Herman

Herman is a handmade, crocheted little friend for anyone who is going through grief, feeling alone, or simply having a difficult time.

Whether he’s sitting with you as you grieve, accompanying you to the hospital, keeping you company during an exam, or simply tucked into your hand or handbag, Herman is a little reminder that whatever you’re feeling, you don’t have to face it alone.

He might be small, but he’s made to offer a little comfort, companionship and hope when you need it most.

A little bit about HermanHerman is crocheted with 100% cotton yarn and filled with polyester stuffing and plastic pellets. He has black 10mm safety eyes and measures approximately:

• 7cm (2.7in) tall
• 7cm (2.7in) wide
• 18cm (7.1in) in circumference — although he’s a little sensitive about people knowing that!

Because every Herman is handmade, each one has his own unique little expression and personality. No two are exactly alike.

Every Herman is designed, crocheted and packaged by me, and is ready to dispatch within 3–5 business days.

And if you’re sending Herman to someone who could use a little extra support, you can send him directly to his new home. Just add a personalised message at the product page or checkout, and I’ll handwrite your note and pop it in the box with him.

A small friend for the difficult days - and a reminder that you’re not alone.

Inside the branded Hermany Company box you get:

• Your own unique, crocheted Herman
• A branded double-sided tag attached to Herman that says: 'Hello, I'm Herman. Here for you whenever, and wherever, you need me'. The tag also shows the website and a QR code for more information on Hermans.
• A card explaining what a Herman is and the history of how Hermans came about with the text below.
• And if you choose to send Herman directly to someone else you can include a personalised message from you (that I will handwrite and add to the box).
   

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FRONT:

Finding the right words, at the right time, is hard. Especially if someone is hurting. 

But what if there's another option? 

Enter Herman.

A silent, squishy companion whose only purpose is to help you feel less alone. 

Handmade by me, this Herman is now yours. A small friend who wants you to know that whatever you're feeling right now - you're not alone. 

Claire x
 

BACK:

1800s-ish - The Amish develop a friendship bread.

1970s - Europe develops the concept into a Herman Cake.

1990s - Countless children bring home Herman cake starter dough from friends at school.

2021 - The Silent Why podcast adopts 'Hermans' - something grieving people can share to help others, nuggets of wisdom if you will.

2022 - Many podcast guests are asked, and answer, the question - What's your Herman?

2023 - I pick up a crochet hook...
 

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If you would like me to add a personalised note, please write it in the box provided above.

Shipping costs are calculated when added to basket.

Hermans will be dispatched within 3-5 days of order confirmation, depending on current stock and whether they are being made to order.

UK shipping is free and included in the price of a Herman. Hermans are sent via Royal Mail 48 Tracked. A tracking number will be sent when Herman is dispatched. 

International shipping outside the UK is possible - email me to find out more: thehermancompany@gmail.com.

Hermans are sent via Royal Mail International Tracked and delivery estimates are: UK 3-5 business days. A tracking number will be sent when Herman is dispatched. 

If you would like to request and pay for a faster shipping method please contact me before you purchase - and Herman and I will sort this out for you.

I cannot accept returns or offer refunds on products purchased. 

However, I am very happy to answer any questions ahead of a sale to ensure what you buy is exactly what you are expecting.

Feel free to contact me with any queries.

Herman contains small safety eyes and is a companion, not a toy. He has not been UKCA tested and is therefore not recommended for young children and should be kept away from pets. 

He's also not a fan of ducks.

Can I send a Herman directly to the person I want to gift it to?

Yes, I'm very happy to send Hermans directly to recipients. You can also add a personalised message from you (which I will handwrite) into the 'add a note' box that comes up at the checkout (under promo code box) so they know who it's from. Just put the message in the customisation box and I'll add it into the box with Herman.
No receipts or paperwork is sent with any orders, so you don't have to worry about anyone seeing what you paid. If you'd like to add a longer note or something different, please let me know in the box at checkout and then email me further details using the contact box after you check out.

Can I send a Herman to someone outside of the UK?

Yes. I will endeavour to get Hermans anywhere in the world and all packages are sent via Royal Mail tracked. 

Would it be appropriate to send a Herman to someone who has recently been through a big loss or grief?

Absolutely. Hermans can make great gifts or companions for anyone going through a bereavement, job loss, or life-changing diagnosis. Plus, it helps people find The Silent Why podcast which is full of stories of people who have also been through grief and loss.

Would it be appropriate to send a Herman to someone who isn't griefing but is just finding life hard at the moment?

Absolutely. Hermans aren't just for people going through bereavements, they are also great companions for people going through stressful exams, hospital treatments, chemotherapy, long hospital stays, anxiety, job stress, big life changes like retirement or a new baby - any situation where someone might be struggling and could just do with a little burst of hope and comfort.

Can Hermans be put in the washing machine?

Although technically there's no reason why he couldn't be put on a gentle wash, I don't recommend it. Due to his handmade nature there's a chance he could distort, get scratched or would change shape.

Would a Herman be a suitable gift for a young child?

No. Herman is not a toy and so hasn't been through the testing needed to make him safe for very young children. 

What am I paying for when I buy a Herman?

Hermans are completely unique, so not only are you sending/buying something that no one else offers, I also believe you are buying something that helps people in a way nothing else can, and for a longer period of time than most gifts too. Included in the cost of a Herman are the materials to make and package him, my time to handmake him, 5% from every Herman sale goes to the Friendship Lab charity (helping people feel less alone), plus the transaction fees that card providers charge, postage (for UK purchasers), and any cut the marketplace/website takes. Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing you're supporting a small business.

Can I pay for faster postage?

Yes, if you'd like to pay extra to get Herman delivered quicker or in another way, contact me before you purchase him and I'll help you work that out.

Can I commission a different coloured Herman?
I'm open to discussing any Herman commissions, please contact me before purchasing: thehermancompany@gmail.com.