Globes Make an Ideal Gift

A globe as a gift has great potential to enrich lives as both an aesthetic object and a useful tool for office or home.

Spinning through the latitudes and longitudes of a beautiful globe is captivating to young and old alike, conjuring a sense of awe. With hundreds of specialized choices including floor globes, gemstone globes, desk globes and celestial globes, you are sure to find wonderful gifts for those with inquiring minds.

Gift ideas

Modern globe manufacturers such as Replogel have not rested on the laurels of the classic table top globe. Today, massive floor globes map the earth in astonishing detail, gorgeous hand-cut gemstone globes accent the well-appointed office or desk, and celestial globes bring the stars and constellations down to earth.

Floor globes

Need a gift with maximum impact? The floor globe cuts an imposing figure. Floor globes start at 9 inches in diameter and go all the way to a massive 32 inches, and everything in between. They are freestanding, supported by a base that usually lifts them to chair level, although a few go up to 5 feet tall. Gemstone globes used on the floor are veritable works of art.

Stylistically, floor globes run the gamut, both in their terrestrial imagery and the structure of the base. Whether your home or office is furnished in Queen Anne or Frank Lloyd Wright, there is a floor globe that will complement it perfectly. Globes may be staged on pedestals, three- or four- legged bases in woods or metal, and come in every decorative style imaginable.

Many floor globes can double as accent lighting fixtures, adding another element of interest. For a truly unique gift, there are several models of celestial globes that sit on the floor, representing a three- dimensional star atlas. Illuminated celestial globe are also beautiful and inspiring.

Desk globes, the whole world in your hand

At the other end of the spectrum, the desk globe has a distinct charm. The floor globe's petite cousin is marked by exquisite craftsmanship and detail on a small scale. These small orbs fit comfortably in one's palm, about the diameter of a large orange.

Desk globes are versatile gifts that also come in all persuasions, from Copernican traditionalism to the bright richness of rainbow gemstone globes painstakingly handcrafted into oceans and continents.

Desk globes are used as paperweights crafted from crystal or gemstones such as lapis or mother of pearl. They may be incorporated into desk sets, clocks, or bookends, or fashioned into a candy dish. There are even levitating desk globes that float within a magnetic base, sure to delight even those who think they've seen it all.