It all started with a card

In 2002 our Director, Amelia, designed our very first Bombus gift at her kitchen table here in Kent. Twenty years later and it is still our best selling product. And we can see why. It’s an iconic, timeless, and emotive gift that we love just as much as you.

The essence of Bombus

As a team we are so proud to have reached the Twentieth Anniversary of our Kent based creative brand. And a lot of that pride comes from the fact that despite two decades of selling gifts online, we have still managed to keep to the original essence of Bombus.

Repurposing otherwise unloved maps, and using them to capture your forever memories.

It’s the idea of the forever gift that keeps us going. Knowing that by using maps that may have ended up in landfill we create artwork that truly means something to its recipient.

Sustainability throughout the years

Unwittingly Bombus has always been a bit ahead of its time in regards to sustainability and reducing waste. The original concept of using materials that were destined for the bin went hand in hand with a deliberate effort to reduce our impact on the environment.

From how we choose our suppliers, to eliminating plastic from our packaging. Our small, local team has always considered the planet even as far back as 2002 when beginning to expand our product range.

You can read in detail about our sustainability pledge here. We’ve also written a blog series about how the team try to include these promises in their personal lives too. But rest assured this is not something new. It’s who we are. As individuals, and as a team. It has been for twenty years and will be for the next!

What’s changed since 2002?

We’ve seen two decades fly by in the life of Bombus. And we’ve changed quite a bit too! Since starting at a kitchen table, we now reside in a glorious Oast House studio in the heart of Kent.

And now, we’re a team! Bombus began with one woman, but we now have eleven studio artists, product developers, marketers, and designers. And we couldn’t do it without each and every one of them

Our product range has also expanded throughout the past twenty years. And the designs have become more refined. Our skills have improved. And we have added to our core products with gifts that are hanging in homes not just across the country, but the world.

And rest assured, after twenty years in business, the original Bombus heart shape is a classic. It isn't going anywhere and is sure to be included in many designs going forward!

Expanding our studio space meant we could use laser machines to help us handmake a variety of keepsakes and decorations. And following feedback from our customers we have created best selling token gifts.  

All new ideas are in keeping with our Bombus goals, making you meaningful and personal gifts. Including these new themed keepsake bottles!

What do the team have to say about turning 20?

What is your favourite Bombus product from the past 20 years?

Katy : "My favourite product has got to be an oldie, which is the Liberty print slotty Christmas trees!"

These trees are no longer in production. But we do have a huge range of handmade Christmas decorations that are just as lovely.

Amie : "My favourite piece, and one of these is hanging in bedroom, was a 9 vintage map leaves artwork we made.  It's so pretty and delicate - I love it!"

While the leaf shape has been retired, we still have our nine-map artwork in a range of shapes to choose from. Such as birds, stars, squares, circles, and of course hearts!

Rachel: "I really like a plain single or mini map heart framed in white- a classic!"

We can’t blame Rachel for this one. It is our most iconic piece.

Esther : "My favourite pieces are always in the space collection - the large square sketchbook being my all time fave!"

These space keepsakes are a relatively new addition to our keepsake and decoration ranges.

Jo : "In terms of gifting, I love giving friends our three map heart frame. But my personal favourite self-purchase from Bombus? It’s got to be the flower press. I am a fan of keeping my memories from outdoor adventures and nature."

Alex : "The Map Butterfly, without a doubt."

What were you doing 20 years ago?

Katy: "20 years ago I was starting at secondary school, no other big memories stand out to me that long ago."

Amie : "In 2002 I was still at school! I think I was gearing up to start my GCSES so, my memory from that time was studying lots!"

Rachel : "I was working in a fabulous job, I still keep in touch with my old boss, and spending my free time partying and travelling the world - very very different to now!"

Esther : "So... I was four so I don't really remember much but I do know that in the September I started my first year at Primary school!"  

Jo : "I was running my first business with a stall at Greenwich Market, handmaking my own jewellery and bridal accessories. I loved every second of it!"

Alex : "I was working in London, planning my wedding and had just bought my first house!"

What is the best thing about working at Bombus?

Katy : "One of my favourite things about working for Bombus has got to be the beautiful setting we are surrounded by & being able to sit outside at lunchtimes to enjoy this!" 

Amie : "We have fun together! We are like a little family - dysfunctional at times but the best families are!!!! It is a genuinely wonderful place to work, and I feel very lucky to have worked here for 10 years this September!" 

Rachel -  "I love working on a farm and seeing the season change from my window overlooking the fields, and my wonderful colleagues of course."

Esther : "My colleagues."

Jo : "The creativity."

Alex : "The team."

Describe Bombus in three words

Katy : "Bombus in 3 words...mappy, messy & creative!"

Amie : "Imaginative, Quirky and Fun!"

Rachel : "Creative small business."

Jo : "Thoughtful forever gifts."

Esther : "Supportive, Crazy, Christmas."

What does the next twenty years have in store for Bombus?

When we started we were shipping our gifts mostly within the UK, and mainly within the local Kent area. Now all these years later we are sending gifts to every country in the world. Singapore, Australia, Japan, the UAE...you name it and we've sent a Bombus parcel there.

And while our UK base will always be our priority (shop small, shop local!) we have our eyes on expanding our products and services to better meet the wishes of our international customers. This is a challenge, mainly due to our never ending quest to be a sustainable business! Shipping internationally is never going to be Carbon Neutral, but our plans over the next few years are to see how best we can achieve this with as little impact on the environment as possible.