Frequently asked

If you don’t see your question here, get in touch.

What is "gnoming," exactly?: Gnoming is the practice of secretly placing one of our small handmade gnomes on or near another person — desk, mug, plant, coat pocket — so they find it later and smile. We have a short guide on how to gnome someone thoughtfully.
Is this weird?: A little, in the best way. The point is a small, quiet, kind surprise — not a prank at someone’s expense. Most people who get gnomed keep the gnome.
How big are the gnomes?: Most are 3–5 cm tall — about the size of a thumb. A few are smaller (the Stealth Mini is around 2 cm). Sizes are listed on each product page.
What are they made of?: Polymer clay, hand-painted, then sealed with a satin finish. Outdoor-rated pieces have an additional weather sealant.
Can I leave them outdoors?: Indoor placement is the default. Look for the Garden Gnomers (or anything tagged "outdoor") if you’re planning to leave one in a planter or on a porch.
Are they safe around kids and pets?: They are small, hard objects — a choking hazard for small children and a temptation for some pets. Please don’t gnome anywhere a toddler or curious dog will reach.
How long does shipping take?: Standard items typically ship in 2–5 business days. Custom (made-to-order) gnomes take a few weeks; the product page shows the current estimate.
Can I order a custom one for a specific person or occasion?: Yes — the Custom Gnome is made to order. Tell us a color, a hat, and the occasion.
What if my gnoming goes badly?: Read our short guide first. Don’t gnome strangers, anxious people in tense moments, food, or anything that has to pass through a mail/security checkpoint. If a recipient doesn’t want the gnome, the kindest thing is to take it back gracefully and re-home it elsewhere.
Do you accept returns?: Yes. See our returns policy. Custom pieces are final sale once production has started.
Where are the gnomes made?: In a small partner workshop. Each one is sculpted and painted by hand, so small variations are expected and part of the character.
Do you ship internationally?: At launch we ship within the United States. International shipping is on the roadmap.