Our Story

My name is Su and I run a small home-based business called Home Grown Gnomes, based in the Cambridgeshire village of Balsham.

In 2011, while living in Sweden, I volunteered to help run a tombola at a Christmas market for my daughter’s new scout group. I bought a few tickets too and on my first go I won a small figurine of a gnome.

I found out he was called a tomte in Sweden, a little gnome-like man from folklore. A tomte would live on the farm in one of the barns and would come out at night to help take care of the family and animals. They are very helpful if treated well but can be mischievous if you offend them.

I loved the tomte tradition and soon had several more to decorate the house at Christmas. Eventually my tomte habit meant my family started calling me the mad tomte lady and banned me from buying any more. I got around that ban by making my own!

This hobby soon got out of hand and Home Grown Gnomes was born. This means I can share the gnome love and swear to my family that all the gnomes currently in production do have new homes to go to, honestly.

Each distinctive gnome is made by hand and no two are ever the same. Gnomes are for life, not just for Christmas, so check back throughout the year for new designs.

Home Grown Gnomes are for decorative purposes only. They are not intended to be used as toys. Please keep out of the reach of young children and pets due to small parts which could pose a choking hazard.