Dad Cooler is a fun option if you want someone’s face printed on a stubby holder.

The process is simple, the idea is easy to understand, and it works especially well as a novelty gift for Dad, your partner, a mate or even a pet.

But depending on what you’re ordering, it can still be worth looking at a few Dad Cooler alternatives.

You might want more than one or two holders. You might be organising a hens party, birthday or wedding. Or you might simply want more choice in the actual stubby holder itself.

If that sounds like you, here are the main things we’d compare before ordering.

For a five-point pre-order checklist, see what to compare before choosing a Dad Cooler alternative.

Why Look for a Dad Cooler Alternative?

Dad Cooler’s main personalised holder is currently priced at A$24.95 for one, or A$19.95 each when you buy two or more. Their artists prepare the design from your uploaded photo, and the holder is made in Australia.

That works really well for a one-off gift.

But an alternative may make more sense if you:

• need 10, 20 or 50 holders
• want quantity pricing
• need a foldable style
• want different neoprene thicknesses
• are ordering for a whole event
• want to add logos, QR codes or more detailed artwork
• need a more business-focused product

The right alternative really depends on whether you’re buying a gift or organising an event. For a side-by-side supplier comparison, see Clinkies vs Dad Cooler.

Dad Cooler vs Other Options at a Glance

Dad Cooler is very strong at keeping the product simple.

Clinkies becomes more useful once the order starts getting larger or more complicated.

1. Compare the Total Cost for the Quantity You Need

This is probably the biggest reason to look at an alternative.

Dad Cooler’s current pricing is:

• 1 holder: A$24.95
• 2 or more: A$19.95 each

For one or two gifts, that can be perfectly reasonable.

But imagine you need 12 for a hens weekend.

At A$19.95 each, that works out to almost A$240 before considering any other costs.

Clinkies uses quantity pricing across its personalised range.

For example, its current 5mm standard holder starts at A$19 for 1–2 units, then drops to:

• A$10.40 each for 7–10
• A$8.00 each for 11–15
• A$5.20 each for 36–50
• A$3.80 each for 100–149

That doesn’t automatically make one supplier “better”.

For a closer look at what Dad Cooler’s A$24.95 price includes and how group costs add up, read Dad Cooler stubby holder prices.

It just means the order economics change once you’re buying for a group rather than one person. For a broader breakdown, read Custom Stubby Holder Costs Explained.

2. Think About Whether You Want a Gift or an Event Product

Dad Cooler feels very much like a personalised gift product.

That’s part of the appeal.

You upload a photo, choose a design, place the order and their team does the artwork for you. Dad Cooler specifically markets these products for gifts such as Father’s Day and birthdays.

Clinkies is more event-focused.

That makes it easier to use the same photo idea for:

• hens parties
• bucks parties
• weddings
• birthdays
• family celebrations
• sporting clubs
• company events

So the same funny-face idea can be used in two very different ways.

Dad Cooler: “I want a funny present for Dad.”

Clinkies: “I want 15 of these for everyone at the party.”

That’s probably the simplest way to explain the difference. Planning a group celebration? See Personalised Stubby Holders for Hens and Bucks Nights.

3. Look at the Holder Style

Not every personalised stubby holder is made the same way.

Clinkies offers multiple constructions, including 3mm foldable and 5mm structured neoprene holders. Its 5mm standard product has a solid base, while the 3mm option is designed to fold flat.

That gives you more choice depending on how you plan to use them. Our 3mm vs 5mm Stubby Holders guide explains the practical differences in more detail.

A 3mm foldable holder may suit:

• hens weekends
• wedding favour bags
• birthday party packs
• larger events
• travel and easy storage

A 5mm holder may suit:

• personalised gifts
• corporate merchandise
• sporting clubs
• anyone wanting a thicker feel
• designs that need a more structured holder

Dad Cooler is more focused on keeping the custom photo experience simple rather than offering a large range of holder constructions.

4. Consider What You Want Printed

Dad Cooler is strongest when the main idea is:

a face.

Their current custom products are built around uploading a photo of a child, dad, family member or other subject and letting their artists turn it into the finished design.

