Who this guide is for

Owner-managers and ops-minded buyers at UK independents and SMEs (jewellery, candles, beauty, boutique fashion, and corporate gifting) who want a quick, repeatable process to approve gift bag samples with confidence.

The promise: a simple sampling checklist that cuts reprints, protects colour fidelity, and fast-tracks production.

Want sample gift bags?

Browse our gift bags range

Why sampling saves money, time and headaches

  • Catches failures early: colour shift vs brand Pantones, handle pull failure, foil rub, corner scuffs, gusset collapse.
  • Prevents reprints and rush freight: a signed “golden sample” aligns the factory, reduces disputes, and protects launch dates.
  • Improves landed cost: better approvals mean fewer rejects and no last-minute air freight.

Common failures you can catch at sample stage

  • Colour shift (ΔE too high under daylight), banding on flood prints, foil delamination at creases.
  • Handle pull failures (knot slip, pull-through), board bowing on heavier products such as candles or bottles.
  • Scuffing on glossy coats, ink rub-off on unsealed prints, wrinkling from under-cured coatings.

Which samples to request

The sample types (know what to ask for)

  • Stock swatches & colour chips: paper or kraft substrates, coatings (matt aqueous/unlaminated), ribbon and handle colours.
  • Off-the-shelf bag samples: closest size and format to validate fit and handling.
  • Pre-production sample (PPS): printed and finished to the agreed spec on the intended substrate.
  • Golden sample: your signed, dated reference held by both you and the supplier for QC.

What specs to list in your sample request

  • Sizes: internal width × gusset × height, plus base-board size if required.
  • Paper: substrate (kraft/coated), GSM target range, recycled content %, FSC options.
  • Finish: unlaminated or matt aqueous preferred; specify exact laminate only if essential.
  • Print: Pantone/CMYK references, colour count, flood or no flood, halftones if used.
  • Foil/emboss: logo size, max foil area, positioned away from creases.
  • Handles: type (paper twist, rope, ribbon), diameter, length, tipping or knots.
  • Strength: target load (kg), product use case, handle pull requirement.
  • Sustainability: recyclability intent, mono-material preference, coatings and adhesives.
  • Packaging: interleaves, base boards, max carton weight.

Run this simple in-store test matrix

Print this section and tick Pass or Fail. Use real products and real conditions.

A) Strength & load tests

  • Static load: 1.5× expected weight for 60 minutes. Check handles and base. ☐ Pass ☐ Fail
  • Handle pull: Lift 30cm and pulse 10×. No slipping or tearing. ☐ Pass ☐ Fail
  • Drop/tilt: Three gentle drops from 30cm. Corners intact. ☐ Pass ☐ Fail

B) Colour & finish checks

  • Daylight check: Compare against Pantone under natural light. ☐ Pass ☐ Fail
  • Rub test: 20 swipes with white tissue; no transfer. ☐ Pass ☐ Fail
  • Photo test: Phone images in store light and daylight. ☐ Pass ☐ Fail

C) Fit & presentation

  • Product wobble: Bag stands unaided; gusset opens fully. ☐ Pass ☐ Fail
  • Tissue/ribbon harmony: No bleed; colours complement. ☐ Pass ☐ Fail
  • Unboxing sweep: Reads luxury without over-finishing. ☐ Pass ☐ Fail

Tip: For bottle gift bags, request gusset reinforcement and specify neck clearance in mm.

Approve with confidence

  • Photograph every test area and annotate issues directly on images.
  • Complete a one-page Spec & Approval Sheet and sign/date it.
  • Label the chosen sample as Golden Sample with PO, version, and date.

Sustainability verification and claims

  • File supplier declarations for recycled content %, FSC status, and coating type.
  • Document recyclability guidance and any justified use of laminates or foils.

From sample to production

  • Ship the golden sample with your PO and reference it contractually.
  • Require first-off QC photos and videos before full production proceeds.

What changes force a new sample

Any change to GSM, substrate, coating, foil area or position, colour formula, handle type or length, or size requires a fresh PPS. Minor layout tweaks can use a digital proof.

Sampling matters

Sampling isn’t admin, it’s insurance. With the right gift bag samples and a clear pass/fail matrix, you approve faster, launch on time, and protect margin without compromising the unboxing experience.

Browse our gift bags range

Need more detail on storing bulk gift bags?

Read our storing bulk gift bags without damage guide

FAQs

What should be included in a gift bag sampling kit?
Substrate and colour swatches, an off-the-shelf bag close to size, a PPS for final sign-off, labels for the golden sample, and a one-page Spec & Approval Sheet.
What should I include in a sample request?
Internal sizes, GSM range, substrate, finish, Pantones/CMYK, colour count, foil area, handle type and length, target load, sustainability requirements, and packing notes.
What are good sample tests for gift bags?
Static load, handle pull, drop/tilt, daylight colour check, rub/scratch test, photo consistency, and fit/presentation checks.
Do you offer free gift bag samples?
Some samples are chargeable or refundable on order to cover print, finishing, and courier costs. Ask about crediting sample fees when you proceed to production.