Åsas Tomtebod: The Heart of Scandinavian Christmas Magic

In the heart of Småland, Sweden, a small workshop tucked away in the forest has become one of the world’s most beloved sources of handcrafted Christmas magic. That place is Åsas Tomtebod and it’s exactly the kind of story we love to share here at The German Christmas Shop, where tradition, craftsmanship, and heart all come together.

We’re honored to offer Åsas Tomtebod as part of our curated collection because these aren’t just decorations. They’re small works of art, steeped in folklore, lovingly handmade, and full of personality.

From a Kitchen Table to a Global Following

It all began in 1993, when designer and maker Åsa Götander started crafting small felted figures in her home in Örnaholm, Sweden. At first, her shop sold a little bit of everything: local goods, handmade crafts, and seasonal gifts. But it didn’t take long for one creation to capture everyone’s hearts: her tomtar, or Scandinavian gnomes.

Her first 150 tomtar were made right at her kitchen sink. Each had its own shape, beard, and hat, and each carried a little spark of the joy and mystery that defines Swedish holiday tradition. Those humble beginnings grew into Åsas Tomtebod, a workshop that now ships its handcrafted creations all around the world  including right here to our shop shelves and your homes.

At The German Christmas Shop, we seek out artisans who stay true to their roots and Åsa’s story embodies that spirit beautifully.

Rooted in Scandinavian Folklore

In Swedish folklore, a tomte (or nisse in Norway) is a small, shy, and protective creature who watches over homes and farms. They’re known for their long wool hats pulled low over their faces so low that only their noses peek out.

As Åsa once shared, “The idea of the design came from the fact that a tomte is a shy and timid creature. This is why his hat is pulled down over his eyes and only the nose sticks out.”

Each tomte from Åsas Tomtebod feels alive with that same personality: quiet, cozy, and comforting, like a gentle guardian of your home during the dark Scandinavian winter.

Crafted by Hand, the Traditional Way

Every Åsas Tomtebod gnome is made from natural Scandinavian materials — pure wool from Swedish Gotland sheep, and soft hair from Icelandic and Norwegian sheep. These are the fibers of northern winters, chosen for warmth, durability, and authenticity.

Each tomte is hand-felted, shaped, and finished individually using soap and warm water: a time-honored process that gives every piece a unique look and feel. The result? Decorations that are not only beautiful, but alive with craftsmanship and care.

This dedication to traditional making is exactly why The German Christmas Shop chose to feature Åsas Tomtebod. Their values mirror our own: quality, heritage, and the joy of handmade artistry that stands the test of time.

From Småland to the World

After Åsa’s first creations found success in her local community, her little workshop began appearing at fairs and markets and then came the Formex Fair in Stockholm. The response was overwhelming. Orders poured in, and before long, Åsas Tomtebod had become a name synonymous with high-quality Scandinavian design.

Today, while many of her products are still made right in Sweden, her tomtar travel far beyond finding homes around the world, including here in the United States through The German Christmas Shop’s Nordic Collection.

We’re proud to share this piece of Sweden’s artistic heritage alongside the traditional German artisans we’ve represented for years.

Why Collectors Love Åsas Tomtebod

There’s a reason these tomtar have become such cherished collectibles; and the reasons align beautifully with what we value most at The German Christmas Shop:

• Each one has its own personality. No two tomtar are ever identical. Their hats curve differently, their beards have distinct textures, and their little noses seem to express joy or mischief in their own way.

• Crafted from natural, sustainable materials. You can feel the difference — the real wool, the gentle felting, the warmth that only hand-crafted fibers can bring.

• Limited editions. Each design is produced in small quantities, making them as special as they look. Some even become sought-after collector’s pieces.

• Folklore made tangible. When you hold one of Åsa’s tomtar, you’re holding a story — a symbol of warmth, family, and protection that has been part of Scandinavian homes for generations.

We see the same values echoed in our German artisans from Ulbricht’s nutcrackers to Ullrich’s smokers which makes Åsas Tomtebod a natural and meaningful fit within our collection.

Ideas for Displaying Your Tomtar

Whether you’re starting your collection or adding to one, here are a few ways to bring your tomtar to life at home:

• Create a changing seasonal vignette. Place one or a small group of tomtar on a sideboard or console in autumn, then populate a mantle for the holidays. Their felted wool hats and beards evoke warmth and texture.
• Add special charater to a story corner. If you have a reading nook or children’s area, include a couple of tomtar as guardians of the space: a subtle nod to the traditional tomte role of protector.
• Create a woodland winter scene. Pair tomtar with pine greenery, candles, and wooden ornaments on a mantel or sideboard. Align your tomte display with other natural-material decor e.g., wooden candle holders, felted garlands, wool rugs to enhance the organic aesthetic the brand is built on.
• Guardians of the hearth. Traditionally, tomtar protect the home. Place one near your entryway, fireplace, or kitchen window as a nod to that old legend.
• A growing family. Build a “tomte family” over time mixing sizes, hat colors, and beard textures to give your display charm and personality. Limited editions can become centrepieces in a larger display.
• Perfect gifts. Include the story of Åsas Tomtebod when gifting a tomte. Let you recipient know they're made in Småland, of hand-felted wool and part of a folklore tradition. It turns a simple decoration into something truly meaningful.

Why We’re Proud to Carry Åsas Tomtebod

At The German Christmas Shop, we’re passionate about preserving the artistry of Europe’s most cherished holiday traditions. While our roots are in the handcrafted wonders of Germany from Erzgebirge pyramids to Ulbricht nutcrackers, we’ve always believed that Christmas magic knows no borders.

That’s why we’re honored to include Åsas Tomtebod in our collection: their felted tomtar are the perfect embodiment of the handmade, heartfelt traditions that unite us across cultures.

From Småland’s forests to your mantel, each little tomte carries warmth, history, and a touch of wonder.

Bring home a piece of Scandinavian charm this season and let Åsas Tomtebod’s timeless creations add a little folklore, a little whimsy, and a lot of heart to your holiday traditions.

Explore the collection here.