An antenna ball is a decorative item attached to the top of a radio antenna, often seen on cars. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles and can even be custom ordered. For some, antenna balls are an individual statement and fun car accessory that can show off a little about the personality of the owner.
Companies use some antenna balls as advertising for their services or products. Much like logo pens or stationary, advertising antenna balls can help cement the name of a company in a users head. Often, car repair or auto parts stores offer antenna balls as free promotions. These will usually include the name of the company and phone number, which can be useful if you become stranded or have car trouble.
Many people use a profession-related antenna ball to inform others about their work. These typically are small smiley-faces or heads with accessories pertaining to the profession. For instance, a doctor-themed antenna ball might have a little stethoscope, while an aspiring chef’s antenna ball might display a toque.
Frequently, antenna balls are small models of famous characters or people. Disney sells a wide range of character antenna décor, specializing in many models of the famous Mickey Mouse head. You can even order combined themes, such as a basketball, golf ball, or baseball with Mickey Mouse ears attached.
For those seriously passionate about antenna decorations, you can get attachments themed to holidays or seasons. Witch, skeleton, Santa Claus, and leprechaun shaped antenna decorations are all easily available. Just make sure you change out your seasonal antenna balls appropriately; no one wants to see Santa Clause bobbling on top of your antenna in the middle of August.
Antenna balls also have made an appearance as political propaganda. In addition to bumper stickers and lawn signs, you can now tout your allegiance to a particular candidate or issue by displaying a campaign antenna ball. For the humorous-minded among us, you can even buy mock-campaign versions, including the popular “Colbert and Stewart ’08” version, made for fake-news comedians Stephen Colbert and John Stewart.
Like fuzzy dice or window stickers, antenna balls give car owners the opportunity to feel a little more at home in their vehicle. People spend so much time in their cars in the 21st century, it is little wonder that a nesting instinct takes over in these portable homes. Antennas balls are often available at auto parts stores and novelty gift shops, as well online. Depending on the size, material and complexity of your chosen décor, expect to pay between $1 and $10 US dollars (USD) for a descriptive piece of your personality that you can display on your car with pride.