The gifts that shine

As we’re fast approaching the time of December festivities, I thought I’d use this penultimate blog of the year to share some of my favourite tins and cans I’ve seen out and about while shopping, as well as online. 

Metal traditionally represents a luxury packaging choice for gifting at this time of year, and while it’s true that some of the below options fit into this mould, they also showcase the fun that comes with the Christmas period.

Chocolate tin revival

Many were disappointed when Cadbury changed the outer packaging of its Quality Street sweets from a metal tin to a plastic one, as well as making the outer wrappings of the sweets paper compared to its previous foil and plastic. A non-sustainable, sustainable decision that left consumers with feelings of confusion and frustration.

So many (including me) are now excited by Marks & Spencer’s 1.2kg Big Mix Tin which comes in a traditional tin format and features treats in the form of Salted Caramel, Hazelnut in Caramel, Coffee Truffle, Butterscotch Éclair, Caramel Fudge, Biscuit in Caramel, Milk Crème, Orange Crème, Strawberry Crème and Cream Toffee sweets, all in similar colour wrapping to the original Cadbury offering for those who still want their nostalgic fix.

Image: M&S

Personal care all wrapped up

Wild’s aluminium deodorant cases and refills have gone from strength to strength since the product’s launch during the UK’s lockdown in April 2020.

Now a Unilever brand (since April 2025), Wild is powered by plant-based ingredients and encourages a more natural, gentle personal care routine. 

Bow designs seem to be trending in fashion and beauty this year, so it was a no-brainer for Wild to create an aluminium case with bows on for its Christmas gift set (pictured above), and even less surprising that it’s now sadly sold out on its website. There is still a Snoopy case going though, for those who like the world of the Peanuts comic strip.

Image: Wild/Unilever

NSFW beer labels

When it comes to naughty or nice, US-based Sycamore Brewing’s Christmas Cookie cans choose naughty.

The brewery made headlines in 2019 with its Christmas label design featuring pixellated reindeer in compromising positions, which regulators reportedly deemed too X-rated for retail sale. The cans were only sold in its brewery in North Carolina, and fans travel specially every holiday season to catch the latest festive release.

This year, the subtle design is a blink and you might miss it one (I had to test this on my colleague earlier – sorry Inês) but naughty once you see it. The cans certainly take “having a cheeky beer” to a new level. Click the link above to see them for yourselves. The clean version is below.

The clean version. Image: Sycamore Brewing

Snacking done right

It’s all well and good having a tin of chocolates at Christmas, but how about shaking up the traditions and having potato crisps in a tin too?

I’m a huge savoury lover and we Brits do make excellent crisps, so thanks to Neil McRitchie for floating these my way: Two Farmers is offering two 500g sharing tins this year, with a variety of flavours to choose from including Lightly Salted, Salt & Cider Vinegar, Hereford Hop Cheese & Onion, Hereford Bullshot, Herefordshire Sausage & Mustard, and Woodland Mushroom & Wild Garlic.

The best part about this gift is that once the tin has ran out, you can fill it with more crisps for all the years to come.

Image: Two Farmers

Snowman stackable tins

While we’re on the subject of reuse, Ikea is offering the ultimate festive storage solution with its Vinterfint snowman tins with lids.

Not only functional containers built for refill after refill, these could be a fun festive addition to the kitchen worktop, acting as a Christmas decoration too. It’s all the fun of making a snowman without getting icy cold hands.

Image: Ikea

A hug in a mug

On the subject of staying warm, what better way to relax and unwind this festive period than with a cup of cocoa?

I came across The Snowman Hot Chocolate Tin while I was in Card Factory the other day and nostalgia hit me. I’d watch The Snowman on TV usually the day before Christmas Eve at my grandparents’ house each year, so now it brings back wonderful memories. The embossed detailing on the text and snow design brought these reflections to life even more, as I’m sure it will do for many consumers.

Image: Card Factory

All these products go to show that metal packaging can evoke a plethora of emotions, as well as offering entertainment as unique gifts that can be recycled, reused, refilled or repurposed at the end of their first use.

Which metal packaged products will you be gifting?

Alex Rivers (she/her), CanTech International editor
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