12 Unique Altoids Altered Box Ideas

Who doesn’t love tiny things? They’re like little worlds of magic, perfectly sized for imaginative play or practical convenience. If you’ve got a stash of empty Altoids tins and a creative itch, you’re in for a treat! These sturdy little boxes can be transformed into something extraordinary.

Whether you’re making them as gifts for your grandchildren (who will think you’re a creative GENIUS!) or as fun weekend projects, these ideas are perfect for crafting and gifting. Let’s dive into 12 creative and unique ways to alter Altoids tins that are just as fun to make as they are to use!

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Don't Have Any Empty Tins?

Did you know you can buy empty Altoid or Mint tins on Amazon?!?

1. Travel Sewing Kit

For the budding fashion designer or craft-loving kiddo, create a sewing kit that’s portable and adorable! Include tiny spools of thread, needles (careful there!), safety pins, buttons, and mini scissors. Decorate the tin with fabric or vintage sewing-themed scrapbook paper. Not only is it practical, but it’s also a great way to teach sewing basics while sparking creativity.

2. Pocket-Sized Art Kit

For the artist-in-the-making, an Altoids tin art kit is a dream! Add a few mini watercolor pans, a tiny brush, some pencil stubs, and small sheets of watercolor paper. Decorate the tin with colorful paint splatters or doodles for an artsy vibe. It’s the perfect on-the-go creative outlet for car rides or quiet afternoons.

3. Tiny Travel Altar

Create a calming and spiritual space that fits in your pocket. Add small crystals, a tiny candle, and maybe even a miniature incense stick. Decorate the tin with celestial patterns, mandalas, or peaceful colors. This can be a sweet introduction to mindfulness or simply a unique keepsake for older grandkids who love meditative moments.

4. Altoids Tin Dollhouse

This one is PURE magic for Polly Pocket fans! Turn an Altoids tin into a teeny dollhouse complete with miniature furniture, fabric bedding, and a little clay figure. Paint the inside to look like cozy wallpaper, and make the lid resemble the front of a house. Your grandkids will be thrilled with their portable playhouse!

5. Jewelry Organizer

Help your grandkids keep their tiny treasures safe with a jewelry organizer! Line the tin with soft padding and add compartments for rings, earrings, or bracelets. Decorate the outside with glitter, rhinestones, or their favorite colors. It’s functional AND fabulous—what’s not to love?

6. Mini Zen Garden

Bring a little peace into their world with a mini zen garden! Fill the tin with fine sand, add a tiny rake (made from toothpicks), and include a few small stones or crystals. Paint the tin with tranquil patterns, like bamboo or waves. It’s a calming project that’s perfect for teaching the value of quiet moments.

7. Mini Puzzle or Game Box

Create a portable game box for endless entertainment! Paint a chessboard or tic-tac-toe grid inside the tin and include magnetic game pieces. Or make a mini jigsaw puzzle that fits neatly inside. Your grandkids will love having their very own pocket game set for road trips or rainy days.

8. Portable Spice Kit

Okay, this one might be more for the older grandkids who love to cook. Fill the tin with tiny containers of colorful spices, perfect for experimenting in the kitchen. Decorate the tin with a foodie theme, like cute utensils or cooking-themed scrapbook paper. It’s a fun way to encourage culinary creativity!

9. DIY Gift Box

Use an Altoids tin as a one-of-a-kind gift box! Add a piece of jewelry, a tiny keepsake, or a handwritten note. Decorate the tin to match the occasion—think hearts for Valentine’s Day, snowflakes for Christmas, or flowers for birthdays. Your grandkids will love the personalized touch, and the tin itself becomes a keepsake.

10. Magnetic Fishing Game

Here’s a game idea they’ll flip for! Paint the bottom of the tin to look like a pond, and create tiny fish cutouts with magnets attached. Make a fishing pole from a toothpick, string, and another magnet, and let the “fishing” fun begin. It’s adorable, interactive, and endlessly entertaining.

11. Portable Miniature Library

Create a library of miniature books that fit perfectly inside the tin. Write tiny stories, print mini versions of classics, or let your grandkids create their own little books! Decorate the tin to look like a bookshelf, and you’ve got the cutest portable library ever. Perfect for young readers or budding authors.

Let the Crafting Begin!

Altoids tins are the perfect blank canvas for tiny, magical projects that your grandchildren will cherish. Whether you’re making something practical, playful, or just plain cute, these ideas are a surefire way to impress them. The best part? You get to enjoy some quality creative time together while giving new life to these little boxes.

Which one are you going to try first? Share your creations or ideas—I’d LOVE to see what you come up with!

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