The Gift Lab has built a portfolio of around 50 clients in the beauty and luxury sectors. With revenue forecast to increase by 50% in 2026, the company is preparing for a new phase of development.
“2026 is a pivotal year for The Gift Lab,” says founder and CEO Alexandre Escarra. “We are leveraging our long-established purchasing office in China and have strengthened our management tools and creative offering. Our aim is to expand our partnerships with major accounts in Europe and the United States, while maintaining the same agility and high standards, from concept to finished product.”
Beyond gift sets and Advent calendars, the company’s portfolio includes toiletry bags and vanity cases, pouches, small luggage, shopping bags, retail essentials, and textiles for spas, beauty salons, and hotels.
The Gift Lab works with partner factories in Asia and Europe. Each factory is systematically audited before being approved as a supplier and selected for its expertise and reliability, “not just for its price,” Escarra emphasizes.
From concept to finished product
The Gift Lab’s business model is built around an integrated approach, with a single point of contact managing every stage of a project, from the initial brief to final delivery. This covers design (mood boards, sketches, 3D renderings, and prototypes), material sourcing, product development and technical specifications, production and quality control, as well as logistics, including sea or rail freight, customs clearance, and delivery. Each decision is documented and validated throughout the process.
The company’s in-house design studio draws on ongoing research into materials and finishes to translate each brand’s identity into contemporary concepts. “The material is the first creative decision in a project,” says Alexandre Escarra.
Agility is another key differentiator. “We have a small team, make decisions quickly, and can meet the tightest deadlines without compromising on quality,” he explains. The Gift Lab’s clients include Sephora, Yves Rocher, Juliette Has a Gun, Dessange International, Sothys, Swiss Line, Le Couvent, Guinot, Gallinée, and La Colline.
Rethinking GWP
Working with trend forecasting agencies, The Gift Lab monitors changing consumer expectations to anticipate emerging market trends. Key areas of focus include skincare routines, reusable accessories, wellness gifts, and personalization.
More broadly, the company sees growing interest in playful, instantly recognizable formats, more sensorial materials, and alternatives with a lower environmental impact.
“For brands, the challenge is to offer gifts that combine usefulness, desirability, and social media appeal. An attractive accessory that consumers want to share can extend the brand experience long after the initial purchase,” highlights Alexandre Escarra.
A measured CSR approach
In a market where price often remains the primary purchasing criterion, The Gift Lab is making impact measurement a tangible selling point. A member of the United Nations Global Compact since 2018, the company has an EcoVadis score of 80/100, placing it among the top 6% of companies in its sector. Its sales offering also includes a carbon calculator to estimate the CO₂ footprint and water consumption associated with each order.
The company has also embarked on the process of obtaining B Corp certification, which it sees as a way to structure its governance, operations, and stakeholder relationships as it grows.
