Herman

Herman is a handmade, crocheted friend for anyone who is going through grief or feels alone, sad, anxious, or stressed.

 

Whether he's sitting with you as you grieve, accompanying you to the hospital, by you in an exam, or just sitting in your hand or handbag, Herman is the companion to remind you that whatever you're feeling, you're not alone.

 

Herman is crocheted with 100% cotton yarn, stuffed with polyester stuffing and plastic pellets, and made with black 10mm safety eyes. He is approximately 7cm (2.7in) tall, 7cm (2.7in) wide and his circumference (even though he’s a little sensitive about people knowing it) is 18 cm (7.1in). And because of his handmade nature, each Herman has his own slightly unique expression.

 

Hermans are ready to dispatch in 3-5 business days.  Designed, crocheted and packaged by me. 

 

You can also send Herman directly to his new home with a personalised note in the box (written by me), just add that to the box provided on the product page or at the checkout. 

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 despatched 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 varies from £6-£10 depending on the country (regardless of how many Hermans you buy). If you would like to find out how to buy Hermans in Europe or Northern Ireland (which I can't ship to under the new 2024 GPSR) please email me: thehermancompany@gmail.com.

 

Hermans are sent via Royal Mail International Tracked and delivery estimates are: UK 3-5 business days, World 6-7 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 checks 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.