If throughout your years on this planet you’ve been compared to a magpie on more than one occasion, you’re in the right place.
Known for their uncanny ability to scout out the most unique and interesting of objects due to their innate attraction to all things shiny, magpies collect various bits, bobs, and tat to attract a mate. Some humans aren’t too dissimilar, though while magpies will return their treasures to nests, human magpies place them in nesting trays – otherwise known as trinket dishes.
A low maintenance means to store your daily jewellery pieces before bed, your favourite skincare, nail polish, face oils and even collectible figurines, trinket dishes have a multitude of uses. As such, they’re particularly useful for us magpie-like folk who tend to pile up seemingly random collections of teeny tiny vintage and antique items of varying import and value. In fact, trinket dishes themselves have become coveted, collectible treasures. Some of us have so many scattered around the home that it has become almost impossible to discern trinket from tray.
Trinket-hunting has also become an unlikely craze among adults and teenagers as an offshoot from the surge in thrift shopping in recent years. Indeed, videos containing the hashtag #vintagetrinketbox have garnered over 73M views. People of all ages seem to be on a near-constant mission to trawl though the depths of vintage bins to find all sorts of knick knacks and vintage jewellery finds which adhere to their chosen aesthetics and cores.
Additionally, during the DIY phase of lockdown back in 2020, crafting clay trinket dishes was an incredibly popular pastime – not least because it was the easiest object to make for beginners who were using at-home pottery kits. If, however, the DIY lifestyle doesn’t appeal to you, keep scrolling for a round-up of the sweetest trinket dishes for all your bits and bobs.
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Kaneko Kohyo Rinka Ceramic Plate
Founded in Japan in 1921, Kaneko Kohyo is known for producing elegant handmade ceramics which are crafted in the brand’s own historic Japanese workshop. The iconic floral silhouette is available in a range of sizes and shapes where the delicately hand-pressed and dimpled petals reflect the brand’s commitment to artisanal techniques. Minimal yet striking, you can’t go wrong with this 14cm plate for storing all your most precious, daily-use items.
Buy now £18.00, Liberty
Joie de Vivre Bistro Tile Tray
If you’re already a fan of Anthropologie’s homeware, you’ll be familiar with the iconic bistro-style aesthetic that often adorns their products. Available in a larger size with the phrase ‘joie de vivre’, or a smaller size which simply reads ‘bonjour’, these practical trays have slightly higher edges to keep your bits and bobs safe.
Buy now £26.00, Anthropologie
Cartier Panthère de Cartier small porcelain trinket trays set of two
For the utmost luxury, look no further than this duo of trinket trays from Cartier, which feature the iconic Panther mascot from the brand’s Panthère de Cartier collection. Ideal for placement on either side of the bed on a pair of matching side-drawers, these 100 per cent porcelain dishes feature a suede base to protect against slipping and sliding.
Buy now £280.00, Selfridges
Gold Oyster Shell Trinket Dish in William Morris Pimpernel
Handcrafted in the UK, it’s hard to believe these oyster shell trinket dishes didn’t come from an ancient treasure chest buried somewhere deep in the ocean. Gilded and glamorous, each dish has been hand-painted using liquid gold leaf which extends to the rim of the real oyster shell, perfectly complimenting the sage green and blue William Morris Pimpernel inner design.
Buy now £12.95, Etsy
L’Objet X Haas Brothers porcelain box
Kooky, quirky, and oh-so fun, this porcelain trinket box is the delightful result of a collaboration between Israel-born homeware brand L’Objet and the Haas Brothers. The bean-like figurine has been treated with 24kt gold detailing, making this piece a wonderful juxtaposition between the bizarre and the luxurious.
Buy now £560.00, Matches
HAY Trinket Trays Set of Three
More of a Scandi-cool kind of person? Not interested in delicate materials, and prefer objects which are both practical and fun to look at? Look no further than Danish design brand HAY. Each tray in this set of three is made from powder coated iron with a closely woven mesh design. Group them together or place them in varying spots around your home – either way, they’re guaranteed to look good.
Buy now £35.00, Liberty
Cornflower Blue Floral Bee Ceramic Trinket Tray
Split into handy sections, this ceramic trinket tray almost resembles a watercolour palette. This is hinted at by the delicate, cornflower blue florals which decorate the bottom of the dish. The four square sections are perfect for rings and earrings, while the long top section will prevent your favourite necklaces from getting tangled-up on your bedside.
Buy now £12.00, Lisa Angel
Orange Ceramic Trinket Dish
Orange you glad we popped this dish into the round-up? Taking off your rings after a long day will be easy squeezy with this lovely little handmade trinket tray from Oliver Bonas. We particularly love the glossy glazed finish which makes this piece look good enough to eat.
Buy now £6.50, Oliver Bonas
Royal Opera House Auditorium Ceiling Trinket Box
A brilliant present for a fan of the opera and all things trinket-related, this delightful box features a design inspired by the gold gilt frescos which adorn the Royal Opera House’s iconic Main Stage auditorium ceiling. Made from fine bone china, this trinket box is just a small part of artist Elena Deshmukh’s unique collection designed in collaboration with the Royal Opera House.
Buy now £20.00, Royal Opera House
Diamonds are Forever trinket tray
Channel your inner 007 with this James Bond collaboration bone china trinket tray from Bella Freud. With gold edge detailing and an accompanying holographic box which is practically a work of art in itself, you’d be remiss not to add this to your trinket collection.
Buy now £120.00, Bella Freud
