From shaking the classic holiday décor and watching the fake snow float around as a child to being old enough to appreciate the sentimentality behind a collection, there's fun to be found in collecting Christmas snow globes at any age. If you are looking for a new way to add value and timeless style to your décor this season, it's time to consider starting a collection for yourself.
What is a Snow Globe?
For those completely new to the world of collectible snow globes, you have to start with this basics. A snow globe is a transparent sphere, traditionally made of glass or plastic, that holds a miniaturized scene and snow-like flakes in a clear liquid. When you shake them or turn them upside down, the snow begins to "fall," and the scene is brought to life! From moving Christmas snow globes to stationary vintage designs, there’s a style for everyone.
Unique Design Elements of Collectible Snow Globes
When you visit a Melbourne antique mall or shop online, you’ll see that similar to a snowflake, no two Christmas snow globe designs are exactly alike. Different snow globes have unique design elements that set them apart from the other pieces in your collection:
Fun characters: while the traditional Christmas snow globe features idyllic holiday towns and classic idols such as Santa or snowmen, others have favorite movie characters, animals, or specific musical artist collections—like the coveted Taylor Swift snow globe line.
LED lights: some of the more modern designs have found ways to incorporate bright LED lights within the glass, ranging in a rainbow assortment of colors.
Music: certain designs have a jewelry box-esque jingle that can be played by either pressing a button or turning a key in the back.
Shapes: Not all collectible snow globes are round domes with bases; some are oval, rectangular, and even square.
Materials: both the domes and the stands can be crafted from a variety of materials, from fine glass and sturdy stone or marble to cheaper plastic and more.
The History of Collectible Snow Globes
Though snow globes can be seen left and right in modern holiday seasons, it wasn't always this way. The oldest known version can be traced back to the 1978 Paris Universal Exposition, where a glass company displayed a group of hollow, water-filled paper balls that contained a man standing with an umbrella. When it was turned upside down, they were delighted to find that a white powder slurred around to imitate a snowstorm.
It wasn't until 1900 that an Austrian named Edwin Perzy (a man who is often credited as the father of snow globes) perfected the internal liquid that made the particles fall slower. After filing the first official patent for such a design, he began to create and release dozens of handmade snow globes, often featuring religious icons. From there, the trinket would reach America—and the rest is history!
Are Old Collectible Snow Globes Valuable?
Just as it is with any collection, the value of an individual item can vary greatly, depending on age, rarity, and condition. But, more often than not, antique and vintage snow globe designs do have a monetary value, ranging anywhere from $35 to a couple hundred bucks.
Although the more modern ones may not have as big of a price tag attached, if you come across one at a Highland antique mall, don't discount it! The people who collect based on specific interests, such as cityscapes or musical snow globes, will pay a pretty penny to own those Christmas snow globes.
3 Popular Collectible Snow Globe Brands to Look Out For
Some people will collect any Christmas snow globe they come across, whether it's a big-name brand or something more local and handmade. But, if you're looking to start a collection of Christmas collectibles or dream of one day becoming a vendor and specializing in this charmful holiday design, it's a good idea to focus on finding pieces from these brands:
1. Hallmark Collectible Snow Globes
Hallmark has been producing high-quality and traditional holiday décor since the early 1900s, and while collectible snow globes aren't its sole specialty, it definitely has a cult following within the community. If you're looking for a more contemporary design that features someone's favorite pop culture characters or unique shapes, this is the brand for you. And look out—it loves to retire old Christmas snow globe designs, so buy them when you can!
Since Hallmark is a parent company to a lot of well-loved brands, you'll spot some extremely sought-after collaborations, from Precious Moments to the Peanuts Gang and more. Disney designs, such as the eternally popular Nightmare Before Christmas Snow Globes or the anniversary castle designs, are some of the most bought products, year after year. If you find one, make sure to scoop it up!
2. Balsam Hill Christmas Snow Globes
If you're looking for classic Christmas designs to match your timeless holiday aesthetic and vintage blow mold collection, Balsam Hill is the company to search for. From fully decorated trees complete with lights, garland, and a star to cozy views of chopping down logs for a cabin and more, there’s a wide variety of classic holiday scenes you can select from. You can even find collectible snow globes in the shape of a Christmas tree! Balsam Hill also specializes in Christmas musical snow globes, featuring wind-up music boxes and your choice of a few classic carols.
3. Alexander Perzy Snow Globes
Those who appreciate the history of collectible snow globes would be amazed to stumble across an original Perzy design in an Indiana vendor mall. As the founder of patented snow globes, nothing beats his products—especially when you consider the range of value a design can have. Each one features an adorable character or scene, from children sitting on sleds to holly jolly Santa Claus and more, and will give your home that dreamy, vintage look each holiday season.
Ways to Display a Christmas Snow Globe Collection
Though there are plenty of methods for storing your collectible snow globes away from potential damage, the fun often lies in deciding how you're going to use them to decorate your home for the holidays! Try one of these tried-and-true options:
Place them in a row on the mantle with your stockings
Spread a few out on your favorite bookshelf
Line them up on top of the kitchen cabinets
This season, bring that touch of vintage nostalgia to your home and deck the halls with Christmas snow globes. Start your search at our antique malls today!
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