A Brief History of the Lenox Spice Village That’s All Over TikTok

If you’re on ThriftTok, you’ve probably seen videos of tiny, 3-inch spice “houses” known as the Lenox Spice Village grace your feed. These vintage collectibles come in a set of whimsical, dollhouse-inspired jars, each dedicated to a specific spice — but it doesn’t stop there. In addition to the spice houses, the Lenox Village collection also features full-sized canisters for flour, coffee, tea, sugar, and pasta, plus a butter dish and several other kitchen and tablescape pieces that are so cute I can hardly stand it. 

The Lenox Village collection has been discontinued for nearly 35 years but, recently, a new generation of collectors has become obsessed with their quirky style and useful designs. “Not only is the Lenox Village collection completely adorable, but it is very functional, which is part of why it’s so sought after,” says Allyn Lewis, the owner of Gem Finds Vintage. “People are really leaning into collectibles that radiate joy right now,” she adds, noting that these tiny houses are right on trend with aesthetics like cottagecore, grandmillennial, and nostalgic kitsch charm.  

Whether you’re new to the craze and want to learn more or an avid collector looking for a full list of products to hunt down, check out everything you need to know about the Lenox Village. 

The coveted Lenox spice jar houses were first released in 1989 through a subscription model, where customers received a new tiny spice house for their growing collection every month. After much success with the initial Spice Village collection, Lenox released additional pieces to match the set. “In the ‘90s, the line expanded to include other coordinating kitchen add-ons like planters, mugs, dinnerware, and even a pasta canister,” Lewis explains. 

After interest in the collectibles began to dip, Lenox ultimately discontinued the spice jar series in 1993 — though, according to Lewis, the company continued to produce several accessories inspired by the miniature houses for some time after stopping the monthly subscription.  

In addition to the Lenox Spice Village, this collection features a variety of fun and whimsical houses for a range of kitchen and dining uses. Find a full list of the Lenox Village Collection pieces below, or download this adorable Lenox Village collection checklist from Etsy. 

Lenox Spice Village List 

• Rosemary
• Bay
• Sage
• Cinnamon
• Celery
• Ginger
• Mustard
• Clove
• Onion
• Allspice
• Paprika
• Chive
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Saffron
• Pepper
• Coriander
• Nutmeg
• Basil
• Garlic
• Tarragon
• Marjoram
• Dill

Lenox Village Canisters Collection

• Cookies
• Flour
• Sugar
• Tea
• Coffee
• Pasta
• Rice
• Nut Shoppe
• Candy Shoppe

Lenox Village Collection List (Misc.)

• Utensils 
• Condiment Set 
• Oil & Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper
• Garlic & Cheese
• Butter Dish
• Recipe Box
• Creamery & Confectionary 
• Tea Pot 
• Green Grocer Trivet
• Confectionary Trivet
• Country Store Trivet
• Cafe Trivet
• Planters
• Towel Holder 
• Tissue Cover
• Napkin Holder
• Napkin Rings
• Candle Lamp
• Lazy Susan 
• Candlesticks 
• Mugs

Much like when it was first released, the Lenox Village Spice Jars are typically the go-to collectibles. According to Lewis — who sources secondhand finds for her shop — these pieces often appear at local thrift and antique stores, so it’s possible to build a substantial collection over time without paying top dollar. However, if you’re in a hurry and have a little extra budget to invest in a collection, you can find full sets — including the entire Spice Jar series — on Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, and online vintage shops. “If you like the thrill of the hunt, Facebook Marketplace, flea markets, antique stores, and thrift stores are all places I see Lenox Village items regularly,” notes Lewis. 

With that being said, a few items from the collection are more difficult to source. “The canisters, butter dish, and teapot set seem to be more sought after, so they are harder and more expensive to find,” says Lewis. Additionally, there are some particularly rare and unique pieces from the collection, including the tissue box holder, Lazy Susan, and paper towel holder, which Lewis says she hardly ever comes across in her hunt. 

The Lenox Spice Village collection prices can vary drastically, depending on the collection size, condition, and rarity. When shopping at thrift stores, you can find single spice jars for around $10 each. However, on eBay, Etsy, and antique stores, Lewis says to expect a $10 to $35 price range per spice house. If you’re lucky enough to find a full Spice Village set at a thrift store, you might be able to snag it for under $100 — though, they usually go for between $400 and $900 online.  

“Pieces like the cookie jar, canisters, butter dish, and salt and pepper set run between $50 and $150,” says Lewis. She adds that the teapot, utensil holder, and recipe box usually go for around $150 to $250 and the Lazy Susan — the most expensive piece she’s seen — can cost between $250 to $400. 

When Lenox first released the Spice Village collection, its instant success prompted the company to curate additional containers and accessories to add to the collection. Thanks to TikTok, the collection gained traction once again in 2022 as ThriftTok accounts started sharing the spice jars and canisters with a new generation of collectors. “The momentum has continued, and I’m still seeing many people buying, selling, and hunting for the Lenox Village collection,” says Lewis. 

Aside from the adorable dollhouse-inspired details, the Lenox Village Collection also gets a lot of praise for its overall quality and attention to detail. “The quality is something I haven’t seen before,” says Ro C. a Lenox Village collector. “Each piece is extremely detailed and, for something that was made in 1989 to look brand new in 2023, is one thing that makes it so special,” they add.