Cooler Bags as Staff Recognition Gifts: The Pros, Cons & Why They Work

Cooler bags aren’t just for picnics anymore — they’ve become one of the most popular staff gifts for companies looking to reward and retain talent. Practical, portable, and usable year-round, they tick many boxes for HR teams and event organisers seeking high-impact recognition gifts.

Why Employee Recognition Matters ?

A research report paper was compiled by leading Australian recruitment agent Michael Page. The name of the report is: Talent Trends 2022: The Great X Report. I found some fascinating insights. This includes:

1. 46% of employers see gratitude, recognition, and appreciation as key contributors to employee retention.
2.  Yet only 59% of employees feel their company genuinely cares about their well-being.

Even more compelling, a SurveyMonkey/Bonusly study cited by Michael Page found that:

1.  63% of employees who were “always” or “usually” recognised said they were doubtful about job hunting in the next three to six months,
2. Compared with only 11% of those who rarely received recognition.

The takeaway is clear: recognition programs — and thoughtful, practical gifts like cooler bags — can have a measurable impact on employee engagement and retention.

Pros & Cons of Cooler Bags

Cooler Bags vs. Other Recognition Gifts

Real Example: Suncorp Stadium’s Branded Cooler Bags

One of our favourite projects was creating branded cooler bags for Suncorp Stadium. Their team sought a gift that would be practical, high-quality, and relevant for staff and partners attending events.

We produced a batch of durable, insulated cooler bags featuring the Suncorp Stadium logo. These were distributed to staff during a recognition program designed to celebrate milestone achievements. Feedback from HR was overwhelmingly positive — staff were using the cooler bags weekly, taking them to games, weekend outings, and even as daily lunch carriers. This constant use meant the Suncorp brand stayed visible while reinforcing a culture of appreciation long after the program ended.

Suncorp Stadium’s branded cooler bags — used as staff recognition gifts — quickly became a favourite among employees, with many using them for game days and weekend outings.

Read other successful case studies of our clients using merchandise.

Ideas for Using Cooler Bags as Recognition Gifts

1. Employee of the Month Awards: Pair a cooler bag with a personalised thank-you card.
2. Team Performance Rewards: Reward team members with gifts after they achieve quarterly goals to encourage continued motivation.
3. Fitness Initiatives: Promote healthy eating habits by providing cooler lunch bags for storing fresh meals.
4. Company Events: Use them as giveaways at staff family days or end-of-year parties.

Tips for Buying Cooler Bags in Bulk

1. Match Size to Purpose: Use small cooler lunch bags for daily office use, and larger bags for company family days or event giveaways.
2. Plan Ahead: Lead times average 2–3 weeks — order early for end-of-year recognition programs.
3. Leverage Reorders: These gifts have a long life, so a repeat order each year ensures all staff — including new hires — feel appreciated.

My Last Takeaways

Cooler bags are more than just convenient storage — they serve as a lasting reminder that your company values its people. Backed by research that links recognition to higher retention, and with real-world examples like Suncorp Stadium’s successful program, cooler bags stand out as one of the smartest investments for employee engagement.

Are you ready to purchase? Explore our custom cooler bags, available in bulk with your logo.

Sources

• Michael Page: “A culture of employee recognition contributes to retention“.

About the Author

Charles Liu

Owner

Charles Liu is the Founder and a recognised authority in the promotional products industry in Australia. With over 17 years of experience, he has guided Cubic Promote to work with over 10,000 Australian organisations. His specialty is helping Aussie companies select the right products that stay within their budget. He also specialises in sourcing and assisting brands and government agencies in selecting corporate gifts for VIPs and high-profile clients. A regular contributor to industry blogs, Charles shares his expert insights on using promotional products to achieve business goals. Charles’s deep understanding of industry trends and strong supplier relationships make him a trusted figure in the sector, continually influencing the development of promotional product strategies that deliver tangible, measurable results.