Clinkies supports photos too, but also allows artwork such as:

• logos
• names
• event dates
• QR codes
• illustrations
• custom text
• full-colour artwork

Its 3mm personalised range, for example, supports printing on both sides with photos, logos, names, dates and QR codes.

So if your idea is simply a funny face, either style of supplier can work.

If the design needs to combine a photo with event branding or more information, you may want a broader customisation process. For photo selection tips, read How to Choose a Photo for Your Custom Stubby Holder.

5. Group Orders Need a Different Approach

This is where a lot of people realise they’re no longer shopping for a novelty gift.

Say you’re planning a hens weekend for 14 people.

You might want:

• the bride’s face
• matching pink artwork
• the weekend date
• a funny quote
• everyone’s names

At that point, the order is closer to customised event merchandise than a one-off gift.

The same applies to:

• family reunions
• milestone birthdays
• wedding parties
• footy trips
• work events

For group orders, compare:

• quantity pricing
• artwork proofing
• production time
• different holder styles
• total delivered cost

That usually matters more than the single-item price. If you are ready to place an order, see How to Order Custom Stubby Holders Online.

One Alternative: Clinkies

Clinkies is one Dad Cooler alternative if you still want photo-based personalised stubby holders but need more flexibility around the order.

Current options include:

• minimum order of one on selected products
• 3mm and 5mm neoprene styles
• full-colour photo printing
• logos and artwork
• free artwork proof on selected products
• quantity discounts
• Australia-wide delivery

Clinkies also has 3mm foldable holders currently starting at A$10 for very small orders, with pricing reducing to A$6.80 at 11–15 units and A$3.20 at 100–149 units.

That type of pricing structure can make more sense when the funny photo idea needs to work across an entire group. For company-branded orders, see Custom Stubby Holders for Corporate Events and Promotions.

When Dad Cooler Still Makes More Sense

Looking for an alternative doesn’t mean Dad Cooler is the wrong choice.

Dad Cooler is probably the simpler option if:

• you only want one
• it’s mainly a funny gift
• you don’t want to prepare artwork
• you want the designer to do the work
• Australian-made production matters to you

Their current product is printed and crafted in Australia, with the design handled by their artists after you upload the photo.

For that specific use case, the simplicity is a real advantage.

When an Alternative Makes More Sense

A Dad Cooler alternative becomes more attractive if:

• you’re buying for a whole group
• you want quantity discounts
• you need 3mm or 5mm choices
• you want a foldable holder
• you need business or event artwork
• you’re ordering well above two units

Once you get into 10, 20, 50 or 100 holders, it’s worth treating the purchase like an event order rather than a novelty gift. Couples planning reception gifts can also explore why custom stubby holders are popular wedding favours.

What We’d Compare Before Ordering

Before choosing Dad Cooler or an alternative, ask:

• How many holders do I need?
• Is this a gift or an event order?
• Do I want a foldable or structured holder?
• Do I only need a photo, or more detailed artwork?
• What is the total price for my quantity?
• Do I want the supplier to create the design for me?

Those questions usually make the choice much clearer.

Dad Cooler is a strong option for easy, funny personalised gifts.

If you’re taking the same idea and turning it into a whole party, wedding or group order, alternatives such as Clinkies are worth comparing.

FAQ

What are some alternatives to Dad Cooler?

Clinkies is one alternative for personalised photo stubby holders in Australia, particularly for group orders, weddings, parties and customers wanting different holder styles.

How much does a Dad Cooler stubby holder cost?

Dad Cooler’s main personalised photo holder is currently A$24.95 for one, or A$19.95 each when ordering two or more.

Can I order just one personalised photo stubby holder?

Yes. Both Dad Cooler and selected Clinkies products currently allow single-item orders.

Which is better for a hens party?

For one novelty gift, Dad Cooler works well. For a whole hens group, a supplier such as Clinkies may be more practical because quantity pricing and different holder styles are available.

Can I put a pet photo on a stubby holder?

Yes. Clear pet photos can be used for personalised photo stubby holders. Close-up images with good lighting generally produce the easiest artwork.

Can I add a logo or QR code as well as a photo?

Clinkies supports logos, photographs, names, event dates, artwork and QR codes on selected products.