What was recalled
In early January of 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving decorative items sold under the Coldwater Creek brand. Specifically, this action targeted two distinct styles of wind-up snow globes that had been marketed as charming holiday or winter-themed decor. These were not generic items; they were carefully crafted pieces featuring either reindeer or a snowman encased within the globe, resting on bases with specific color schemes and finishes. The recall covers products identified by their unique style numbers and model numbers, which are critical for consumers to verify against their own purchases.
The first item in question is the Reindeer snow globe, designated as style number 13826 and model number XC7484. This particular globe features two white reindeer figures inside its clear sphere. It sits atop a base that combines brown and cream tones, adding a rustic aesthetic to the piece. A key functional detail of this model is the wind-up mechanism located at the bottom, which was intended to animate the figures or create movement within the snow globe environment. The second recalled item is the Vintage Charm snow globe, known as style number 13660 and model number 3WGL120. This version contains a silver snowman figure and rests on a matching silver base, offering a more monochromatic and classic holiday look.
Identifying these products requires looking closely at the labeling, as the visual design alone might not distinguish them from other similar decor items. The Grasslands Road logo, along with the specific style number, is printed on separate labels located on the underside of each globe. For those who have kept the original packaging, the model number can be found printed directly on the box. Additionally, for the snow globes themselves, the style number corresponds to the ninth through fourteenth digits printed on the price label attached to the item.
While the recall notice does not specify the exact total number of units sold or the specific retail locations where these items were available beyond the Coldwater Creek brand channels, it is important to note that Coldwater Creek has undertaken the responsibility of contacting all known purchasers directly. This proactive step indicates a commitment to resolving the issue with those who bought the products through their official stores or website. If you purchased these decorative snow globes from Coldwater Creek around the time leading up to January 2018, it is highly likely that your item falls within this recall scope.
The hazard, explained
It might seem counterintuitive that a decorative snow globe—a harmless-looking object filled with water and glitter—could pose a fire risk. However, the physics behind this specific defect is quite straightforward once you understand how light interacts with curved glass surfaces. The core issue lies in the shape of the globe itself. When sunlight or bright artificial light passes through a spherical glass container, that glass acts as a powerful magnifying lens. This phenomenon is similar to how a simple magnifying glass can focus sunlight onto a tiny point to start a fire. In this case, the entire volume of water and the curvature of the glass work together to refract (bend) light rays, concentrating them into intense focal points.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), this refraction is strong enough to singe or melt items that are in direct contact with the globe or sitting in its immediate proximity. This means that if you place a snow globe on a wooden table, a fabric tablecloth, or near paper decorations, the concentrated beam of light can generate significant heat at that specific spot. Over time, or even during a short period of intense exposure to midday sun, this heat buildup is sufficient to damage surrounding materials. While the glass itself does not break or explode, the energy transfer to nearby objects creates a genuine ignition risk.
This type of hazard is particularly insidious because it often happens without any visible warning signs until damage has already begun. You might notice a slight discoloration on a table surface or a melted edge on a nearby object before realizing the snow globe is the culprit. The incident report filed with the CPSC confirms that this physical mechanism has already caused real-world harm, with one report of damaged property. While no injuries have been reported in this specific recall, the potential for fire remains serious, especially if the globe is left unattended in direct sunlight for extended periods.
To put this in broader context, lens-focused light hazards are a known issue with many transparent or translucent household items, including glass vases, water bottles, and even certain types of wine glasses. When these objects are positioned near flammable materials like curtains, rugs, or wooden furniture, they can effectively turn sunlight into a burning tool. The Coldwater Creek snow globes are unique in that their solid reindeer and snowman figures inside may further complicate how light passes through, potentially creating multiple hot spots rather than just one. This is why the remedy involves stopping use immediately—the risk isn't about the globe breaking, but about it silently concentrating energy into something flammable.
Who is most at risk
Understanding who is most vulnerable to this specific hazard requires looking at how the danger interacts with everyday home environments. The primary group at risk includes anyone who owns or displays these Coldwater Creek snow globes in their living space. Because the defect involves light refraction concentrating heat onto nearby surfaces, the risk is not limited to the globe itself but extends to whatever items are placed directly next to it or touching its base. This means that households with decorative arrangements, such as mantels, side tables, or shelves where these globes are displayed alongside other flammable materials, are in the immediate zone of concern.
