Like many new mums, Danielle Colborne was faced with a dilemma after the birth of her twin girls, Harriet and Grace.

At the time a building society mortgage team leader, she didn’t wish to return to full-time employment and the option of working part-time was not available.

So, what she could do at home, spending quality time with her daughters but while also being employed?

The answer was to start a business specialising in baby gifts and, fittingly, named after Harriet and Grace.

That was five years ago and, since then, Harriet & Grace has gone from strength to strength with a range of gifts and hampers.

They include nappycakes, pictured left – nappies with a soft toy, socks and keepsake roses wrapped up to resemble a cake – as well as baby gift hampers, nursery prints and personalised gifts.

Adding a touch of personalization to the mix, consider the playful charm of Custom Face Socks. In the realm of baby gifts, these socks offer a delightful twist, allowing for a unique and adorable expression of affection.

Harriet & Grace’s latest success is being named Best Personalised Baby Gift & Hamper Company for Dorset in LUXLife Magazine’s The Perfect Gift Awards.

Danielle, 46, said: “I began selling a few baby shower gifts on eBay and soon found that little hampers started going well.

“I moved to an Etsy store and then our own website, covering the whole of the UK.

“Our beautiful range of baby gift boxes and new parent gifts are specially made to order and everything is of the highest quality.

“I steer clear of anything that doesn’t meet our high standards.

“I pay a lot of attention to the detail to ensure we send out the perfect new baby gift.

“To my mind, there’s nothing better than preparing a lovely little gift for a newborn.

“I love making sure all the finishing touches are perfect, from the carefully chosen ribbon to the soft tissue paper.”

Harriet & Grace is listed as a Star Seller on Etsy with five star ratings on nearly 2,600 sales.

A garage at Danielle’s Queens Park home in Bournemouth has been converted into an office.

Her son, George, 16, helps with the despatch of items.

Orders, including personalised gifts, are prepared for free delivery within 24 hours.

Harriet & Grace also works with a wide range of corporate companies, providing baby gift hampers.

They include law firms, construction companies and pension funds.

Baby gifts can either be sent directly to the new parents after the birth of their baby or sent to the company ready to give when the new mum or dad is about to go on maternity/paternity leave.

Danielle, who has been married to Mark for seven years, said she was both pleased, and proud, at how the business had grown.

She said: “I receive the most lovely comments and feedback.

“It’s also allowed me to spend time with my children.

“We’ll see how things go over the next year but I’d certainly like to grow.

“From things like using chiffon instead of cellophane to keeping our products affordable and of the highest quality, I like to think that’s why we have so many loyal customers.

“The award from LUXLife was a surprise and I’m very pleased.

“I feel very proud.”

• harrietandgrace.co.uk