We’ve got some news we think you’ll love… Bubblegum is back!
Back in the ’90s, iconic characters Groovy Chick and Cool Dude won the hearts of millennials, and 30 years later, we’re bringing them back along with some fresh new faces.
Since it’s debut in 1996, Bubblegum grew from a successful greetings card range into a cultural phenomenon, spawning extensive licensing programmes, appearing on the sitcom Friends and even being in a McDonald’s Happy Meal® toy. It reached a brand value of approximately £350 million and secured a lasting place in the hearts of consumers, with Bubblegum becoming one of the UK’s most successful character brands.
Today’s Bubblegum is ready to take the streets, reconnecting with longtime fans and introducing its iconic characters to a new generation.
Rewind it Back
The return of Bubblegum has already sparked an outpouring of excitement from those who grew up with Groovy Chick and Cool Dude in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Fans across social media are showing their love, sharing the collectables they’ve kept to this day and memories of exchanging the iconic character cards with friends and family.
We’ve also got an OG Bubblegummer in-house bringing the brand back to life.
Ben Whittington, Creative Director, comments: “When I joined UK Greetings in the late ’90s, Bubblegum was really blowing up – no pun intended. I spent many of my early years at UK Greetings designing Bubblegum cards alongside my Creative Director and Bubblegum character Creator, Phil Renshaw. Fast forward more than 20 years and I’m now sitting in the Creative Director’s chair, Phil has come out of Bubblegum retirement, and we’re backed by an incredibly talented new generation of designers who have brought fresh energy and ideas to the brand. The new collection oozes nostalgia while at the same time pushing the brand forwards, appealing to old and new fans alike!”
A Nostalgic Favourite Reimagined for 2026
While nostalgia may have sparked Bubblegum’s return, the relaunch is firmly focused on the future.
Reimagined for 2026, the much-loved brand returns with a refreshed perspective and bright new energy, designed to connect with a new generation of fans while staying true to everything that made it special in the first place.
At its heart, Bubblegum believes in making the world a more fun and light-hearted place through thoughtful design bursting with feel-good vibes. Its warm, witty characters connect across generations, spreading relatable humour, positivity and joyful self-expression.
“We know there are fans who will love seeing characters like Groovy Chick and Cool Dude return, but the opportunity felt bigger than nostalgia alone. Bubblegum has always celebrated personality and self-expression, and that idea is just as relevant today as it was in the early naughties. Alongside returning favourites, we’ve introduced new characters such as Total Baddie and Top Hun to reflect the personalities and attitudes of today. We’ve also developed fresh graphics and updated style guides for 2026 bringing Bubblegum bang up to date while celebrating its heritage” adds Creative Director, Ben Whittington.
Original fans will find plenty to love, with nostalgic nods to the brand they grew up with reimagined for a new era. For Gen Z, Bubblegum’s retro-inspired aesthetic taps into the continued popularity of Y2K culture and all things ’90s. Meanwhile, for Gen Alpha, Bubblegum arrives as an entirely new discovery – a colourful and uplifting brand that champions individuality, confidence and self-expression.
Want to know what Bubblegum character you are? Take our quiz and find out your vibe!
Bubblegum’s revival will be popping into stores and online soon with lots of new exciting products. Keep your eyes peeled for more to come…or if you’re interested in stocking the product in your store contact your local sales rep, order via the webshop or enquire about becoming a customer here.
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UK Greetings are one of the largest greeting card supplier in the UK, who have been proud to create products that help people connect, for more than 100 years. Find out more About UK Greetings.
