How to shop for trinket boxes at the thrift store

Of the frivolous vintage wares that I love to collect, trinket boxes have made it all the way to the very top of my list of favorite thrifted finds. Like gorgeous dresses with pockets, they’re as beautiful as they are functional. Featuring ornate embellishments and hand-painted motifs, they also serve a decorative purpose as they hold various bits and bobs. 

Whether you’re browsing pre-owned pieces online or want to know where to find them at your local thrift store, here are tips on how to shop for trinket boxes secondhand — because vintage trinket boxes are the best, obviously!

What are trinket boxes, and what are they used for? 

A trinket box is essentially a box used to stash small keepsakes. Traditionally, people store rings, earrings, and other small jewelry pieces in them. If you don’t care for paper or faux leather jewelry store boxes, a wedding ring trinket box can be a romantic gesture for your betrothed (and a potential future family heirloom, if you so wish). It could also be cute to have Christmas trinket boxes as an additional present or stocking stuffer if you’re gifting jewelry for the holidays. 

Besides ring and earring holders, there is also a type of trinket box that comes with trinkets inside of it. Like, for example, this I Left My Heart in San Francisco trinket box comes with a tiny heart. Adorable! 

People even use these boxes as pill boxes. Personally, I recommend using a modern-day pill box organizer because the paint on some vintage wares might not be safe for medication that you’ll ingest. Just some food for thought. 

What are trinket boxes made out of?

Most trinket boxes are made out of porcelain, but there are also wicker, resin, and clay styles. If you’re partial to a minimal, organic vibe, a clay trinket box can be a great option, like this terracotta and stone pick from Anthropologie. 

Personally, I’m partial to an antique or vintage porcelain trinket box, but everyone has a different style! One of my all-time favorites is this vintage German box. 

I also appreciate boxes designed in a beautiful Chinese cloisonné style with raised metal patterns. 

What is the difference between a hinged and unhinged box?

Hinged: Trinket boxes often have some type of brass metal hinge with a fancy closure in the shape of a bow or a flower. If you want your box to hold your goods securely, a hinged box that clasps in place is your best bet. 

Unhinged: Some trinket boxes simply have a lid that can be removed, like this vintage egg-shaped trinket box by Avon. While they’re not as secure as their hinged counterparts, they obviously won’t move around if you leave them in one place. 

How big are trinket boxes?

The majority of vintage keepsake boxes are about 1 inch tall and 2 to 2.5 inches wide. Some are even smaller, like this hoity-toity enameled jewelry holder with Australian crystals. It basically has an opening small enough to fit a set of tiny studs.

There are also bigger boxes, like this Capodimonte style cherub trinket box — although it might be considered a candy dish depending on who you’re asking. 

What are different trinket box shapes?

Typically, trinket boxes are either round or rectangular, but they can also come in fun shapes, like fans and animals. If you’re keeping something sentimental for or from your significant other, a heart trinket box can be a lovely option. 

Where can you shop for trinket boxes at the thrift store?

You can usually find trinket boxes around the knick-knack or houseware sections at your local thrift stores. If they are of high value, the shop might also keep them behind the glass cases by the register. Smaller, locally-owned stores are more likely to sell trinket boxes. From experience, I find that they’re a bit rare to come by at major chains like Goodwill (which might be listing them online instead of keeping them on the floor for customers). 

Outside of thrift shops and secondhand stores, trinket boxes are also common at estate sales. I found this beautiful floral Lefton keepsake box at a local estate sale organized by Estate of Affairs. 

What are some vintage trinket box brands and makers?

Many retailers carry trinket boxes these days, so what are the brands that you might come across at the thrift store? From my experience, here are some brands to keep your eye on if you’re looking for vintage boxes. 

• Limoges: Often made out of porcelain with floral illustrations and gold accents.
• FIGI: Cute resin styles perfect for someone who’s into a grandmacore look.
• Tiffany & Co: Porcelain pieces with animals or birds — sometimes come in that signature Tiffany blue.
• Fenton: Sometimes porcelain, but often beautiful iridescent carnival art glass with ornate raised details.
• Avon: Sometimes made out of crystal or glass, but often a porcelain piece with animals and flowers.

So, there you have it, a primer on all things trinket boxes. If you’re in need of a place to keep your most cherished pieces, a luxury trinket box can be a solution that’s as decorative as it is practical. Now, I will leave you with some trinket box ASMR.