If you love cuteness that has a function, have we got the most adorable collectible for you! The Lenox Spice Village is a 24-piece set of sweet little spice containers released by the famous china company, Lenox, starting back in 1989. Each spice jar looks like a unique tiny dollhouse and is labeled with the spice it's meant to contain.
It takes some dedicated thrifting and antiquing, but you can put together the entire Lenox Spice Village set (and their wooden holder, too) by watching for the individual spice containers you need. And if you're lucky enough to own some of these cuties, you should know they can be worth an awful lot.
How the Lenox Spice Village Set Became a Cult Classic
Even though it's been off the market for over three decades, it's really no surprise that the 1989 Lenox Spice Village is a hot item with collectors. It's even a hit on TikTok, where videos dedicated to the cute collectible garner hundreds of thousands of views.
@shaylanicole_ I have been dreaming about owning the 1989 lenox spice village for years. Can’t believe it’s finally mine! #lenoxspicevillage #vintage #thrifted #thrift #browncabinets ♬ New Home - Frozen Silence
Even without its popularity on social media, the Spice Village is its own advertisement. The charm paid off for Lenox when the containers were released in the 1980s. The adorable three-inch-tall houses, each labeled with the spice it contained, were an instant hit. Lenox used a 24-month subscription model to sell the spice jars. Each month, subscribers would get a new one for their collection. The Lenox Spice Village originally sold for $14.50 each or about $348 for the 24-piece set.
As anyone with limited space and no desire for clutter will tell you, today's collectors like their vintage finds to be functional as well as cute. The Spice Village is both, so it's a win.
Although the main Lenox Spice Village set was 24 pieces, there were extras that are a lot rarer. Larger canisters and salt and pepper shakers can be especially interesting for collectors.
How Much Is the Lenox Spice Village Worth Today?
While a full Lenox Spice Village set might have cost about $348 when it came out, it's worth a whole lot more now. A full set tends to sell in the $1,500-$2,000 range. For example, a set in very good condition sold for $1,990 at auction. It included every piece and the wooden display shelf, too.
Individually, the spice houses sell for about $20-$50. There are a few factors that affect their value.
- Completeness - Each spice house came with a container and its lid. If one piece is missing, expect it to be worth less.
- Condition - Scratches, cracks, chips, and other condition issues can reduce the value of a Lenox Spice Village house.
- Rarity - Some pieces that weren't part of the original set are worth more because they are rarer. These include shakers and canisters. For instance, a Lenox Spice Village coffee canister sold for about $160.
Related: 5 Most Valuable Lenox China Patterns to Check Your Cabinet For
Quick-Reference Lenox Spice Village List
If you're thinking about collecting the whole set, it's good to have a list to reference as you shop. These are the 24 main Lenox Spice Village houses you need for a complete set.
- Allspice
- Basil
- Bay
- Celery
- Chive
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Coriander
- Dill
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Marjoram
- Mustard
- Nutmeg
- Onion
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Parsley
- Pepper
- Rosemary
- Saffron
- Sage
- Tarragon
- Thyme
Related: Vintage Lenox Figurine Values: How to Find Their Worth
Tiny Houses That Hold a Ton of Charm
Whether you're lucky enough to own some or all of the Lenox Spice Village or you're thinking of collecting this adorable set, it's awesome how it's held its value over the years. We think it's all down to the set's wonderful vintage charm. Even though the houses are only three inches tall, they're giants when it comes to kitchen cuteness.
