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.

Linda

5 out of 5 stars

"This anniversary tree with branches for any little ones was the perfect gift: tin for ten! A gift of something made of tin for the tenth anniversary! It came out perfectly with the initials, date, and the baby's name. They loved it and were delighted to receive it."

10 Year Anniversary Gift, Tin Anniversary Gift, Anniversary, Family Tree, Personalized Names and Wedding Date Stamped, Aluminum Anniversary
Candace

5 out of 5 stars

"Adorable little tin box. Very happy with quality and item was well packaged. Just as described. Happy with seller."

Vintage Bird altered tin
Elizabeth Smith

5 out of 5 stars

"It's a very cute tin"

Vintage Black Cat advertisement altered tin #2
kimbrunkhorst

5 out of 5 stars

"These tin cups are absolutely stunning! It’s the perfect gift for our 10th Anniversary, and I’m so excited to give them to my husband. The quality is great, they are packaged with care, and even though I ordered them somewhat late, they were here before time. THANK YOU!"

10 Year Anniversary Gift for Husband Tin Year Mugs, 10th anniversary gift for her 10th Wedding Anniversary for Couple Personalized Camp Mugs

Tins

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Vintage Rotary Tin of Treasures - Sewing Crafting Inspiration Collection - Vintage Gifts - Sewing Gifts - Ephemera Tin - Sewing Tin - Gifts

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

Vintage Elite Storage Tin ~ Made in England ~ Metal Canister with Lid ~ 12” Tall Box Can Container ~ Pretty Floral Paisley Tin Containers

Vintage Tin Rexall Lavender Deodorant Talc Advertising Tin

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

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

10 Metal Tins for Crafting, Wedding Favors, Baby Shower Favors, Plain Hinged Lid Tin, Altoid Tin, Blank Tin, Gold Tin, Copper Tin

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

Vintage Tin Box, 1960's Brightly Colored Tin, Finial Top, Theatrical Theme, Circus Kaleidoscope Design, Red Gold Silver Blue, Pretty Storage

Vintage McCormick's Popcorn Tin - decorative interior decor

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

Tin Stationary Square Box Vintage Pre Owned

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Vintage George W Horner Style Biscuit Toffee Gold Themed Tin Cherry Blossoms

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

60 Metal Tins for Crafting, Wedding Favors, Baby Shower Favors, Plain Hinged Lid Tin, Altoid Tin, Blank Tin, Gold Tin, Copper Tin

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Button tin, notions tin

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

Vintage Indian Brass Chapati Container

Tin Box bundle of 4 | Trinket Box Collectors | home decor vintage collection tea tin boxes kitsch old antique colourful decorative storage

Vintage Bishop's petite wafer tin large, rusty, patina, turquoise navy graphics, Bishop company Los Angeles San diego california 2 LBS 10ozs

Crow tin, stitch marker tin LARGE (017)

Vintage Collectible Sunflower Designs 1970’s Small Hinged Tin Box Pills Stash Snuff Gift

Special price - V8 Engine Can Holder - Can holder in engine block design - Grey, Dark Blue, Red

Vintage Yellow Nestle Toll House Cookie Tin can with Lid & Recipe, 1990s

Vintage 1993 Unlock the Magic Oreo Christmas Tin

Vintage Tin Tea Container

Nabisco Ritz Cracker Metal Tin Round w/ Lid 13 Oz 70s National Biscuit Company

1960’s Tea Tins Small Flower Pattern Collectible Tea Containers Made in England Floral Tea Party Colourful Vintage Tins Grandma’s Kitchen

12PCS 2oz/60ml/60G Aluminum Tin,Screw Round top Metal tins with Lid ,Small Container Storage Jar Lip Balm,Salve tin,Travel Tin

Nico Tin

Vintage Black Metal Rooster Kitchen Tin Canister

Vintage Tin by Daher, Made in England, Lidded, 5 Inches Tall, Floral Design, Collectible Metal Cannister, Home Shelf Decor, Kitchen.

Vintage Tin Ice Bucket Pal Retro Colorful Flowers Storage Pail with Handle Made in England Metal Craft Room Storage Container Biscuit Box

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

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

Daher Tin Box - pink and green floral roses buds cottage sweet

Vintage 1940s Nash's Coffee Red & White One Pound Polka Dot Tin - Kitschy and Fun! Mid Century Red Kitchen Decor

Altoids-Esc Metal Hinged Tin Wallet Gift Card Holder Box Stash Trendy Cute Wizard Crystal Castles Hello Kitty Gummy Bear Anime Manga Mouse

Vintage Red Rose Coffee Metal Tin - 1 lb. Tin (empty) without Lid

36 Sets 1oz/30ml Silver Aluminum Tin,Small Screw Round Lip Metal Tin Storage Jar Balm Container Lid

Old tin can, vintage tin box, tin canister, trinket box, tobacco can, kitchen decorative box, mid century container, decor collectible tins

VINTAGE Nurnberger-Elisen-Lebkuchen-Metzger-Haeberlein German Spiced Cakes Advertising Graphics Tin EUROPEAN

1977 Ritz Tin

Vintage Scottie Dogs Licorice Candy Tin

Vintage, Whitman's Chocolates Tin Box, 1492 Santa Maria Columbus Ship Design

Vintage SWANO - SCHWAN metal pencil tin litho empty box. Very old!

Vintage Tin, Household Oil, Tru-Test

Vintage Set of 3 Watkins 125th Anniversary Heritage Nesting Tin Canisters

Vintage Greek Empty Tin Litho Cigarette Box PELLA Macedonian Cigarettes Factor

OREO 40th Anniversary Cookie Can VINTAGE Limited Edition: Display can, Lunch box

Vintage Floral Cookie Tin with Lid; Vintage Floral Cookie Tin; Round Cookie Tin Made in England

Vintage QUIMPER Tole Tin Storage Box, Lidded Keepsake Lithograph Case Container for Room Bar Cafe Club Decoration Traditional Breton Man

Vintage Dodo Designs BABY Swiss Made Small Collectible Tin Pill Box Snuff Stash Box

Vintage Campbell's Tomato Soup 1996 Tin Canister (S325)

Vintage Tin, Canadian Mountie on patrol, Made in England

Vintage English Candy Tin in Green and Gold

Vintage Tin /Oval Possible Tea Tin

Tin Cans 4"x3", 12 count MIXED, Smooth Edges, Mixed Flat & Round Bottom Edges, Empty Soup / Veggie Cans, Cans for Crafting. Recycling

Decoupaged tin can with durable acrylic sealant, choice of two different birds, pen holder, brush holder, planter, vase

Vintage Daher Tin, Collectible Metal Covered Biscuit, Storage Bowl, England, Imari Style Panels, Patterns, Orange, Blue, Green, Gold, Birds

Vintage Peacock and Wildlife Hinged Lid Biscuit Tin English Tin

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