8 vintage cookie jars hiding in thrift stores that are worth a fortune
Your grandmother’s dusty kitchen shelf might just be funding your next vacation. With the U.S. secondhand market hitting a staggering $56 billion in 2025, thrifting isn’t just a hobby anymore; it’s a high-stakes treasure hunt. Thanks to the exploding “Kitschen” trend, where Pinterest searches for “eccentric kitchen decor” spiked by 160%, that whimsical ceramic jar next to the toaster could be pure gold.
Expert appraiser Dr. Lori Verderame notes that buyers aged 25 to 40 are driving this “Grandmacore” surge, often paying premiums for nostalgia that feels like a hug. Ready to check your cupboards? Let’s hunt.
The holy grail: Holt Howard’s tiger jar
Ever watched Friends and noticed the orange tiger on Monica’s counter? That isn’t just a prop; it’s the 1973 Holt Howard Tiger, and it is arguably the most coveted piece of ceramic in existence. Because of its TV fame, mint-condition originals can command a jaw-dropping price tag.
If you spot this feline in the wild, check the lid immediately. The underside of a genuine lid is NOT painted yellow; it should be plain white ceramic. Finding one of these at a Goodwill is statistically unlikely, but hey, stranger things have happened, right?
Brayton Laguna’s rare coachman
Disneyana collectors are a serious bunch, and they lose their minds over this 1939 piece. Produced by Brayton Laguna Pottery for a fleeting six months during the release of the movie Pinocchio, this jar depicts the villainous Coachman. His short production run makes him incredibly scarce.
Recent auctions show the red-cloak variation selling for $3,500, while the green-coat version fetches around $1,800. Look for the “Brayton Laguna” mark on the bottom. If you see this grumpy guy sitting on a thrift store shelf for $10, grab him before someone else realizes what he is.
American Bisque’s Little Audrey
While Mickey gets all the glory, the Little Audrey jar by American Bisque is a sleeper hit worth big money. Standing 13.5 inches tall, this colorful jar features the classic cartoon character holding a bag labeled with her name.
Collectors love the vibrant “cold paint” (paint applied over the glaze), which unfortunately chips easily. A pristine example recently sold for $1,950. If you see a doe-eyed girl with a ponytail in the ceramics aisle, check her condition; chips are dealbreakers here.
Regal China’s Alice in Wonderland
Here is another Disney heavyweight. Produced in 1951, this Regal China jar depicts Alice in the famous scene where she grows to a massive size after eating the magic cake. It is a masterpiece of mid-century design and a “Blue Chip” investment.
These jars can sell for over $1,000. The sheer size (13 inches) and the “stretching” pose make it hard to miss. Does your thrift find have the Disney copyright mark? If yes, you’ve just hit the jackpot.
McCoy’s Davy Crockett head
You can’t talk about cookie jars without mentioning the King of the Wild Frontier. Produced in the 1950s to capitalize on the TV craze, the McCoy Davy Crockett bust is a nostalgia bomb for Boomers.
Authentic jars marked “McCoy USA” sell for $500 to $1,000. However, watch out for fakes; this is one of the most reproduced jars in history. Real ones have a “steely gaze” and crisp details, while fakes often look a bit “muddy” and shrunken.
Hull’s Little Red Riding Hood
This is the quintessential “Grandma” jar. The Hull Little Red Riding Hood was a staple in 1940s kitchens and remains the heart of the “Grandmacore” aesthetic. Prices have surged in 2025, with pristine examples fetching up to $850.
Value depends heavily on the basket she carries. An “open” basket is standard, but a “closed” round basket is rare and commands a premium. Be careful with the red paint; it’s notorious for flaking off if you look at it the wrong way.
American Bisque’s moon rocket
Space Age design is huge right now. The American Bisque Moon Rocket (circa 1960s) perfectly captures that Jetsons vibe, featuring an astronaut peeking out of a silver ship.
Look for the embossed text “Cookies Out of This World” on the hull. These regularly sell for over $200, driven by the crossover appeal between pottery lovers and sci-fi geeks. Ever wondered why a cookie jar looks like a V2 rocket? It was the 60s, and everything was a rocket.
Shawnee’s smiley pig
Finally, we have the mascot of the cookie jar world: the Shawnee Smiley Pig. This charming porker wears a bandana and has been charming collectors since the 1930s.
While common versions sell for $150, rare variations with blue scarves or heavy gold trim can skyrocket to $500 or more. Check the ears for chips (they’re fragile!) and look for the “USA” mark.
Key takeaway
The thrift market is booming, and vintage ceramics are leading the charge. Whether it’s a $16,000 tiger or a $500 pig, the money is out there if you know what to look for. Keep your eyes peeled for cold paint, check those maker’s marks, and for the love of vintage, never put them in the dishwasher. Happy hunting!
Read the Original Article on Crafting Your Home.
