Hands-free backpack cooler
This convenient cooler design allows for easy hands-free transport of food and drinks, perfect for hikes, festivals, or day trips.
Kitchen & Coffee
Coolers
8 kinds worth knowing, 7 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Coolers make sense as a gift for people who are already out the door most weekends: the one who packs for the cottage, runs the tailgate, drives long hauls or brings lunch to a job site. A cooler that fits how they carry things gets used every week. One that's too big or too fussy sits in the garage. Start with how they move. A backpack cooler suits someone walking to a beach or trail, and a thermoelectric cooler suits someone who spends long hours in the car. After that, think about capacity, how easy it is to clean and whether it'll fit where they keep it.
Kind 1 of 8
Backpack coolers for walking to the spot
A backpack cooler is an insulated pack with shoulder straps, so both hands stay free for chairs, a fishing rod or a kid's hand. It suits hikers, beachgoers, anglers and anyone who parks far from where they settle in. Before buying, check that the straps are padded and adjustable, the liner is leakproof and wipes clean, and the pack holds enough cans or containers for a real outing. Outside pockets for keys and a bottle opener are handy. A back panel that stays dry against the wearer matters more than it sounds.
Kind 2 of 8
Cooler bags for everyday lunches
Cooler bags are the everyday kind: zippered, insulated and sized for a lunch, a few drinks or a grocery run. They work well for commuters, tradespeople, students and anyone who packs food most days. Look for a wide opening that fits the containers they already use, a liner that wipes out easily and a zipper that holds up to daily use. A shoulder strap or sturdy handle helps. Plain colours and simple shapes tend to get used longer than novelty designs.
Compact insulated lunch cooler
A practical and stylish solution for keeping daily meals and snacks fresh for work, school, or short outings.
Kind 3 of 8
Plug-in coolers for the car
A thermoelectric cooler plugs into a vehicle's 12-volt outlet and chills without ice, so nothing melts into a soggy mess. It suits road trippers, truck drivers, sales reps and families who spend long days in the car. Before buying, measure the space in the back seat or trunk, check the cord length and find out whether it can also plug into a household outlet. Keep in mind it usually chills to a set amount below the air around it, so it holds cold rather than freezing things. A quiet fan is worth checking too.
Thermoelectric portable car cooler
Keeps food and beverages cool or warm on road trips, commutes, or during long drives without the need for ice.
Kind 4 of 8
Portable coolers that go anywhere
A portable cooler is any cooler small and light enough to carry with one hand from the car to a picnic table, dock or sideline. It fits parents at weekend tournaments, people who picnic, and anyone who wants cold drinks without hauling a chest. Check the handle's grip and strength when the cooler is full, how securely the lid latches and whether tall bottles stand upright inside. A drain plug or a smooth interior makes cleanup easier. Pick a size they can actually lift once it's loaded.
Kind 5 of 8
Soft-sided coolers that fold away
A soft-sided cooler uses flexible insulated fabric instead of a rigid shell, so it's lighter to carry and easier to squeeze into a packed trunk or boat. It suits campers, paddlers and anyone short on storage. Before buying, check the seams and liner for leaks, whether the zipper is water-resistant and whether the bag keeps its shape when half empty. A tough outer fabric holds up better on rough ground. Some fold flat when empty, which is a real plus in a small apartment or condo.
Portable soft-sided cooler bag
A versatile and lightweight cooler bag perfect for picnics, beach trips, or carrying groceries that need to stay cool.
Kind 6 of 8
Hard-sided insulated coolers for longer trips
An insulated cooler with a hard shell and thick walls is built for multi-day camping, hunting, fishing and cottage weekends where ice needs to last. It suits people who spend real time outdoors and aren't gentle on their gear. Check the lid gasket, the latches and the drain, and whether the handles stay comfortable when the cooler is full. Thicker walls hold cold longer but add weight and take up space inside. Make sure it fits the vehicle or boat it'll ride in.
Durable hard-sided outdoor cooler
This robust cooler is ideal for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts who need to keep provisions chilled for extended periods.
Kind 7 of 8
Beverage coolers for hosting
A beverage cooler or party tub keeps drinks on ice where guests can grab them, whether that's on a deck, at a backyard barbecue or at a holiday open house. It suits people who host often and like the setup to look good. Check the capacity in cans or bottles, whether it has a stand or sits on the floor, and how easily it drains when the party's over. A finish that fits their patio or kitchen makes it more likely to come out often.
Decorative party beverage tub
An attractive and functional cooler perfect for chilling drinks at parties, barbecues, or any social gathering.
Kind 8 of 8
Large coolers for big groups
A large cooler holds food and drinks for a whole family camping trip, a team event or a long weekend at the lake. It suits the person who always ends up feeding everyone. Wheels and a telescoping handle matter a lot at this size, since a full chest gets heavy fast. Check the wheels on gravel and grass, whether the lid can double as a seat, and whether the cooler fits in their vehicle and garage. A drain plug saves a lot of tipping and spilling.
Large wheeled cooler chest
Effortlessly transport a substantial amount of chilled items to large gatherings, sporting events, or family camping trips with this convenient cooler.
How to choose coolers as a gift
- Match the cooler to how they get to their spot: on foot, by car, by boat or just onto the back deck.
- Choose capacity by how many people they usually pack for, not the biggest trip they might take someday.
- Check how the interior cleans up, since smooth liners and drain plugs make a cooler far more pleasant to own.
- Measure the trunk, back seat or storage shelf before choosing a hard-sided or wheeled model.
- Think about carrying weight when full, especially for anyone who walks a distance with it.
Usually safe to skip
- Oversized chests for people who mostly pack lunches, because they end up taking space in the garage instead of getting used.
- Novelty-shaped coolers that look fun but hold few drinks and are awkward to pack or clean.
- Plug-in coolers for someone without a regular car routine, since they need a power source to do their job.
Questions people ask about coolers
- Is a soft or hard cooler a better gift?
- Soft coolers suit day trips, lunches and tight storage because they're light and flexible. Hard coolers suit multi-day camping and rough use, since they hold cold longer and take knocks. Think about how long their usual outings run.
- What size cooler should I buy for someone?
- Think about their usual outing. A lunch bag covers one person for a day, a medium cooler handles a couple or small family at the beach, and a large wheeled chest suits group camping or hosting.
- Do thermoelectric coolers need ice?
- No. They run on power from a car outlet, and some also plug into a household outlet. They keep things cool relative to the surrounding air, so they work best for road trips rather than hot, unpowered campsites.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All coolers picks
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