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 1920’s Brown Bear Brand Creamed Honey 2 Lbs Tin Collectable Tin Made in Canada Vintage Honey Canadian Apiaries Vintage Advertising

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

Suzy's Zoo Christmas Tin Enesco Hong Kong 1979 Vintage Decor Storage Children's Collectibles Box Snack Bar Ideas

Vintage tea tin 80s Chinese tea tins

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

Vintage Currier and Ives Spring Flowers Round Tin

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

Vintage Tin Blue Bird Toffee Tin Niagara Falls Advertising Tin

Vintage Trinket Cigar Treasure Box Hinged Tin Metal West Germany Crest Heraldry

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 Tin Rexall Lavender Deodorant Talc Advertising Tin

Crest and Fleur De Lis West German Tin Chest Box Vintage Storage Tin

Chocolate Amatlier Art Deco Chocolate Tin Empty Retro 1930s Art Deco Advertising

Crow tin, stitch marker tin LARGE (017)

Magnificent Large Orange Cadet Butter Pretzel Tin Adorable Soldier and Perfect as a Christmas Tree Riser for a Smaller Tree

Vintage Nabisco 1969 Premium Saltine Cracker Metal Container Box Tin 14 Oz, Vintage Cracker Tin

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

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

Sunshine Biscuits Mount Rushmore Niagara Falls Large Tin Limited Edition Tow Trays 1986 Vintage Collectible The Shrine of Democracy Unique

Vintage Oval Double Sided Currier and Ives Mississippi River Steamboat Scene Sunshine Biscuits Tin

Vintage Hershey's Cocoa Gold Metal Tin Canister- Baby in a Cocoa Bean- Square Collectible Tin

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

Large rectangle tin with fruit and flowers excellent condition

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

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

absolutely stunning fabric box, absolute rarity brocante, 1920

Personalised Pocket Tin

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

Coupon organizer Vintage 1980’s Life In The Fast Lane Coupon Tin Metal Box Organizer 5.5"x3" interior .25"x4"

Vintage 1981 Christmas Tin Canister Green Container Decorative Old English Style

Vintage Early 1960’s Del Monte Advertising Tin Can 1 LB Moist-Pak Prunes Del Monte Brad Quality Prunes with Paper Label California Packing

Authentic Vintage Droste's Cocoa Tin - Exclusive Retro Kitchen Decor

Italian style biscuit tin

Set of 3 Vintage Decorative Tins-Murray Allen-Riley's Toffee-Round Made in England Container

Premium Pouch Holder for Zyn

Vintage Blue and White Embossed Tin Canister Wedgwood STYLE, Holland- Collectible Tins- Shabby Chic, French Country, Ornate, Filigree

Japanese Style Tea Tins 24 OZ

Vintage Double Sided Winter Fall Currier and Ives Oval Biscuit Cookie Storage Tin

Vintage Band-aid Tins - Your Choice of One

May the Zyn Be With You Metal zyn can, zyn tin, custom snus container, tobacco can, dip can, gift for nicotine pouches

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

Moore Brothers Delicious Teas Tin with hinged lid, London, England, 5-3/4" tall, 4" square, shelf sitter, rustic and weathered

E Otto Schmidt Nurnberg Tin Biscuit Cookie Storage Lebkuchen Und Honig Germany

Verkade vintage tin, Netherlands 1975

Vintage tin, tea, Asian scenes on sides, cranes and designs on top, faded

Vintage Frida and Nada, Chinoiserie Lidded Tin, West Germany, Blue Handled Round Box

Vintage tins from England

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

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

Vintage Drostes Cacao Cocoa Powder Tin from Haarlem, Holland

vintage Doans pill tin

Round Chinese metal tin heavy lidded tin dragon motif dragon

Baked with Love Custom Cookie Tin, Personalized Box, Tin Box, Cookie Tin, Personalized Gift Box, Biscuit Box

Campbell’s Scottish Dog Tin

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

Metal Zyn Can Laser Engraved Zyn Can

Altoids Tin Pill Storage Insert - Ingenious Design for Organized Medication

Set of 3 Valerie Pfeiffer Design Tin Boxes Exceptional !

Metal Zyn Can, Custom Made Snus Container, Metal Snus Can, Gift For Snus User, Dip Can, Gift For Zyn User, Nicotine Pouches Tin, ZYN, Gift

Pouch Guard with CatchCan- Perfect for ZYN and other pouches

Porcelain tea caddy, Schönau, Swaine & Co, Thuringia

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

Vintage Norman Rockwell Christmas Tin, Santa Tin, 1998 Limited Edition Canister, Snickers Brand Canister

Forgive Me Father For I have Zynned can, zyn tin, custom snus container, tobacco can, dip can, gift for nicotine pouches

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