
NBC Cookie Jar Review: A Perfect Gift for Fans or Just Hype?
Author Byline: By David Miller / Last updated on July 26, 2025
Introduction
My wife, Sarah, has a thing for Halloween that borders on a professional-level obsession. And at the center of that universe is Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Our shelves have a respectable population of Jack Skellington figures, and our closet has more Sally-themed apparel than I can count.
So every year, when her birthday or a special occasion rolls around, I face the same challenge: finding an NBC-themed gift that is actually special. Not just another piece of mass-produced merchandise, but something with a bit of heart, a bit of class.
This year, while scrolling through the endless digital aisles of Amazon, I stumbled upon this small glass cookie jar by Silver Buffalo. It looked different. The artwork seemed tasteful, and the idea of a functional piece of memorabilia was intriguing. But was it just another pretty-faced novelty item, or was it the unique, thoughtful gift I was searching for?
I decided to find out. If you're also looking for a gift for the NBC lover in your life (or for yourself), you're in the right place. This is my deep-dive, hands-on review to help you decide if this little jar is worthy of your home.

NBC Cookie Jar Review: A Perfect Gift for Fans or Just Hype?
Is the Silver Buffalo NBC cookie jar the perfect gift for a true fan? My honest, hands-on review explores its design, flaws, and ultimate value.
The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
- Who It's For: Die-hard Nightmare Before Christmas fans looking for a charming, functional piece of memorabilia that's more decorative than a primary food storage container. It's the perfect "special treat" jar.
- Who Should Skip It: Anyone needing a large, family-sized cookie jar, or households with young kids (or clumsy adults) where fragile glass is a major concern.
My Final Score: 7.5/10✨✨✨✨✨✨
What Real Users Love (The Pros)
After analyzing user feedback and testing it in my own kitchen, a few things really stand out.
- Stunning, Nostalgic Artwork: The print quality is excellent, featuring the iconic graveyard scene with Jack and Sally. It’s vibrant and true to the movie's dark, whimsical aesthetic.
- Why this matters to you: This isn't a cheap, blurry print. It looks like a quality collector's item and is the main reason to buy this jar.
- In my own testing, this was the first thing Sarah commented on. She said it "perfectly captured the feel" of the film, which was a total home run for a gift.
- Perfectly Sized for Small Spaces & Treats: Its compact size means it fits beautifully on a desk, a small kitchen counter, or a bedside table without being obtrusive.
- Why this matters to you: If you want a subtle nod to your favorite film without dedicating a huge amount of space, this is ideal.
- Surprisingly Good Seal for a Novelty Item: The lid has a plastic gasket that creates a reasonably airtight seal, keeping small snacks or candies fresh.
- Why this matters to you: It’s not just for looks. You can actually use it for your favorite treats without them going stale immediately.
- I tested this with a few ginger snaps, which are notorious for getting soft. They stayed perfectly crisp for over three days, which honestly surprised me.
Common Complaints & Potential Deal-Breakers (The Cons)
No product is perfect, and it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
- It's Genuinely Small: Let's be clear, this is a "snack jar," not a "cookie jar" in the traditional sense. You won't be fitting a full batch of homemade cookies in here.
- Why this matters to you: If you're picturing a classic, large cookie jar, you will be disappointed. Manage your expectations on capacity.
- Honestly, we could only fit about 8-10 of my wife's standard-sized chocolate chip cookies in there. It's better suited for M&Ms, wrapped candies, or dog treats.
- The Glass Feels a Bit Delicate: While beautiful, the glass isn't thick or heavy-duty. It feels like it needs to be handled with care.
- Why this matters to you: This is not the jar you want if it's going to be opened and closed constantly by kids or placed in a high-traffic, easily-knocked-over area.
- Hand-Wash Only Can Be a Drag: The manufacturer recommends hand-washing to preserve the detailed artwork.
- Why this matters to you: If you despise hand-washing dishes, this might live on your shelf as a purely decorative piece.
Feature Deep Dive: Art vs. Utility
The biggest point of discussion for this jar is where it lands on the spectrum between a beautiful collectible and a practical kitchen item.
In my view, it leans heavily towards "functional art."
The artwork is the star. The scene is iconic, and Silver Buffalo did a great job ensuring the colors and details pop against the clear glass. When light hits it, it almost looks like a stained-glass window. For a fan, seeing that on your desk or counter every day is a real joy.
However, its utility is defined by its small size. Calling it a "Cookie Jar" on the product listing is a slight misnomer. Think of it as a "Personal Stash Jar." It’s perfect for the handful of gourmet chocolates you treat yourself to, the wrapped caramels you keep at your desk, or even non-food items like cotton balls or tea bags. For us, it’s become the official holder of Sarah's favorite dark chocolate almonds on her home office desk. It serves a purpose, but that purpose is small-scale and personal.
Best Alternatives (The Competition)
- For a More Durable (and Larger) Option: Check out the Vandor Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Head Ceramic Cookie Jar. It's much larger, made of sturdier ceramic, and makes a bolder statement. It's less about a scenic piece of art and more about an iconic character shape.
- For the Non-Kitchen Fan: If you're buying a gift and aren't sure a jar is the right fit, consider "The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Official Cookbook & Entertaining Guide." It offers a different kind of functional gift, allowing a fan to bring the world of the movie to life through recipes and party ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How big is it really? Can you give me a real-world comparison?
A: It's about 6.25 inches tall with the lid on. You can fit a standard bag of M&Ms or about 8-10 average-sized homemade cookies inside. Don't expect to fit store-bought, large packaged cookies in it. - Q: Is the lid truly airtight?
A: I'd call it "very good," but maybe not 100% scientifically airtight for long-term storage. The plastic gasket creates a solid seal that will absolutely keep your snacks fresh for days, or even a couple of weeks. It's much better than a simple glass-on-glass lid. - Q: Will the artwork scratch or fade off?
A: It seems quite durable, but I would strictly follow the hand-wash-only instructions. A dishwasher's high heat and harsh detergents would almost certainly damage the print over time. Treat it with care, and it should last. - Q: Is this a good gift for a serious collector?
A: I think so! It's an officially licensed Disney product and feels more unique than many of the more common collectibles. It strikes a great balance between being a display piece and something you can use.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
So, did this little glass jar solve my annual problem of finding a unique NBC gift for my wife?
A resounding yes. It was a total hit.
It worked because I went in with the right expectations. I wasn't looking for a family cookie vat; I was looking for a charming, special object that would make Sarah smile. And it delivered perfectly. It now sits on her desk, holding her favorite snacks, and she says she loves glancing at it during her workday.
At the end of the day, if you are a die-hard fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas or are shopping for one, and you appreciate beautiful design over massive capacity, I can wholeheartedly recommend this jar. It's a delightful piece of functional art that brings a little bit of Halloween Town magic into your everyday life.
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We hope this in-depth review helps you make a confident choice! To continue your research, check out some of our other popular guides:
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Now I'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions I didn't cover. I read every single one.