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.

Kd Kidd

5 out of 5 stars

"Got this for my hubby to store his cartridges. He was looking for a vintage medicine tin and said this was so much better. Loved that all the decorations were very secure on the tin, felt like they belonged there and nothing was going to come loose over time and use."

Vintage Style Poison Altered Tin
babers09

5 out of 5 stars

"Love this tin. Can’t have too many tins for notions, right?"

Tea time notion tin
Cassie Jorgensen

5 out of 5 stars

"Cute tin but ridiculously slow shipping. Seller sent item via media mail."

Vintage Tins Hinged Assortment
Joycelyn Franklin

5 out of 5 stars

"I’m enjoying my lovely Stitch Marker Advent Calendar so much that I need a beautiful tin to store all the little treasures. The exquisite vintage artwork and sturdy craftsmanship of all the pieces from Firefly Notes means I will be able to use these lovelies for years to come. I appreciate all the extra goodies included and the very quick shipping, too. Wonderful seller and shopping experience !"

Jelly fish tin LARGE, Notions tin, treasure box, jewellery box (034)

Tins

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

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

Botton tin, notions tin

Crow tin, stitch marker tin LARGE (017)

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

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

Personalised Pocket Tin

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

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

3 Pack - Metal Tins | Blank Altoid Tins, Hinged Lid Tin Boxes for Wedding Favors, Embroidery Supply Storage, Craft Projects - RECTANGLE TINS

Celestial swallows tin (022)

Black Walnut Round Aluminum Tin | Screw Top | 6 Varieties | Beautiful Cosmetic Packaging

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

Pouch Guard with CatchCan- Perfect for ZYN and other pouches

Metal Zyn Can Laser Engraved Zyn Can

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

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

Custom Printed Metal Tin Engraving | Add a special message

Vintage Decorative Biscuit Tins

Steel Tins Enamel-Coated Hand-painted Red, Green or Blue / Handmade decorative storage tins multi-coloured / Housewarming Gift/ Diwali Gift

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland English Breakfast Collectable Tea Tin

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

2 Pcs ~ Black Walnut Round Aluminum Tins | Screw Top | 6 Varieties! | Luxury Cosmetic Packaging

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

Vintage Made in Holland Green Floral Square Biscuit Tin

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

Altoid Tin Tackle Box! Tool Box! Jewelry Box!

Crow tin, stitch marker tin SMALL (017)

EDC Titanium Alloy Can Sealed Storage Box Camping Gear Portable Medicine Organizer Coffee Can

2pk ~ Sliding Tins | for Lip Balm • Solid Cologne • Solid Lotion | Choose Small • Medium • Large | multiple sizes

Japanese Style Tea Tins 24 OZ

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

Artist Collaboration Dapper Dan Twist Pouch Guard.

Custom Image Metal Tin Engraving | Black, Silver, or Gold Tins

Pouch Guard Twist Top- Keep your Pouches secure and have easy access

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

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

Van Nelle - coffee and tea - Holland, vintage tin of Van Nelle coffee (Holland), beautiful nostalgic images, from the 1960s

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

Cracker Jack 1990 Limited Edition Canister Depicting Three 1920s Characters

Nico Tin

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

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

Vintage 40s Panama Manifold Supplies Queen Bess Advertising Typewriter Ribbon Tins

Zynius Zyn Metal Can For Snus Tin! Metal Snus Can, Custom Snus Container, Tobacco Can, Dip Can, Gift For Nicotine Pouches Tin, Tobacco,Gift

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

Vintage Octagonal Black Birds Tin With Hinged Lid Made In England

Empty notions tin, rectangle tin, knitting gift, sewing gift, tin Jewellery box, tin gift box, tin storage box.

Edition 009: 6 MILLY Metal Snus Can, Metal Container for Zyn, ON, Velo, or Lucy, Snus Container, Tobacco Container, Dip Can, Gift for Him

Farmhouse Decor, Cookie Tin, Personalized Tin, Metal Cookie Tin, Personalized Bakery Tin, Bakery Box, Kitchen Decor, Cookie Box, Gift Mom

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

Bloom Chinoiserie Cookie Tin - Round Treat Tin - Biscuit Tin - Personalized Cookie Tin - Baking Gift - Blue and White Chinoiserie Storage

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

Customized Snus Can, Snus Container, Personalized Snus Box, Dip Can, Gift For Dip User, Gift For Snus User, Gift For Him, Metal Zyn Can

Personalised Couples Pocket Tin

Metal Zyn Can Laser Engraved Zyn Can

Custom Engraved Metal Zyn Can Tin

Custom Rectangle Silver Aluminum Gift Tin

Masterpiece of Confectionery Packaging Vintage Elegant Tin Silver Plated Box Home Decor Ideal Gift

Zyn Can easy open custom hassle free SNUS holder personalized Zyn Can Gift for him Father's Day Birthday Gift, Valentines, Groomsman gift

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

Vintage Tin Canisters, Daher, England, Hong Kong

Personalized Round or Rectangular Metal Tin

Vintage yellow and pink chinoiserie floral tin box cherry blossoms Geisha

There's so much more for you to discover

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