There was a time when snow globes simply showed a charming winter scene, and when you shook them, the 'snow' in the water was shaken up and then slowly drifted down over the little interior landscape.

Over the years, all kinds of inventive versions have appeared, of which these are just a tiny sample.

The first one is the California Snowman - no snow, and in the water floats a top hat, a carrot and some small black pieces of coal. Clearly the snowman couldn't take the heat!

The second, called 'Over the hill and losing it' shows a man's head with very little hair left. However suspended in the water are little hairs. Give the globe a shake and see if you can improve on his hair style!