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.

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
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)
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
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!!
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

Tins

Vintage Biscuit Tin, Cookie Tin, Storage Tin, William Crawford & Sons Biscuit Tin 1930s

Round Chinese metal tin heavy lidded tin dragon motif dragon

Antique Limoges Trinket Box / Vanity Jar

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

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

Vintage Hallmark circular tin

Black floral Tin Dose Shabby Colorful Container Decorative Kitchen storage lidded box Cotage Mid-century Art Retro Canister Vintage kitchen

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

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

An original vintage 1980s Dutch Don Miguel Miguelitos duck egg blue and gold cigar tin with original paper

Decorative Tin, Storage Box, Metal Tin, Forget Me Not, Blue Flowers, Jewelry Case, Resin, Pressed Flowers, Altoid-size, Sewing Kit, Purse

Vintage Drostes Cacao Cocoa Powder Tin from Haarlem, Holland

Becher "Kalea" / Behälter / Aufbewahrung / Becher mit Deckel / Ablage / Keraflott / Homedecor / Dekoration

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

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

Vintage Calumet Tin Baking Powder Can 5 Lb Farmhouse Kitchen Primitive

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

Vintage Horner Toffee Tin Blue Floral

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

vintage Doans pill tin

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

Vintage Hershey's Chocolate Kitchen Tin, Lidded with Metal Clamp, Airtight Kitchen Storage, " A Kiss for You"

Vintage Propert's Leather and Saddle Soap Tin

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

Antique "Coffee" tin

Vintage Typhoo Caddy, Tin

Vintage Nevr-Dull Magic Wadding Polish Tin 1941

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

Vintage-Inspired Lead Soldier Metal Storage Tin Set - 3-Piece Decorative Cookie & Keepsake Tins

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

Pot "Talea" / Keraflott / Vase / Pot for dried flowers / Artificial flowers / Container / Storage / Table decoration / Decoration / Candle

Celestial swallows tin (022)

Vintage Oxo Cube Tin/Caddy

Vintage Tin Boxes "Feeding the Ducks & Geese

Crow tin, stitch marker tin LARGE (017)

Vintage Tin- Christmas Tin Container - Christmas Decor- Cookie Tin- Catchall Tin- Festive Container- Christmas Storage

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

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

Vintage 1970s Nabisco Saltines Cracker Tin 9.5"

Vintage RED BARN with COWS metal tin and lid

Rectangular Slide Top Tins，Solid perfume sliding tins，lip balm sliding tins, 9 colors, suitable for crafts, storage.

Altoid Tin Tackle Box! Tool Box! Jewelry Box!

tin food cans for upcycling, regular size

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

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

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

2 Antique French Tins for the Kitchen

Decorative Tin, Storage Box, Metal Tin, Tin, Jewelry Box, Sewing Case, Teacher Gift, Alyssum, Resin, Black, Pressed Flowers, Altoid-size

Decorative Tin, Storage Box, Tin, Jewelry Box, Resin, Black, Queen Anne’s Lace, Pressed Flowers, Altoid-size, Sewing Kit, Purse, Gift

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

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

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

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

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

Personalised Pocket Tin

Sheep tin LARGE, Notions tin, treasure box, jewellery box (042)

Vintage Decorative Biscuit Tins

Cat knitting notions tin, LARGE card case (026)

Vintage Blue Checked Floral Tin with Royal Blue Interior & Removable Lid, 9 inch long Rectangular Metal Container, Made in Hong Kong

Whale notions tin LARGE (032)

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

Vintage rose pattern tin

Vintage Floral Tin George W. Horner & Co. - Made In England

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

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