in the front zippered pocket, and stash two bottles of wine in the sides.
It’s lightweight, which is great for those long hikes, and with a variety of colors available, why not snag one in your groomsman’s favorite color for a more personal gift?
Personalized Cooler Beer Bag
This is the perfect personalized cooler for your groomsmen gifts and the bachelor party!
We love the waterproof lining and compartment divider insert on this handy dandy beer bag. You can personalize each groomsman’s name in a sleek white font!
If you want to go the extra mile, consider putting some fun extra goodies in the front pocket, like a cigar, deck of cards, or a soft coozie.
Black Stainless Steel Can Cooler
This matte black stainless steel cooler is great for keeping both cans and bottles cold. Pick up the ultimate can cooler for your groomsmen, husband, or father.
These can coolers would make a great addition to a gift set.
With so many customizable options, you can get an entire set for your groomsmen, best man, father-in-law, and ushers!
We love the look of a classy matte black can cooler. It’s notably double-walled and vacuum-insulated to make sure the drinks stay frosty.
Arctic Zone Collapsible Rolling Cooler
Deep Freeze high performance insulation with radiant heat barrier and triple layer ColdBlock base combine to create superior cooling.
With the capacity to hold up to 60 cans, your groomsman is sure to be the hit of whatever party he goes to!
Available in either Moss or Blue, this rolling cooler makes bringing the brews easy.
The best part of this gift? There’s a detachable bottle opener included, as well as an easy access lid.
Backpack Cooler Chair
This backpack chair is perfect for the beach, concerts, parades, campsites, or anywhere you would want a convenient and portable seat and cooler to enjoy.
What is it about multi-use tools? They’re just so convenient, and this gift is no different.
It’s lightweight enough to carry, neatly compact, and can be used as a fishing stool or taken to the beach. Once you’ve taken a seat, the drinks are right underneath you- what more could you want?
Custom Slim Can Cooler
The groom, best man and groomsmen will love this personalized skinny can cooler! This skinny can cooler can be personalized with a name and title for your wedding party.
Is your groomsman a fan of hard seltzers? Those slim cans need their own coozie as the standard can size won’t fit.
These slim, stainless steel insulated can coolers are eye-catching and sleek. With their name engraved on the side, there won’t be any more “Wait, where did my drink go?”
They say there are “no laws when you’re drinking Claws,” but maybe make it a rule that we don’t toss out half-finished cans because somebody forgets where they set their last beverage down. We’re better than that!
Yeti Standing Wooden Cooler Cart
The wood cooler has been stained and is ready to be stored and used outside or inside, as you wish. Each cooler comes with an easy-twisting side drain for your convenience!
This is a summer mainstay for anybody who loves to host parties in their backyard.
Made out of reclaimed wood, this solid cart comes with a built-in Yeti cooler, a cast iron bottle opener, and a side spout for disposing of excess water- which can also be cleverly repurposed as a punch dispenser!
If your groomsman already has a Yeti, you can purchase just the wooden cart stand, and level up his hosting game. Either way, this gift is an incredible addition to any backyard.
Our cooler stands add that perfect combination of attractive design and something solid to 'heighten' your good times! You can simply slide your cooler on or out of the stand as needed!
Personalized Six Pack Bottle Bag
Whether you're headed to the beach or a barbecue, this cooler is your newest necessity. It's constructed from heavy-duty canvas and accented with genuine leather.
We think bottles just don’t get enough love. It’s one thing to crush a beer from a metal can, but sipping from an ice-cold glass beer bottle is another type of heaven.
If your groomsman loves to tailgate, this awesome insulated leather bag is just what he needs. It’s heavy-duty enough to carry his favorite six-pack safely and comes with a retractable bottle opener as well.
Pop-Up Collapsible Cooler
Camco's Pop-Up Cooler is a great addition to any campsite, golf game, picnic, tailgate or grocery run. The lightweight, convenient cooler pops open for use and collapses flat for storage.
This extremely lightweight and collapsible cooler is perfect for anybody who just wants to be able to store some cold beverages in the blink of an eye.
The convenience factor is through the roof because this cooler can be flattened and stored virtually anywhere.
It also holds around 12 bottles or cans, which makes it perfect for a little boating trip or a fun beach day!
Personalized Vegan Leather Can Cooler
Giftables personalized can coolers make unique wedding favors. Design your own laser engraved drink cooler or select one of my 5 design choices.
With 11 colors and plenty of designs to choose from, you can get something for everyone!
The best thing about can coolers is not only will your drink stay cold, but nobody will accidentally pick up the wrong beer!
We love that these are made from vegan leather. Soft, pliable, and perfect for keeping drink after drink nice and chilly.
Roll-top Buoyant Cooler
Ultra-tough Muleskin Exterior and Interior plus PolarLayer Insulation ensures strength and superior ice retention to maintain ice-like temperatures for 24+ hours.
If your groomsman is the type who spends a lot of time doing watersports like kayaking, this roll-top cooler is a gamechanger.
He’ll be able to carry and keep his beverages and other items dry and cool alongside the kayak as these Ice Mules float!
They’re notably super easy to clean with their wide-mouth top, and are very resistant to leaks!
YETI Tundra 45
YETI Hard Coolers are over-engineered to outperform and sized for all adventures. The new-and-improved Roadie 24 Hard Cooler is ideal for a road trip, the YETI V Series Stainless Steel Cooler stands apart in its ground-breaking thermal performance.
No comprehensive cooler list would be complete without including one of the cooler market’s most popular brand names, YETI.
Renowned for their extremely durable coolers and ability to keep drinks cold and ice frozen, a YETI does come with a bigger price tag.
However, if you’re really looking to impress your rugged and adventurous groomsman, this gift will blow his socks off if he doesn’t have a YETI in his life already. The Tundra 45 is hardworking and reliable, just like him.
(There are claims that YETIs are also bearproof, but we’re not going to claim that your groomsman is. Be safe out there!)
