Water globes, also known as snow globes, are decorative spheres made of glass or plastic. The evolution of water globes is believed to have stemmed from glass paperweights, though the first glass water globe was made in the late 1880s to commemorate the 1889 Paris Exhibition. This water globe with ceramic base, featured a tiny model of the Eiffel Tower and "snow" that swirled around the tower when shaken. It was a huge success as a novel souvenir, and launched the water globe's enduring popularity.

Water globes were considered objects d' arte by the Victorians of England, who are known to have filled every possible space in the home with some sort of decorative knickknack. In America, water globes caught on during the late 1920s when an inventor named Joseph Garaja of Pittsburgh filed a patent for a process to mass-produce them.

Since then, sales of water globes has remained relatively constant. People use water globes as decorative items to liven up their homes or offices. Many water globes are given as gifts to mark a special occasion. You can find water globes that feature virtually any motif. Holiday water globes remind of us of the magic of the season when we were children; water globes depicting a certain place conjure memories of that special trip; water globes purchased or given as gifts at a special time, such as the birth of a child, bring back a flood of emotions; and water globes that highlight a particularly personal interest, such as the subject of a hobby or favored pastime, delight us with a tangible expression of what makes us unique.

Many people start a collection of water globes, enchanted by the first one they acquire. Collectors of water globes may have hundreds in their collections, and the motifs included can focus on one particular subject of water globe, or run the gamut. Water globes occupy a major category in the collectibles market, and many collectors are always on the lookout for rare and antique water globes, which can be quite valuable.

Today's water globes often come with built-in music boxes or an entertainment feature such as a game or task. For example, some water globes challenge the holder to place a ring around an object within the globe by maneuvering the ring through shaking the water.

While the spheres of water globes are normally glass or plastic, bases are made of a wide variety of materials, including wood, brass, ceramics, plastic or glass. Care must be taken to keep water globes out of harm's way for logical reasons, but the actual care of water globes is fairly simple. Regularly, you will need to dust, and from time to time, you will want to vacuum your water globes thoroughly. When your water globes need a deeper cleaning, wash them with a soft cloth soaked in water mixed with a mild detergent, or use the spray-type of window cleaner.

If you care for your water globes properly, they will likely last a lifetime and beyond. For those who are charmed by the simplicity of water globes, that can mean a lifetime of sweet remembrances.