During the holidays, nearly every TikTok or social post featured the vintage Lenox village spice jars because they are so reminiscent of cheerful Christmas villages and decor. Even as the warm months have replaced the festive cold ones, it seems social media users continue to find creative ways to display these vintage pieces, creating a cozy and nostalgic aesthetic in kitchens and even dining or living rooms. Whether you’ve seen these before or are newer to them, the vintage Lenox sets are certainly something to take note of. The spice jars are great, but it’s the cookie jars you really want to keep an eye out for. While they may not be available to purchase “new” anymore, finding one (or several) of these while thrifting is definitely a secondhand shop success. Not only are they ideal for the maximalist and eclectic decor trends that are coming back into fashion, but they offer fashionable storage that can hold everything from your junk drawer contents to office supplies to toiletries (oh, and cookies, of course).

The Lenox spice jars first came on the scene in 1889 when the ceramics company opened. The brand’s products consisted of an assortment of items including holiday decor and dishware, and the spice jar villages were certainly some of the most notable, since they can be found on sites like eBay and other resellers, and entire sets can sell for up to $1,200. However, it’s the cookie jars that are definitely worth searching for. These were made in limited quantities, so they aren’t as common on the market as the spice jars.

When they were first released at the end of the ’80s, people had to have a subscription to receive these limited edition items, making them trickier to come across. However, they are out there, and plenty of social media users have shared their finds from local thrift stores. Obviously, the better condition your cookie jars are in, the more they could be worth should you ever want to resell them. However, should you come across a thrifted one in your local shops, even paying above normal for second hand could be worth the investment on one of these. Since Lenox stopped producing its village collections over 30 years ago, these pieces truly are a unique find.

Because of the brand’s more rare nature, Lenox is definitely a type of vintage cookie jars to watch out for when thrifting. You can find them online, but it may be worth visiting all the secondhand shops in your area and some antique stores instead, as they retail on reseller websites for up to $100 depending on the jar. The latter is usually a little pricier on some items, but since these were big in the ’80s they may not be as “valuable” in antique terms. However, don’t let that deter you: they are still very priceless and so ideal for decor that leans into vintage chic. Vessels like these are how cookie jars became a classic element in home decor, and will really bring a special touch to your rooms.

Should you find one that needs a little TLC, you can do some home repairs or seek out a professional should you really want to fix it up. Epoxy and paint are great for little nicks or missing pieces, but you may want to consider how much work will need to be done if there is a break or crack. If there is a lot, maybe consider taking it to a pottery shop that specializes in repairs. If your cookie jar just needs a good wash, use mild dish soap and a little warm water to lather away dust.

When thrifting these specific jars, check the bottom for a Lenox stamp. According to the official site, not every piece from this brand will have a stamp, but it is likely that these older vessels will have some sort of print connecting them to Lenox. They come in a variety of pastel colors, and the “roof” should come off to reveal the interior. Styling these is actually very simple and can work with a variety of aesthetics and themes. Use your jar to store various items around your kitchen, pairing it with similar vessels or placing it on a tray combined with a candle and small plant or knickknack to create a focal design in any room. After all, there’s a reason TikTok loves the spice village storage system, and the cookie jar is just as stylish with even more space to keep treats!