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mesarastarr's Bath & Body Works The Nightmare Before Christmas Tote Bag Review

Bath & Body Works · Reviewed by mesarastarr · Published 2026-08-17

Rating 5/5Source quality 85/100Evidence 15Claims 5Q&A 5Pros 5Cons 1Independent creator

Based on a review by mesarastarr (accessed 2026-08-17).

What they actually found

  • Loved — Features a secure zipper closure, an improvement over prior designs
  • Annoyed by — Extremely limited stock made it difficult to purchase on launch day

Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about features a secure zipper closure, an improvement over prior designs — just accept extremely limited stock made it difficult to purchase on launch day.

This source's evidence 🎬

Source verdict

The reviewer found the collection overall adorable and well-designed, especially praising the tote bag for its features and having both characters. However, she was disappointed by the extremely limited stock of popular accessories, suggesting that many were likely BOUGHT online and picked up in-store (BOPIS) before she arrived.

About this source

This review provides an in-store walkthrough of the new Bath & Body Works x Nightmare Before Christmas collection launch. The reviewer describes her experience on the launch day, showcases various products including candles, body care, and a tote bag, and comments on product availability and display presentation.

Review notes

The Nightmare Before Christmas tote bag is a highly recommended item from the collection, praised for its thoughtful design improvements. It features a convenient zipper closure, a significant upgrade from previous bags that often had button closures, and a soft, faux fur-like exterior. The structured pleather bottom and interior vinyl lining enhance its durability and practicality. If you are a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas or looking for a stylish, functional tote, this bag is an excellent choice. However, if you are expecting easy availability, prepare for a challenge due to its popularity.

What the reviewer liked

  • Features a secure zipper closure, an improvement over prior designs
  • Soft, faux fur-like texture on the exterior
  • Structured design with a durable pleather bottom
  • Interior has a practical, vinyl-like lining
  • Adorned with intricate patterns of Jack Skellington and Sally

What the reviewer criticised

  • Extremely limited stock made it difficult to purchase on launch day

Structured claims

The designs across the Nightmare Before Christmas collection, including candle packaging, body care, and the tote bag, are adorable, featuring cute details like stitching, character outlines, and themed elements.

reviewer_claimstrong

The candle scents in the collection receive mixed feedback; 'Ghastly Blooms' is described as having a smoky vibe and is not a favorite, while 'Pumpkin Screams' is noted for being spicy with a hint of mint.

reviewer_claimmoderate

Highly anticipated accessories like wall plugs, PocketBac holders, the Zero soap dispenser, and candle holders were in very limited supply or completely absent from the store's shelves on launch day, likely due to online pre-orders (BOPIS).

reviewer_claimstrong

The Nightmare Before Christmas tote bag is made from soft, faux fur-like material with a pleather bottom, giving it a structured feel and contributing to its overall quality perception.

reviewer_claimstrong

Unlike previous bags, the Nightmare Before Christmas tote bag features a functional zipper closure, which the reviewer considers a significant improvement for security and practicality.

reviewer_claimstrong

Evidence items

Ghastly Blooms Candle Scent Review

reviewer_claimnegativet=3:58–4:15

The reviewer states that the Ghastly Blooms Berry Patchwork Forbidden Tonka candle is not her favorite scent in the world, describing it as having a 'smoky vibe.'

Ghastly Blooms Candle Packaging Design

visual_inspectionpositivet=4:15–4:30

The reviewer praises the Ghastly Blooms candle's packaging, highlighting the 'super cute' design, 'stitching detail,' the 'sweet black kitty,' and 'gold gilded outlines.'

Limited Stock of Wall Plugs

reviewer_claimnegativet=4:47–5:00

The reviewer observed very limited stock of the Jack Skellington wall flower plug, noting only three or four were available when she entered, and they were quickly taken.

Absence of PocketBac Holders, Soap Dispensers, and Candle Holders

reviewer_claimnegativet=5:00–5:25

The reviewer explicitly states she did not see any PocketBac holders, the Zero soap dispenser, or the candle holder in store, inferring they were likely taken via BOPIS.

Pumpkin Screams Candle Scent Profile

reviewer_claimneutralt=6:14–6:28

The reviewer describes the Pumpkin Screams candle (Pumpkin Screams, Glowing Palo Santo, Spooky Spice Vanilla) as a spicy scent with a noticeable 'mintiness to it.'

Single-Wick Candle Color Appearance

visual_inspectionneutralt=7:35–7:55

The reviewer observes the single-wick candle's layered color scheme reminds her of candy corn and expresses concern it might look 'muddy' when burning due to the black and orange layers.

Three-Wick Candle Design

visual_inspectionpositivet=7:55–8:20

The reviewer showcases the three-wick candle, highlighting its cute orange swirly lid, pinstriping background, and the Jack Skellington and spider web designs, deeming the candles 'adorable.'

Body Care Item Designs (Jack Skellington & Oogie Boogie)

visual_inspectionpositivet=8:20–9:40

The reviewer points out design details on the Jack Skellington body cream (black gold/gold spider web), hand soap (bright orange with gold and black, ghosties), and Oogie Boogie items (foiled gold characters), finding them all 'adorable' and 'cute.'

