Best Snow Globes

Buying guide for best snow globes

There is nothing that quite matches the feeling of being able to hold a little world in your hand and make it snow. Snow globes have intrigued the world for over 100 years. They come in many designs and can range from just a few dollars to several hundred dollars. But what criteria do you use to determine which snow globe is best for you?

Craftsmanship and material quality matter, but beyond that, a snow globe needs to meet the aesthetic needs of the collector. If you're not a fan of Disney, no matter how perfect that Mickey Mouse snow globe is, you will never truly love it. Also, it is important to decide if you want a seasonal item or one that you can proudly display all year long.

Before becoming the popular decorative keepsakes they are today, snow globes were essentially modified paperweights.

Considerations

Finding something you love

A snow globe is a decorative item, so you will want to choose one that features a theme you enjoy. If you intend to display it year-round, you will want something that fits the general décor of your room. Take into consideration the color and shape of the base.

There are two exceptions for finding a model that matches your room. The first is if you already have a collection. In that case, you will likely want a snow globe that fits your collection, such as a Disney scene or a sightseeing destination. The second exception is if you plan on using your snow globe as a holiday decoration. In that case, you will want a model that stands out and adds a little seasonal magic to your home.

The globe

After you've settled on the aesthetics, the general look, and theme of your snow globe, it's time to look at the more practical elements and features.

The globe can be made of glass or plastic. Each material offers advantages. A plastic globe is durable, lightweight, safer around children than glass, and typically less costly. A glass globe is also durable, but it is heavier and more elegant in design than plastic. If it breaks, the pieces pose more of a hazard for children and others nearby.

The base

The base could be made of numerous materials. Some of the priciest snow globes simply have bases of plain wood. Ceramic and plastic are also common. Sometimes, the base is an extension of the scene. Other times, it serves as a simple or ornate pedestal.

Personalization

Some snow globes offer ways to personalize them. The two most common methods are an engraved plate with a personal message or a photo that can be placed inside the globe.

Snow

The materials suspended in water, the “snow”, is what gives a snow globe its magic. Do you want white flakes, glitter, or a combination of the two? Also, be sure to get a snow globe that has enough snow because in most instances, you are looking for a blizzard, not flurries.

Water

The figure or scene and the snow are what you want to focus on when gazing into a snow globe. The water should be crystal clear with no signs of algae or discoloration. Ideally, there should be some viscosity to the water, so the snow stays suspended longer to create a dynamic effect.

Design quality

Pay close attention to the care that went into building your snow globe. You don't want a hastily painted model or one that is disproportionate with its own design elements.

Size

It's hard to get an idea of size if you are just looking at a picture. Check the measurements to be sure the snow globe you are considering is large enough or small enough for your space.

Shape

Not all snow globes are round. If you want one in the shape of a candle or lantern, for instance, those are both options.

Weight

In many products, heavier is not better. Since snow globes were initially designed to serve as paperweights, however, the heavier models tend to be more desirable.

Music

Many snow globes feature music. Some are traditional wind-up music boxes while others are battery-powered units that play a variety of short tunes.

Lights

If you would like your snow globe to be lighted or change colors, look for a model that can do that.

Automated

Some snow globes are motorized and feature a small fan the keeps the water swirling so you do not have to manually invert your snow globe every time you want to see it in action.

Power

Snow globes can be powered by batteries or a plug — usually a USB plug. A battery-powered model can be placed anywhere and has a cleaner design, but it will require you to get additional batteries from time to time. A plug-in model will always have power, but its location will be limited to the length of the cord.

Timer

If you forget to shut off your snow globe, you can burn through the batteries in a day or two. Many models feature a timer that automatically shuts the globe off after a designated amount of time, so this doesn't happen.

Collectible

If you are a collector, you will want to pay close attention to elements that make a snow globe more valuable over time. Look for limited editions, high-quality design, and snow globes that are in pristine condition.

Snow globe prices

Snow globes can range in price from just a few dollars to several hundred dollars and more. There are exceptions, but in general, you can expect snow globes to adhere to the following price breakdown.

Inexpensive: Under $20, snow globes are usually made of plastic. They are lightweight with few extras, although it may be possible to find one with music.

Mid-range: In the $20 to $30 range, you start to find better-built snow globes made of glass. Many of these models are still lightweight and feature an ornate plastic or ceramic base that is an extension of the scene inside the globe.

High mid-range: From $30 to around $50, you can find snow globes in other shapes, such as lanterns. The models in this price range tend to be ones that feature extras such as music, lights, USB or battery power, a timer, and more.

High-end: Curiously, once you move toward higher-priced snow globes, the design tends to get more basic or elegant. For example, you might find a glass globe featuring an ornate, hand-painted scene that is simply mounted on a stylish wooden base. These models are often heavier and may feature personalized engraving.

Tips

There is a tendency to get a snow globe and then neglect it. If you do this, over time, your snow globe will lose a bit of its magic. In order to get the most enjoyment out of your choice, here are a few tips on how to care for your snow globe.

• Handle with care. Even if your snow globe is plastic, it can still break if it is dropped or knocked from a shelf.
• Dust often. Once a layer of dust builds up on your snow globe, it will not look as appealing. Additionally, dust that is not regularly removed will accumulate in your snow globe's crannies and become grime that is much harder to remove.
• Use only mild cleaners. If you realize you have neglected your snow globe and a mere dusting won't help, use a mild cleaner that is safe for the materials your snow globe is made of.
• Use only soft cloths. Abrasive sponges can permanently damage your snow globe, so again, clean gently.
• Remove the batteries. If your snow globe features a battery, be sure to remove the battery before placing the snow globe in storage.
• Wind it carefully. If your snow globe has a wind-up feature for movement or playing music, take care not to overwind the mechanism.
• Do not expose it to extreme temperatures. Whether in storage or on display, extreme temperatures can cause bubbles to form inside a snow globe. Also, changing temperatures may weaken the snow globe's seals and cause it to leak.
• Do not place items in your collection close together. If snow globes bump into each other, they could be damaged.
• Display them on a sturdy surface. A table or freestanding shelf may be prone to rocking, which could cause your snow globes to slide around or fall off the shelf and break. Choose a solid display location for your snow globe.

Snow globes featuring winter, religious, and holiday scenes first became popular in America in the 1920s. By the 1940s, snow globes were also being used to advertise travel destinations such as hotels and amusement parks.

FAQ

Q. The water in my snow globe looks dingy. What can I do?

A. Most snow globes feature a plug on the bottom so you can change out the water if needed. The process is not hard, but it does require patience and a steady hand. The old water will need to be removed, usually using a device such as a turkey baster so you are less likely to lose any snow. You may even clean the inside of the snow globe while you have it apart by swishing some mild cleaner and water around on the inside. Finally, you will want to refill the snow globe using distilled water so there are no impurities that will cause the new water to change color over time.

Q. I dropped my snow globe and the glass broke. Is it ruined?

A. Not necessarily. There are individuals who specialize in snow globe repair. If the snow globe is a cherished item with emotional significance, you may want to investigate your repair options and costs before discarding the item.

Q. Are snow globes worth anything?

A. Just like any collectible item, some snow globes gain worth over time while others do not. If you are interested in making an investment, the key is collecting the right type. Vintage snow globes, old original Disney character snow globes, and even a few snow globes that were originally advertising giveaways are now worth thousands of dollars. When collecting snow globes for more than personal pleasure, look for quality materials, quality of craftsmanship, a strong base, intricacy of detail, unique or rare models, and snow globes that are in pristine condition.