Wash and dry the Altoid tin. If the tin has been handled a lot, wash with soap and water to remove any oils that can make it difficult to decorate.
Remove all the existing paint with paint remover and sandpaper if you want a blank slate to start with. Skip this step if you want to keep the original Altoid design.
Decorate the tin. Apply paint while the tin is open, and be careful around the hinges. Alternately, you can cover with a layer of polymer clay. Add polymer clay embellishments such as small balls for polka dots or fashion a small polymer clay handle.
Line the tin with fabric. Cut the material to size. Use spray glue to set in place. Decorative paper can be used instead of fabric.
Gather small items to place in the tin. For example, it can be a dedicated travel sewing kit. Fill with a pair of miniature scissors, pins, needles and thread. Add safety pins and a tube of super glue in case you do not have time to do a repair on the spot.
Create an emergency medical kit by preparing a supply of aspirin, antibacterial ointment, alcohol pads, tweezers and bandages.
Prepare a portable eye care kit. Contact wearers can fill with eye drops and your contact lens case. Alcohol wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer can help prepare your hands before touching your eyes. People who wear glasses can make a small eyeglass repair kit with extra screws and mini-screwdriver. Add wipes to clean your glasses and eye drops for irritated, tired eyes.
Transport your drawing supplies in the tin. Fill with pieces of charcoal and an eraser. Attach to your sketch pad with a large rubber band. Secure the rubber band to the bottom of the tin with hot glue.
Turn the tin into a travel game box. Paint a tic-tac-toe board on the top of the tin. Play with buttons that have had small magnets hot-glued on the back. Use chalkboard paint for the rest of the tin. Fill with chalk for doodling. A notepad and golf pencils can be placed inside for other games such as hangman.
Add memories of a special person to make a memorial shrine that can fit on your desk. A photo, miniature items that remind you of the individual and other images can be arranged inside the tin. Decorate the outside to reflect the personality of the person. A whimsical shrine can also be dedicated to a favorite food or activity using the same principles.