The history of tin containers

Tin containers, also known as tin boxes or simply tins, are frequently used for packaging coffee, biscuits, breath mints, holiday treats, and sewing supplies. Tin containers originated in England in the early 1700s as a means of packaging snuff, but today’s tins have evolved to be both functional and decorative—with some enthusiasts even treating tins as a collector’s item. Artsy collectors often modify tin boxes with embellishments and paint to add their own unique flair. While tins are, of course, made of tin, other common materials are ceramic, plastic, wood, and aluminum. The result? Endless uses and designs to choose from.

Tins are one of the most versatile items in your home. Here are a few pretty and practical ways to use them throughout your house: Tea tins: Tea tins and coffee tins are tall, wide tins designed to store your favorite coffee or tea bags. Whether you’re after customized containers decorated with a jaunty saying or vintage tins with hand-painted borders that harken back to antique china, artisans on Etsy outdo themselves with every new design. Storage tins: Medicine, utensils, candies, cords, or hair ties. When it comes to storage tins , the only limit is your imagination. These tins come in a kaleidoscope of shapes and sizes to suit your storage needs, and many shops on Etsy offer personalization options to ensure that you’re getting the exact style you’re looking for. Decorative tins: Sometimes, all you want is a tin shaped like a Polaroid camera or an oblong tin container decked out with Art Deco engravings. From collectibles for your curiosity cabinet to dining table centerpieces, decorative tins offer a fun way to dress up your home.

Organizing with tin containers

In the modern home or business, there’s a call for discreet and space-conscience storage options. Tin containers hear this call and deliver. Even vintage cookie tins reflect how storage can blend in seamlessly with the existing aesthetic of a room, rather than cluttering your spaces. Alongside their variety of uses, endless design options, and ease of cleaning, tin containers are more than just a home decor trend—they’re nothing short of a must-have staple.

Tins

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Review spotlight

Here is a selection of four-star and five-star reviews from customers who were delighted with the products they found in this category.

Lou

5 out of 5 stars

"Lovely little tins perfect for lots of things would buy again"

Little TINS, Lovely little TINS, All over pattern, Quality metal storage tins, Cute round tins, gift idea,
A R

4 out of 5 stars

"fast delivery and well packaged , the tin had a couple of scratches on the bottom however. i turned it into a cute tin wallet, perfect size!!"

Barkley's Tastefully Intense Mints 8 Flavours to Choose from, 50g Each
holly warner

4 out of 5 stars

"The frame arrived earlier than expected which was great. The only thing I was disappointed with was the writing on the tin was a little wonky but overall a lovely present."

Tin 10 Year Anniversary Frame - Framed Gift -10th - Black/White -Handmade -Stamped -Embossed - Made To Order-Wedding -Mr and Mr -Mrs and Mrs
Maria Vela

5 out of 5 stars

"Very cute tin boxes! Ideal for gift giving."

Storage tins, by Emma Ball, pocket tins, sliding lid, choice of cute designs, Sheep, Puffins, Knitters, Penguins, Woollies, Kittens
Emma

5 out of 5 stars

"A lovely tin and perfect for my friend! Thank you!"

Personalised Hearts Tin, Biscuit Tin, Gifts for Her, Personalised Biscuit Tin, Cute Hearts, Personalised Tin, Boho Hearts
Maureen Barrot

5 out of 5 stars

"Great tin for my friend."

Small Hinged Tins

Tins

Botton tin, notions tin

Cracker Jack 1990 Limited Edition Canister Depicting Three 1920s Characters

Edition 016: WHAT'S UP BROTHER Metal Snus Can, Snus Container, Tin, Can, Dip Can, Metal Container for Zyn Pouches, Nicotine Pouch Tin, Gift

Nico Tin

Vintage DeWitt Antacid Powder Tin Blue White Metal Container Bathroom Pharmacy Decor Collectible Tin Advertising PanchosPorch

Edition 017: AMERICA Metal Snus Can, Metal Container for Zyn, ON, Velo, or Lucy, Snus Container, Tobacco Container, Dip Can, Gift for Him

Vintage SMITH BROTHERS Tin Cough Drops Classic Replica Metal Container Farmhouse Kitchen Decor Collectible Tin Box Company PanchosPorch

Vintage Unity Mills Sugar Tin Anthorns Pure Sugar Red Black Gold Metal Storage Box England Case Mfg PanchosPorch

Vintage MILK CAN Tin Dairy Fresh Mini Milkcan Farm Scene Cow Metal Container Farmhouse Kitchen Decor Collectible Tin PanchosPorch

Vintage COCA COLA Tin 1999 Astronaut Soda Jerk Fountain Scene Metal Container Kitchen Decor Collectible Tin Advertising PanchosPorch

Antique Tin Box Edward Sharp & Sons of Maidstone * Antique Collectable Tin Box Young Queen Elizabeth II * Made in England

Crayola Collector Tin W Lid Storage Gift Box Limited Edition NO CRAYONS Vintage

Vintage 1960s Flower Power Mod Metal Recipe Index Office Box J Chein

Pouch Guard-Container- Different Versions - Perfect for ZYN and other pouches

Cookie Tin- Catchall Tin- Vintage English Tin- Cracked Flower Tin – Tea Tin-Treasures Tin- Unique Tin- Housewarming Gift- Gift for Her

Vintage Made in Holland Green Floral Square Biscuit Tin

Vintage Mandarin Duck Hinged Tin by Mads Stage, Mandarin 'And' by Danish Artist, Collectible Tin, Duck Nature Lover Lake House Decor

SALE! German Music Tin - UNUSED - Schumann Gingerbread, Partial Tag, Great Cond/Gift -Vintage - Rare, Fabulous!