Hand Soap Price Point

reviewer_claimneutralt=9:18–9:28

The reviewer notes that the hand soap is priced at $8.95, mentioning that sometimes they are $7.95.

Tote Bag Material and Structure

hands_on_demopositivet=11:15–11:35

The reviewer describes the tote bag as 'very soft' with a 'faux fur feeling,' a 'very nice structured bag,' and a 'pleather kind of bottom' for added structure.

Tote Bag Zipper Closure

hands_on_demopositivet=10:50–11:00

The reviewer highlights the tote bag's zipper closure, preferring it over previous button closures, calling it a 'great idea' and noting that it zips closed securely.

Tote Bag Interior Details

visual_inspectionpositivet=11:35–11:55

Inside the tote bag, the reviewer shows a 'vinylly kind of interior' and a small label with the collection logo.

Tote Bag Price

reviewer_claimneutralt=12:05–12:10

The reviewer states the price of the tote bag is $39.95.

Tote Bag Zipper Pull Design

visual_inspectionpositivet=12:40–12:55

The reviewer points out that the small chain zipper pull on the tote bag features Jack Skellington and Sally on Spiral Hill, calling it 'so cute.'

Final Observation of Stock Shortages

reviewer_claimnegativet=13:40–14:10

Towards the end of her visit, the reviewer reiterates that all accessories like wall plugs and candle holders are gone, with only hand sanitizers remaining, lamenting that the 'hands' candle holder should have been in-store.

Quick answers

  • What is the overall design aesthetic of the Bath & Body Works Nightmare Before Christmas collection? The reviewer consistently praises the overall design aesthetic of the Nightmare Before Christmas collection, noting adorable details on candles, body care, and the tote bag.
  • How are the scents in the Bath & Body Works Nightmare Before Christmas collection? The reviewer provides specific feedback on two candle scents.
  • What was the availability of accessories in-store for the Nightmare Before Christmas collection? On the launch day, the reviewer noted significant stock shortages for popular accessories.
  • What are the features and quality of the Nightmare Before Christmas tote bag? The tote bag is described as 'very nice,' made from soft, faux fur-like material, and has a pleather bottom which gives it good structure.

Buyer questions answered

What is the overall design aesthetic of the Bath & Body Works Nightmare Before Christmas collection?

The reviewer consistently praises the overall design aesthetic of the Nightmare Before Christmas collection, noting adorable details on candles, body care, and the tote bag. Specific design elements highlighted include stitching details, sweet black kitty and gold gilded outlines on candles, bright orange with gold and black on hand soaps, and foiled gold characters. The tote bag is celebrated for its dual-character design and a unique zipper pull featuring Jack and Sally on Spiral Hill.

How are the scents in the Bath & Body Works Nightmare Before Christmas collection?

The reviewer provides specific feedback on two candle scents. The 'Ghastly Blooms Berry Patchwork Forbidden Tonka' candle is not her favorite, described as having a 'smoky vibe.' In contrast, the 'Pumpkin Screams, Glowing Palo Santo, Spooky Spice Vanilla' candle is characterized as a 'spicy scent' with a surprising 'mintiness' to it. A full review of the Pumpkin Screams scent is promised for another video.

What was the availability of accessories in-store for the Nightmare Before Christmas collection?

On the launch day, the reviewer noted significant stock shortages for popular accessories. She found only a few Jack Skellington wall flower plugs that were quickly bought, and did not see any PocketBac holders, the Zero soap dispenser, or the main candle holder. She inferred that these items were likely pre-ordered through BOPIS (Buy Online Pick Up In Store) before the store opened to general customers. By the end of her visit, only hand sanitizers and body care items remained.

What are the features and quality of the Nightmare Before Christmas tote bag?

The tote bag is described as 'very nice,' made from soft, faux fur-like material, and has a pleather bottom which gives it good structure. A key feature is its zipper closure, which the reviewer highly praises as an improvement over previous button closures. The bag showcases patterns of Sally's dress on one side and Jack Skellington on the back, with a charming zipper pull featuring both characters on Spiral Hill.

How much does the Nightmare Before Christmas tote bag cost?

The reviewer explicitly states that the Nightmare Before Christmas tote bag is priced at $39.95. She considers it a good value, especially since it features both Jack Skellington and Sally, effectively combining two designs.

Not covered in depth by this source

  • Not covered: Fit & Sizing
  • Not covered: Ride Feel
  • Not covered: Durability
  • Not covered: Stability
  • Not covered: Traction
  • Not covered: Weight
  • Not covered: Breathability

Why this source is included

85/100 source quality

  • ✓ Independent of the brand
  • ✓ Hands-on demonstration
  • • Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

On the in-store launch day for the Bath & Body Works x Disney The Nightmare Before Christmas collection, reviewer Mesara Starr faced large crowds and significant stock shortages. She provides a detailed look at available items such as candles, body creams, washes, and hand soaps, noting packaging details and scent profiles. A key highlight is the tote bag, which she praises for its quality, design, and zipper closure. Many highly sought-after accessories like wall plugs and pocket bac holders were already gone.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

Deep dive 🤓

About this page

This page converts mesarastarr's review of the Bath & Body Works The Nightmare Before Christmas Tote Bag into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

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