How to Buy a Globe as a Gift

Globes come in all sizes but in only one shape: round. From simple replicas of the earth to richly detailed masterpieces, globes can cost from under $50 up to thousands of dollars.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Globe Stands
• Globes

1. Consider the person who will receive the globe and what the globe will be used for. Will it be merely functional (allowing a student to visualize the world), or will it be displayed as an artistic piece?

2. Look at a variety of globes. Take into consideration size and colors - some globes have blue oceans, while others have cream-colored, or "antique," oceans. Also, think about the stand used for the globe and whether the surface of the globe is flat or shows certain feature, such as mountains, in relief.

3. Choose either a table globe or a floor model on a stand. Some globes actually convert from a floor to a table model with simple modifications.

4. Opt for an illuminated globe if you want it to light up from within.

5. Decide how much detail you want the globe to have. Choices range from the basic designation of countries to globes with tens of thousands of place names. (Obviously, the larger the globe, the more space for details.)

6. Be sure to check the globe for accuracy. In a rapidly changing political world, you want to get a globe that includes the latest country names and designations.

7. Buy the globe, making sure that it can be returned if the recipient wishes to exchange or return it.

Tips & Warnings

• The globe stand is usually included when you buy the globe.
• For the space enthusiast, globes of the moon or certain planets are also available.
• Consider shopping at an online travel store. The selection is often excellent, and you may be able to save some money.
• Make sure the recipient has room for the globe, which is a large, bulky item that takes up a large amount of display and/or storage space.

[areinhartz]

on 12/31/2008 how do I find out what my globe is worth. It is 30 years old, lights up and is in perfect condition.