The Slim Tea Caddy That Fits Any Handbag
Intro
If your handbag already juggles keys, cards and 57 tiny mysteries, a chunky tea box won’t make the cut. Enter the slim tea caddy for travel—a flat, tidy metal tea tin that slips between a phone and a passport wallet, keeps sachets crumb-free, and looks cute with your name on top.
I use a pocket-size personalised tin (STEPOY): 3.94 × 3.94 × 0.39 in outside, 3.74 × 3.74 × 0.35 in inside—perfect for 3–5 standard tea sachets.
Why slim beats bulky (especially in handbags)
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Disappears in small spaces: About 0.4 in thick, so it doesn’t bulge your cross-body.
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Crumb-proof: A snug lid keeps tea dust inside, not on your lipstick.
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Odour control: The metal shell helps block snack or perfume smells.
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Refill & reuse: Wipe clean, refill, repeat—no more sad zip bags.
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Personalised: Name/artwork on the lid means you’ll actually keep using it.
What fits inside (and how to stack it)
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Typical load-out: 2 breakfast + 1 green + 1 herbal (+1 decaf if late nights).
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Stacking tip: Alternate sachet corners so the lid closes flush.
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Extras: A flat sweetener or a tiny brew-time note.
Handbag scenarios it nails
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Commutes: Your desk brew without the shared-kitchen scavenger hunt.
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School runs & errands: Five minutes on a bench? Proper cuppa.
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Evening events: Bring a decaf/herbal backup for better sleep.
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Travel days: It doubles as a pocket-size tea box for flights/hotels.
The spec that actually matters
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Capacity: Comfortably holds 3–5 standard sachets.
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Profile: About 0.4 in thick; flat, quiet, no rattling.
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Material: Metal tin wipes clean and shrugs off bumps.
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Finish: Smooth edges; snug closure = crumb-proof.
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Personalisation: UV print your name/logo/art for easy ID (and gifting).
Pouch vs box vs slim metal tin
| Option | Bulk in handbag | Crumb control | Odour block | Giftable | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zip bag | ★★★★★ (bulky when crumpled) | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Cheap but messy |
| Fabric pouch | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Cute, not dust-tight |
| Plastic soap box | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | OK, but clacky/bulky |
| Slim metal tin (STEPOY) | ★★★★★ (slimmest) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | Best everyday carry |
Care & cleaning (30 seconds)
Wipe dry after use, air overnight if herbal notes linger, and only refill when fully dry. For deodorising, leave a pinch of dry bicarb on a tissue inside for a few hours.
FAQs
How many bags fit?
Usually 3–5 depending on brand and wrapper size (inner 3.74 × 3.74 × 0.35 in).
Will it bulge a mini cross-body?
No—at about 0.4 in thick it lies flat next to a phone or cardholder.
Loose leaf okay?
Yes—use small paper sachets/envelopes. Avoid ultra-powdery blends.
Does the lid pop open in bags?
A snug metal lid stays shut; stack sachets neatly so nothing pries it up.
Ready to make space for a better brew?
Design your STEPOY personalised slim tea caddy and carry blends you actually love—without sacrificing handbag space.
