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.

Angela

5 out of 5 stars

"I’m a repeat customer of this shop because the tins are so pretty and of good quality. The lid design is lovely and the tin makes a perfect pill box."

Crow tin, stitch marker tin SMALL (017)
Kathleen Woodruff

4 out of 5 stars

"Cute little tins for a birthday basket."

Set of 4 Ladybug Tins, Hinged Tin, Small Metal Tin, Tiny Tin, Decorative Tins
Sophia

5 out of 5 stars

"Little Cloverine tin arrived speedily and in excellent condition. Travis (and kids) enclosed a very warm thank you note that made me smile and think about it throughout my day. Thank YOU Travis and your beautiful family for such wonderful customer service and this thoughtful moment of connection amidst the pandemic. Hoping you're all happy and healthy. - Mari"

Rare Vintage Cloverine Aspirin Tin, Tyrone, PA 1940s
Amber Wallin

5 out of 5 stars

"This is so cool! Very sturdy 3D print, and I love that the tin still smells like cinnamon Altoids."

Altoid Tin Travel Watercolor Palette!!
Marie Elena O'Brien

4 out of 5 stars

"I would love this item, but I was extremely disappointed that the art was applied upside down to the direction that the tin opens."

Ivy & Laurel Mucha altered tin

Tins

Vintage DUCATI 60 mint box Miniature tin box Nostalgic retro motorcycle Ducati Cucciolo Motorcycle Lovers accessories Ducati memorabilia

Crow tin, stitch marker tin LARGE (017)

Altoid Tin Tackle Box! Tool Box! Jewelry Box!

Vintage French Tin Box- Yellow Gold Color with Bold Lettering and Graphics

Art Deco case 800 silver, Louis Kuppenheim

Vintage Lid Tin 70s Plastic Beige/Green Retro Seventies Mid Century Shabby Chic Country Style

Lovely empty mini book tin Cioccolatini VenchiEmpty Venchi Chocolate Book-Shaped Collectible Tin Box Made in Italy empty tin

Antique Cadbury Silver Jubilee Tin, 1910 to 1935, Small, Thin Profile, Includes Original Card with Handwriting on Back

Vintage Daher Design CAP-TINS Litho Tin made in England, CHOICE of Rabbit or Snowwoman Tin

Vintage Casa Via Variccio Pasta Tin - Italy Napoli Bologna Turino Green Cylinder Tin - Spaghetti Pasta Container

Vintage H.M. Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Tin, Pinkish-Lavender and Pale Blue Borders, by Edward Sharp & Sons, Circa 1953

Baking Because Murder is Wrong Cake Tin, Personalised Baking Tin, Watercolor Baking Tin, Baking Gift, Personalised Birthday Gift, Cake

Vintage silver gingerbread chest from Haeberlein-Metzger, Nuremberg Silver

Beautiful London Empty Tin London Red bus tin collectible mini tin + London characters tin UK tins x 2 England Brand: New English teas

De Ruiter oranje hagel blik, Queen and Princess Holland, 1980

Pouch Keeper - Zyn Pouch Container - Nicotine Holder - Screw Container for Nicotine

Vintage Red Striped Bandbox Style Barker & Dobson Sweet Chocolate Box Miniature Hat Box with Pom Pom

Happy Birthday - Edward Sharp & Sons Toffee Tin - Golden Cocker Spaniel Puppy, Balloons and Streamers Tin/Container

Celestial swallows tin (022)

Baking is My Love Language Cake Tin, Personalised Baking Tin, Watercolor Baking Tin, Baking Gift, Personalised Birthday Gift, Cake

Baked By Personalised Cake Tin, Personalised Baking Tin, Watercolor Tin, Baking Gift, Personalised Birthday Gift, Gift For Cake

Vintage Hallmark circular tin

English Hunt Scene Biscuit Tin

Fuck off I'm Baking Cake Tin, Personalised Baking Tin, Watercolor Baking Tin, Baking Gift, Personalised Birthday Gift, Cake

Vintage Bath Powder Tin, Lavender Bath, Feminine Floral Container, Bathroom Display

OREO Cookie Holiday 1 Pound Tin Container Lidded Nabisco Advertising 1990

Classic Harrods Tea Tin-Vintage Green & Gold-Made in England

Gnome storage tin, David the gnome, Rien poortvliet. #89BGDAK3

Old Bicycle Advertising Tins Packaging

Empire Sewing Thread Tin; Sewing Tin, Thread Tin, Sewing Notion Tin, Sewing Collectible, Sewing Decor, Collectible Tin

Decorative Tin, Rice Flowers, Resin, Color Changing, Orange, Yellow, Pressed Flowers, Altoid-size, White Flowers, Sewing Kit, Jewelry Case

1960's - 1970's Vintage - Needlepoint Tin - Floral - Round - 8 1/4 x 3 1/8" - VERY Good Condition

Tooled Leather Engraved Tin, Stash Tin, Travel Tin, Gift Box

DutchJunkYard- Twinings Special Breakfast Tea EMPTY Tin in Green and Gold Colors, Metal Tea Caddy, Square Storage Canister - England 1980s

Case 950 silver, bamboo decoration, Japan

Vintage Las-Stik Wax Treated Car And Home Cloth Gas Oil Tin Auto Garage

Early MacLaren's Peanut Butter Tin

Vintage Dark Red Embossed Faux Leather Covered Round Biscuit Tin, Peacock Tin, Tin Collection

Personalised Pocket Tin

Vintage Rare Round Tin with Floral Buttons

Vintage Floral Embossed COTE D’OR Blue Tin Canister with Gold Accents and Knobbed Lid

Yarn crow notions tin

Vintage Retro Chinoiserie Oval Large Sewing Tin - Asian Motif - Double Handles - Orange/Gold/Black Background - Measures 11in Wide

Vintage Cookie Tin- Christmas Cookie Tin- Christmas Storage-Santa Sleigh Reindeer Collectible Tin - 6” Round Container - Christmas Decor Tin

Dr. Worden's Female Pills - antique reproduction patent medicine tin for reenactors, cosplay - perfect gift for her

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

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

Antique "Coffee" tin

Vintage MCM Round Tin with Faux Mosaics and Three Feet (S250)

Beautiful Vintage Small Floral Tin - The Tin Box Company Designed by Daher - Made in England

Mushroom tin SMALL pill box, pin box, jewellery box, notions tin (006)

DutchJunkYard- THE SNOW QUEEN - Kjeldsens Tin Canister Box- Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales - The Snow Queen - Michael Hague Art - 1980s

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

Vintage Brass Tea Caddy, Brass Storage Tin, Joseph Stanley & Sons Hammered Brass Arts and Crafts

Country Style Decorative Tree-Patterned Metal Cookie Tin Set - 2-Piece Rustic Storage Canisters

1980's Purple Delphinium Tin Box, Vintage Tin, Shades of Purple, Pretty Storage Tin, Useful Recycle Reuse, Crafty Storage, Kitchen Studio

Vintage Hills Bros or Radiant Roast Coffee Tins, Your Choice, 2 lb Tins

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

Custom Printed Metal Tin Engraving | Black Matte | Add a special message

Vintage Storage | 2013 “Red Sled" Hot Cocoa Container Tin

Ram notions tin

Cherry Blossom & Swallow Tin SMALL

Vintage Biscuit Tin Cookie Canister

Burton's Gold Medal Biscuits LTD Tin Decorative Storage Vintage 50s 60s Morning Glories

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