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You are currently viewing DIY Altoid Wallets: Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Mint Tins

DIY Altoid Wallets: Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Mint Tins

Turn Your Old Altoid Tins Into Stylish, Functional Wallets!

Who knew that those little Altoid tins sitting in your drawer could be transformed into something both chic and useful? Repurposing Altoid tins into wallets is a pretty fun, eco-friendly way to stay organized.

Here are 10 creative ways to turn those humble tins into handy wallets that fit right in your pocket (and your aesthetic).


The Minimalist Card Holder

Have a sleek, matte black tin with just enough space to hold your essential cards and a few bills, sliding smoothly into your pocket.

A sleek, matte black tin with just enough space to hold your essential cards and a few bills, sliding smoothly into your pocket.

How to Create It:

  1. Clean your Altoid tin thoroughly.
  2. Paint or cover it with black matte spray paint for a minimalist look.
  3. Add felt lining inside for a soft, protective cushion.
  4. Use elastic bands glued inside to hold your cards securely.
  5. Add a small magnet closure if you want extra security.

The Coin Collector’s Dream

You can have a compact tin with labeled compartments inside, jingling slightly with neatly sorted coins.

A compact tin with labeled compartments inside, jingling slightly with neatly sorted coins.

How to Create It:

  1. Insert small dividers made from cardboard or thin plastic to create compartments.
  2. Line the bottom with felt to reduce noise.
  3. Label each section for different coin denominations.
  4. Decorate the outside with metallic paint for a shiny finish.
  5. Add a secure latch if needed.

The Travel-Sized Emergency Wallet

You can also use old altoid tins as a rugged tin filled with emergency cash, a backup credit card, and even a tiny folded map or emergency contact card.

A rugged tin filled with emergency cash, a backup credit card, and even a tiny folded map or emergency contact card.

How to Create It:

  1. Clean and decorate the outside with durable washi tape or waterproof stickers.
  2. Add a layer of foam inside to keep contents snug.
  3. Store emergency cash, a spare key, and a mini contact list.
  4. Include a small multi-tool if space allows.
  5. Secure with an elastic band around the tin for extra closure.

The Vintage Chic Wallet

This is an aesthetic one – an Altoid tin with a distressed, vintage look, adorned with floral decoupage and antique-style clasps.

An Altoid tin with a distressed, vintage look, adorned with floral decoupage and antique-style clasps.

How to Create It:

  1. Sand the tin slightly for a worn look.
  2. Apply decoupage glue and vintage-style paper or fabric.
  3. Add a light coat of clear sealant.
  4. Attach a small decorative clasp or charm.
  5. Line with velvet for an extra luxe feel.

The Tiny Tech Organizer

You can also use an old altoid tin as a compact case neatly holding earbuds, a charging cable, and a USB drive, all tucked into elastic loops.

A compact case neatly holding earbuds, a charging cable, and a USB drive, all tucked into elastic loops.

How to Create It:

  1. Clean the tin and spray paint it a tech-savvy metallic color.
  2. Glue elastic bands inside to hold small tech items.
  3. Add a soft cloth lining to protect screens.
  4. Use Velcro dots to keep cables neatly coiled.
  5. Label the outside with fun vinyl stickers.

The Budget Tracker Wallet

Depending on how big your tin is, and if you’re anti-budget apps(?), you can have a tin with labeled dividers for different budgeting categories, perfect for cash envelopes in miniature form.

A tin with labeled dividers for different budgeting categories, perfect for cash envelopes in miniature form.

How to Create It:

  1. Cut small cardstock dividers labeled with budget categories.
  2. Add a simple ledger sheet inside the lid for quick tracking.
  3. Decorate with minimalist designs or pastel colors.
  4. Secure the tin with a colorful elastic band.
  5. Add a mini pen attached with a loop inside.

The Boho Chic Coin Purse

To fit your boho outfit and style ~ Use a brightly colored tin with bohemian patterns, lined with soft fabric, and filled with loose change.

A brightly colored tin with bohemian patterns, lined with soft fabric, and filled with loose change.

How to Create It:

  1. Paint the outside with vibrant colors and boho designs.
  2. Add fabric lining inside for a cozy touch.
  3. Attach a small tassel or charm to the lid.
  4. Use a clear sealant to protect the design.
  5. Store coins, small jewelry, or keepsakes.

The Keychain Wallet

It could be a mini wallet attached to your keychain, perfect for holding emergency cash or a spare key.

A mini wallet attached to your keychain, perfect for holding emergency cash or a spare key.

How to Create It:

  1. Drill a small hole in the corner of the tin.
  2. Attach a keyring or carabiner.
  3. Decorate the tin with bold colors or fun stickers.
  4. Add a foam insert to keep items from rattling.
  5. Store folded cash, coins, or a spare key.

The DIY Gift Card Holder

Something unique as a gift! You can create a festive tin, decorated for birthdays or holidays, holding a gift card and a personal note.

A festive tin, decorated for birthdays or holidays, holding a gift card and a personal note.

How to Create It:

  1. Decorate the tin with wrapping paper, stickers, or washi tape.
  2. Add a felt insert with a slit to hold the gift card in place.
  3. Write a personal note and tuck it inside.
  4. Secure with a ribbon tied around the tin.
  5. Perfect for a thoughtful, reusable gift presentation.

The Tiny Art Supply Kit

One for your kids and to keep them entertained – create a small tin filled with mini colored pencils, an eraser, and tiny sheets of paper for sketching on the go.

A small tin filled with mini colored pencils, an eraser, and tiny sheets of paper for sketching on the go.

How to Create It:

  1. Clean the tin and decorate with artsy designs.
  2. Add small compartments or elastic bands to hold supplies.
  3. Include mini colored pencils, a sharpener, and paper.
  4. Attach a small mirror inside the lid for quick self-portraits.
  5. Great for artists who love to sketch anywhere, anytime.

Altoid tins can be versatile and functional in your day-to-day. I hope these ideas inspire you to re-use old tins!

For More Altoid Tins Inspiration :

🔷 8 Gorgeous Wedding Ring Boxes You Can Make from Altoid Tins
🔷  DIY Magic: Transform Altoid Tins into 12 Cute and Functional Projects
🔷  Top 10 Reasons to Ditch Your Bulky Wallet for an Altoid Tin

DIY Altoid Wallets: 10 Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Mint Tins

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