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

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

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

Someone Added A Different Lid To This Antique Campfire Marshmallow Tin And It’s Perfection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vintage TEA TINS, Hankoe-Batchelor Tea Co, England

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

Pouch Guard with CatchCan- Perfect for ZYN and other pouches

Vintage Helen Harrison Candies Tin | Black Floral Tin Storage Container | Metal Box With Lid

Vintage Floral Butterfly Tin, Collectible Tin Box

Vintage old French Set of 5 canisters La Fontaine Fables 5 lithograph tin box 1900s/1920s

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

Personalised Metal Square Chocolate Tin

Vintage tin canister battle theme antique metal box

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

Crow tin, stitch marker tin LARGE (017)

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

Artist Collaboration Dapper Dan Twist Pouch Guard.

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

Vintage Metal Canister Green Hand Painted Folk Art Man Woman Peacock No Lid Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen PanchosPorch

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

Metal Zyn Can Laser Engraved Zyn Can

Vintage Tins. Collectable Antique Tins. Retro Advertising Tins. Boho Oxo/tea/Cigar/Money/Biscuit Storage Caddy. Small Vintage Storage Box.

Metal Zyn Can Laser Engraved Zyn Can

Altoid Tin Tackle Box! Tool Box! Jewelry Box!

Vintage, Jacksons Of Piccadilly,Jacksons Tea Tin,English,Tea Storage,Collectible Tin,Tea Tin

Antique tin box with lid, Soviet vintage memory box, Pill box vintage from Ukraine

Metal Zyn Can Laser Engraved Zyn Can

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

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

Metal Picnic Basket Tin LU Biscuits Tin Lefevre-Utile Weave Tin Hinged Lids Two Openings Bale Handle Vtg 1930 Litho Lunch Box 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 ...

Steampunk metal box set, Mechanical tin, Personalized box, tin box mini Christmas gift, Christmas retro gifts for men, Merry Christmas gift

USS Idaho, US Naval Ships on Vintage Tin for Loose Wiles Biscuits, Octagonal Tin with Many SCRAPES, Store Treasures or Supplies, Use as Prop

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

Louise Carling Vintage Tin Green Apple Flower Storage Container England Metal

Venz chocolate sprinkles, cans of milk and dark chocolate

stash tin handmade, unique witchy spell tin, handmade spell tin, trinket box, resin box, candle tin, unique jewelry box, ritual tool box

Decorative vintage Mekter Tee container Blue Mint Silver Vintage Tee storage German Mid Century storage can with Lid Small decorative dose

Metal tin coffee tin vintage Eichhorn Hannover coffee tin tin poppy flowers poppies anniversary tin

Blue Fluted Lace Pattern Royal Copenhagen Collectible Biscuit Cookie Tin Signed by Liz Folding 1984

Rusty metal box set, Customized set, Personalized tin set, tin box mini Christmas gift, Christmas retro gifts for men, Merry Christmas gift

Old metal biscuit box / Petit Beurre Biscuits / CAIFFA brand / Vintage decoration / Old box collection / France

Custom Engraved Metal Zyn Can Tin

Some Golf Thing Pouch Guard Twist Limited Production Run

Ludlow town - Small Round metal storage tin

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

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

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

Steampunk metal box set, Mechanical tin, Personalized box, tin box mini Christmas gift, Christmas retro gifts for men, Merry Christmas gift

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

Antique victorian ornate fancy embossed tin storage box chest coverd wagon!

Personalised Bits & Bobs Tin

An original vintage pre Euro Panther Sprint rectangular black and gold 50 Cigarillos tin

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