Snow GlobesChristmas Snow Globes, Disney Snowglobes & more!More than just a favorite among collectors, however, they are also often given as souvenirs of trips around the country and around the world. Many collectors get their start when a friend or relative brings them one as a token or gift when they return from a vacation. These souvenir snow globes are the most common and are likely to be found in just about every home in the country. Part of the appeal for some people is the fact that they are inexpensive and easy to transport, while others enjoy them for the wide range of designs and sizes in which they are available. Although they have actually been around since the Victorian era, snow globe collecting wasn't thought of as much of a hobby until the 1980's, when enthusiast Nancy McMichael set out to research and make available her findings with other collectors. Since then, she has gathered lots of information about snow globes (and "snow domes" as they are called in other countries) that has been shared with collectors around the world and even led to the formation of a club specifically for snowglobe lovers with a quarterly newsletter and an annual convention. Some of the most popular designs, of course, are traditional Christmas snow globe designs. Since winter is the time most often associated with snow and winter wonderlands, it's no surprise that they majority of all snowglobes available have at least a little something to do with Christmas. Scenes depicting Santa's workshop, sleigh and the North Pole are among the most popular Christmas snow globes for the younger set, but miniature versions of houses covered and nestled in the snow are also favorites with children and adults alike. For those who have been particularly charmed by the whimsical world of Walt Disney's famous animated characters, there is a large line of Disney snowglobes especially for the child in us all that feature such beloved faces as Mickey and Minnie Mouse all the way up to and including the newer movie characters such as Marlin and Dory from Finding Nemo. If you have a favorite movie or character, there's a good chance that there's a Disney snowglobe that will seem like it's been created just for you. These are not for young children, however, as they are rather costly and feature glass and resin pieces that are easily broken if dropped. However, like many of their popular collectibles, Disney snowglobes are often available for a limited time before they are discontinued, making some of the older designs very popular and desirable among those who limit their collections to only those based on Disney movies. It's fairly easy to find some of these online if you know where to look, though, so don't despair if your favorite movie is not readily found in stores! For enthusiasts who want to begin sharing their hobby with children or grandchildren, there are now a number of wonderful, easy to make snow globe kits that are perfect for a rainy day (or weekend) project. These affordable kits often have everything you need to make your very own snow globe, from the figurine that is attached in the center to the "snow flakes" that will swirl around it when shaken. You don't have to buy an entire snow globe kit, though, if you want it to be more personal. Many web sites have the separate components on sale so you can assemble your own kit with little to no trouble at all. With everything from light bulb shaped domes to plastic and wooden bases, assembling your own to display in your own home or give to a friend is easier than ever. Collecting snowglobes is just as much fun today as it was at the beginning of the twentieth century, no doubt due in part to their interactive nature. What could be more appealing than a collectible whose weather and season you can affect just by shaking it a little? Once you get your first one, you'll most likely find yourself just as enamored of these little wonders as the thousands of enthusiasts around the world, and you'll find out just how hard it is to put them down! |