While any adult homeowner is at risk if they display the item, children and individuals with limited mobility may face heightened vulnerability due to their proximity to these objects. Snow globes are often placed on low coffee tables or floor-level stands where young children play or crawl. If a child is playing near the globe, the concentrated heat from the light refraction could singe clothing, skin, or nearby toys before an adult realizes there is a fire hazard. Furthermore, elderly individuals or those with reduced dexterity might be less able to quickly move away from a sudden incident of melting or smoking if they are seated close to the display area. The danger lies in the invisibility of the threat; unlike a flame you can see, the heat buildup occurs silently through the glass, potentially damaging property or causing burns before it becomes obvious.
It is also important to consider the nature of the items surrounding the globe. If the snow globes are placed near curtains, paper decorations, wooden furniture, or fabric-covered cushions, these materials are highly susceptible to catching fire from the singeing effect described in the incident reports. The fact that one incident has already resulted in damaged nearby property suggests that the hazard is active and potent enough to affect common household decor. Therefore, anyone who has purchased these items for decorative purposes, particularly those with a history of placing them in sunlit areas or near other heat-sensitive decorations, falls into the highest risk category. The combination of the specific design flaw—light refraction—and the typical placement of such festive items makes immediate removal essential for all owners, regardless of age or ability.
In summary, the risk is widespread among current owners but is most critical for those who have placed these globes in high-traffic areas or near combustible materials. There is no safe way to mitigate this specific defect through distance alone once the globe is in use, which is why the remedy requires complete return and refund rather than simple repair. Recognizing that this hazard can affect both property and personal safety helps underscore the urgency of checking your home for these specific models.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you reach out to Coldwater Creek or check your return policy, the most critical step is confirming exactly which product you own. Because this recall involves specific models rather than an entire line of inventory, simply seeing a Coldwater Creek snow globe on your shelf isn't enough to know if it’s part of this safety alert. You need to inspect two distinct items: the physical globe itself and its original packaging. This attention to detail is necessary because the hazard stems from the specific optical properties of these particular designs, meaning other similar-looking globes are likely safe.
First, identify the theme of your snow globe. The recall covers only two specific designs: one featuring reindeer and another featuring a snowman. If your globe has a different character, such as a Santa Claus or an elf, it is not part of this recall. For the reindeer model, look for two white reindeer figures inside the glass sphere. It should sit on a base that combines brown and cream colors. A key identifier for this specific item is a wind-up key located at the bottom of the base. To find the official model number, you must remove the globe from any box or display stand. Look at the underside of the globe for separate labels where the Grasslands Road logo and the style number are printed. The style number is crucial; it consists of digits nine through fourteen on the price label. For this reindeer model, the style number is 13826.
If you have the snowman design, known as the "Vintage Charm" globe, the visual cues are different. This version contains a silver snowman inside and rests on a silver base. Like the reindeer model, you must check the underside for the Grasslands Road logo and style number labels to confirm authenticity. The style number for this specific Vintage Charm snow globe is 13660.
While the style number helps identify the design, the model number is often easier to spot if you still have the original box. Check the product packaging for the model number, as it is printed directly on the box. For the reindeer globe, the model number is XC7484. For the Vintage Charm snowman globe, the model number is 3WGL120. If you no longer have the packaging, rely on the style numbers found under the globe. Remember, if your item does not match these specific styles (13826 or 13660) and models (XC7484 or 3WGL120), it is not subject to this particular fire hazard recall.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Coldwater Creek snow globes, your immediate priority is to remove the fire risk from your home. The manufacturer has identified a specific hazard where light refraction through the glass can singe or melt nearby items, which poses a genuine fire danger. Because this risk is active and ongoing, the first and most critical step you must take is to immediately stop using the snow globe entirely. Do not wind it up, do not move it around for display purposes, and do not allow it to sit in direct sunlight or under strong indoor lighting that could concentrate heat. Treat the item as a potential ignition source until you have resolved the issue through the official recall process.
Once you have secured the snow globe in a safe location away from flammable materials like curtains, upholstery, or paper, you need to initiate the return process. Coldwater Creek has committed to covering all costs associated with this remedy. You should contact them directly to arrange for a free return and a full refund. You can reach their customer service team toll-free at 888-678-5576. They are available anytime, so you do not need to worry about business hours when trying to resolve this. During your call, have your style number or model number ready, as this will help them verify the product and expedite your refund.
If you prefer digital communication, you may also email customerservice@coldwaterdirect.com. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.coldwatercreek.com. On the homepage, scroll to the very bottom and click on the "Product Recalls" link. This section will provide detailed instructions on how to proceed with your specific unit. The company is also actively contacting all known purchasers directly, so keep an eye on your email or mail for their outreach. However, do not wait passively for their contact; taking proactive steps ensures you get your refund and peace of mind sooner rather than later.
