I keep a tin of Altoids in my purse at all times. As a result, I end up with lots of empty tins.
They’re so neat. I just hate to throw them away. Such a nice little compact container, relatively waterproof with a tight fitting lid.
It’s a shame not to reuse them, no?
Uses For Altoids Tins: Mom Version
The kids and I have come up with quite a few creative uses for Altoids tins that are especially helpful for moms. (Because if you Google it, you’ll find plenty more uses, but they’re a little… obscure.)
Altoids Tin as Crayon Case
It just so happens that crayons fit perfectly inside an Altoids tin. It holds around 20 or so. Perfect to keep in your purse for moments when you need some quick kid entertainment.
Or when you go to a restaurant where kids eat free, and they hand you those placemats the kids can color on, then hand you 3 crayons. For 6 kids. Um… yeah.
Earbud Keeper
I dunno about you, but whenever I need my earbuds, they’ve mysteriously disappeared somewhere in my son’s room, where they’ve picked up way too much earwax (and dust, from the extra earwax).
Better to keep mine tucked into an Altoids tin, hidden in my desk.
Lipstick/Lip Balm Keeper
I hate when I have to dig for lipstick or lip balm, both of which I am horribly addicted to, in the recesses of my purse. My lipsticks fit perfectly into the tin. No more searching!
First Aid Kit
I keep Band-Aids and a little tub of Burt’s Bees first aid rub in a tin in my purse.
Tea bag/Honey/Stevia
Some people carry stevia packets with them so that when they go to a restaurant, they don’t have to use sugar or some nasty substitute. My green tea packets fit perfectly in there too.
Other uses we’ve conjured up so you don’t have to:
- Mini Sewing Kit (a couple of extra buttons, small spool of thread, needles)
- Vitamins and supplements for travel
- Earrings and jewelry storage for travel, or not
- Tiny LEGOs
- Loose change/piggy bank
- Baby and toddler hairbows and rubber bands
- Emergency toddler entertainment – fill with stickers and a couple of small plastic toys for use when tot has to sit still
Have you found any creative uses for Altoids tins? Please share below!
You could use the tins to hide geocaches if your family happens to be into geocaching. It is big enough to leave a couple small treasures for others to find.
I don’t like to throw them either, you’ve given me some great tips!! and they last A LOT too!!!
One of the main uses I have given one, the same one since 2009, is for small craft supplies for my amigurumi. One or 2 yarn needles, security eyes, cotton thread in black, etc. It’s perfect.
You make me want to go get some altoids LOL!
When B was a baby/toddler, Jerry used to fill them up with things like buttons and pennies so B could shake to his heart’s delight.
Great ideas!!!