Bubbles are Highrise's free currency. You earn them by playing, can also buy them with Gold, and spend them on items, furniture, and Grabs that are priced in Bubbles.
What can I buy with Bubbles?
Clothing and furniture priced in Bubbles in the shop
Spins on Grabs that cost Bubbles
Some event and shop offers
Items priced only in Gold can't be bought with Bubbles.
How do I get Bubbles?
Claim Daily Rewards from the main menu or the shop's Earn tab, which can include Bubbles (iPhone, iPad, and Android apps only)
Recycle items you don't need: items you wear in your closet give Threads, and other item types, like furniture, give Bubbles. Not every item gives a reward.
Buy Bubbles with Gold: tap your balance to open your Wallet, then tap Bubbles
Take part in events and finish Tasks
Open Crew Gifts, which can include Bubbles when a Crewmate buys a pack that includes one
See How can I get Gold and Bubbles for free? for the full list.
Can I trade or send Bubbles?
No. Trades accept items, Gold Bars, and Gold, but not Bubbles, so Bubbles can't be traded or gifted to another player.
Do Bubbles expire?
No, Bubbles in your balance don't expire.
Where can I see what happened to my Bubbles?
The Transaction History page shows every Bubble you gained or spent in the last 40 days. See How do I see how much I've spent on Highrise?
Can I get Bubbles back after spending them?
Spent Bubbles, like spent Gold, are generally final. If a confirmed bug took Bubbles without giving you what you paid for, contact Support with your username, what happened, and roughly when.