When you receive instructions from Coldwater Creek, follow their packaging guidelines carefully to prevent damage during shipping. Since the remedy is a full refund, you are entitled to have every penny returned to you without any restocking fees or shipping charges. This is a consumer protection measure, so do not hesitate to ask for clarification if any part of the process seems unclear. By following these steps, you eliminate the fire hazard and resolve the situation efficiently.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When you discover that you own one of the recalled Coldwater Creek snow globes, your primary and most immediate option is to seek a full refund. The manufacturer has explicitly stated that they will not offer repairs or replacements for these specific items due to the inherent nature of the fire hazard. Because the danger stems from the physical design of the globe itself—specifically how light refracts through the glass to create intense heat points at the base—there is no simple fix that can make the product safe again. Therefore, the remedy provided by Coldwater Creek is straightforward: they are offering a complete, free-of-cost return for a full refund of your purchase price.
You do not need to worry about shipping costs or restocking fees. Coldwater Creek has arranged for you to return the product at their expense. This means that the company is covering all logistics associated with getting the hazardous item back from your home. They are contacting all known purchasers directly to facilitate this process, which should make the experience significantly less stressful than if you had to initiate it entirely on your own. However, if you have not received a direct communication from them yet, or if you simply prefer to take proactive steps, you can initiate the return process yourself through their customer service channels.
To get started, you should contact Coldwater Creek using one of the following methods. You can call their toll-free number at 888-678-5576, which is available anytime you need assistance. Alternatively, you may send an email to customerservice@coldwatercreek.com. If you prefer to handle things online, visit www.coldwatercreek.com and scroll to the bottom of the homepage to click on "Product Recalls." This section will provide further details and likely a portal or specific instructions for processing your return.
While waiting for your refund, it is important to understand why this is the only option. The recall was issued because the light refraction through the globes can singe or melt items in contact with or near the base, posing a serious fire hazard. Since no repair can alter the optical properties of the glass or the heat generation, keeping the item—even if it seems to be working fine—is not a viable alternative. Your refund is processed once the return instructions are followed, ensuring you lose neither your money nor your safety.
- Contact Method: Use the toll-free number, email, or website link provided above.
- Cost to You: Zero. The return and refund are free of cost.
- Outcome: A full refund of your original purchase price.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to look at a decorative snow globe and see only a harmless piece of holiday cheer or a nostalgic keepsake. When an item sits quietly on a mantlepiece, bookshelf, or entryway table for months without incident, the immediate sense of danger can fade into the background. However, ignoring a recall notice regarding a fire hazard is not merely a matter of convenience; it is an active decision to leave a potential ignition source in your home. The specific risk here stems from the physics of light refraction. These particular Coldwater Creek snow globes are designed with glass and internal elements that can focus ambient light—whether from sunlight streaming through a window or bright indoor lighting—into a concentrated beam. This focused energy acts much like a magnifying glass, generating intense heat at a single point.
If this concentrated heat falls on combustible materials in immediate contact with the globe or just inches away from its base, the consequences can escalate quickly. The reported incident confirms that this is not a theoretical risk but a tangible one. Coldwater Creek has already documented an instance where the light refraction caused damage to nearby property. While no injuries have been reported in this specific recall, property damage is often the precursor to more severe outcomes. The materials affected might be delicate fabrics, wooden furniture finishes, paper documents, or decorative items stored on shelves directly beneath or adjacent to the globe. Singeing fabric or melting plastic components can produce toxic fumes and smoke, creating an indoor air quality hazard even before a full-blown fire takes hold.
The danger is particularly insidious because it often occurs when no one is watching. A snow globe left in direct sunlight for several hours during the day can accumulate enough thermal energy to ignite or severely damage nearby items while you are at work or asleep at night. What begins as a small scorch mark on a wooden shelf can rapidly progress to smoldering, which may not be visible but will certainly produce smoke. In worst-case scenarios, this smoldering can spread to surrounding curtains, rugs, or shelving units, leading to a structural fire that threatens your entire home. By continuing to use the recalled product, you are essentially gambling with the safety of your household and your neighbors.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall means you are missing out on a straightforward remedy that has been prepared for you. The company is offering a full refund and handling all return costs. Choosing to keep the globe rather than returning it suggests that the minor inconvenience of packaging and shipping outweighs the significant risk of property loss or personal injury. It is far easier and safer to address this issue now, while the remedy is simple and free, than to deal with the aftermath of a fire incident, which involves insurance claims, potential liability for damages to others, and the emotional toll of a preventable accident. Do not wait for a spark to become a flame; remove the hazard from your home immediately.