Vintage Mr Coffee Tin Fresh Brewed Coffee Metal Container Farmhouse Kitchen Decor Collectible Tin Advertising PanchosPorch

Vintage HERSHEYS Cocoa Tin CHOCOLATE Powder Metal Container Farmhouse Kitchen Decor Collectible Tin Advertising Bristol Ware PanchosPorch

Vintage Marks & Spencer St.Michael Crystal Fruit Drops tin from the 90s

Cactus tin LARGE, Notions tin, treasure box, jewellery box

Edition 007: MAZA Metal Snus Can, Custom Snus Container, Tobacco Can, Dip Can, Gift For Nicotine Pouches Tin, Tobacco,Gift

UPPER DECKYS: Metal Snus Can for Zyn, Velo, Rogue, or Lucy Pouches, Snus Holder, Snus Container, Gifts for Zyn User, Gifts for Him

Japanese Tea Canister | Chazutsu 200g | Made in Japanese | Tin Canister |

Vintage Ocean Queen coffee Tin with Lid Coffee Storage container Retro Kitchen decorative Cotainer Coffee Bar Mid-century Home decor Blue

Forgive Me Father metal zyn can, zyn tin, custom snus container, tobacco, dip , gift for nicotine pouches

Vintage West Germany Quatrefoil Shaped Black European Travel Stamps Landmarks Tin Cannister

Pouch Guard Twist Top Container- Perfect for ZYN and other pouches

Pears Soap Metal Storage Tin, Victorian Girl, A & F Pears London England - Oak Hill Vintage

What's Up Brother metal zyn can, zyn tin, custom snus container, tobacco, dip , gift for nicotine pouches

Pouch Guard with CatchCan- Perfect for ZYN and other pouches

Crow tin, stitch marker tin LARGE (017)

Metal Zyn Can Laser Engraved Zyn Can

Artist Collaboration Dapper Dan Twist Pouch Guard.

Pouch Keeper - Zyn Pouch Screw Container Compact and Stylish Nicotine Pouch Holder | Perfect Gift for Him, Her, Christmas & More

VTG Daher Tins for Tea Biscuit Party Favors Candy Storage Ideal for Bridal Baby Shower Gift

Red Owl Spice Tin In Poppy Seed 2 1/2 Ounce Size, Canco, Mid Century 1948, Collector Gift

1989 Celestial Tea Tin, Wild Forest Blackberry Herb Tea, Woodland Wildlife, Collectible - Oak Hill Vintage

Vintage yellow and pink chinoiserie floral tin box cherry blossoms Geisha

12 Types | Portable | Mini Tin Box | pocket stash, metal container, tiny pill container, container for jewelry, candy | B410-2 | KS-MX-045

Big Ben Tin, English Collectable Metal Box, Clock, Embossed Design, Square Shape Storage Tin, Excellent condition, Great gift

Vintage DICKINSONS Witch Hazel Tin Double Distilled Metal Container Farmhouse Kitchen Decor Collectible Tin Advertising PanchosPorch

Grey biscuit storage tin, sweetie jars, goodie box, metal tin box, storage box, hamper gift, refillable gift, gift for husband, for dad

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland English Breakfast Collectable Tea Tin

Vintage- Tin- Shabby Chic- - Sewing - Quilting -MCM- Mid Century- West German- Winter- Chocolate- Biscuit- Box- Victorian- Edwardian - Gift

Mariana Madrani Cocaine Chewing Gum - reproduction patent medicine tin for reenactors, cosplay, gamers - perfect gift

Metal Zyn Can Laser Engraved Zyn Can

Churchill's of London - Carousel tin (empty) - highly collectible

Edition 005: FREEDOM Metal Snus Can, Metal Container for Zyn, ON, Velo, or Lucy, Snus Container, Tobacco Container, Dip Can, Gift for Him

vintage beautiful large orange tin with key, Japanese inspired theme, cranes, flamingo's, ideal for storing sweets, postcards, letters ...

Altoid Tin Tackle Box! Tool Box! Jewelry Box!

Vintage 1950s 50s Tea Caddy Tin Floral Tin

Vintage Blue White Floral Tin Canister Dutch Amsterdam Holland Windmill Canal House Canal Boat Scene Candy Tea Craft Storage Tin

Some Golf Thing Pouch Guard Twist Limited Production Run

Custom Engraved Metal Zyn Can Tin

Metal Zyn Can Laser Engraved Zyn Can

Vintage 1983 Quaker Oats Circular Tin/Old Oatmeal Tin/Bakers Tin

Japanese Style Tea Tins 16 oz

Vintage Retro Tin Boxes with Lid

Mellin cookie Tin box. Mellin tin box. Vintage tin box. Vintage home decor.

Danish IRMA Tin by Vibeke Alfelt 1981. Modern Coffee Tin canister. Contemporary Art illustration. Scandinavian Modern Collectible.

Churchill Carousel Tin Box Toffee Vintage Round Merry Go Round Circus Red with Gold

Edition 013: BIRDIE SAUCE Metal Snus Can, Custom Snus Container, Tobacco Can, Dip Can, Gift For Nicotine Pouches Tin, Tobacco,Gift

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