IRIS USA 5x7 Photo Storage Box Review: 9/10 Verdict
An Amazon buyer summed it up simply: "This is exactly what I needed to finally get my photo chaos under control." With an average score of 4.6 to 5.0 stars across platforms, the IRIS USA 5" x 7" Photo Storage Box Craft Keeper Cases, 10-Pack earns a solid 9/10 from collective user sentiment. Between scrapbookers, hobbyists, and family archivists, this clear plastic storage solution has found diverse fans — but it's not without its quirks.
Quick Verdict: Yes — best for organized creatives and photo collectors
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Holds up to 100 photos per case | Occasionally bulky for small purses |
| Snap-tight closures prevent spills | No gasket for waterproof sealing |
| BPA, acid, PVC, lignin-free | Limited color options unless buying alternate SKUs |
| Durable plastic with rounded corners | Lid design can loosen after heavy use |
| Stackable and portable | Outer case not included in all sets |
| Made in USA | Sometimes unavailable or overpriced |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes “the perfect solution to organize and protect photos, small craft items, and more.” While many agree, user reports add nuance. IRIS claims snap-tight closures “keep the contents secure,” and Reddit user u/ScrapQueen*** confirmed: "I’ve dropped mine twice, nothing spilled, no cracks." However, a few on Trustpilot mention lids loosening slightly after years of repetitive opening, suggesting long-term hold may degrade.
Another claim is that rounded corners “prevent damage to inner contents.” This aligns with feedback from a verified Amazon buyer: "I stack these in my closet, and the rounded edges keep my photo corners pristine compared to cheaper square containers." No reports contradict this, indicating strong alignment between claim and reality.
Portability is marketed via “perfect size to throw in any purse, gym bag, or suitcase.” While dimensions (5.76" L x 7.80" W x 1.24" H) make them relatively compact, some scrapbookers on Reddit note that if you carry more than two or three cases, “it feels like lugging a brick,” especially without the outer carrying case included.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Craft hobbyists, photographers, and archivists consistently laud the capacity — 100 photos per case. Amazon reviewers highlight how this makes sorting by year or theme simple, and one verified buyer explained: “My daughter’s entire dance season fits in one case, programs and all.” For anyone working with paper craft embellishments, the acid-free, BPA-free material is key; one Reddit crafter wrote: “My stickers don’t yellow, even after 2 years.”
Stackability resonates across platforms. A Trustpilot reviewer appreciated that “I can arrange them like bricks in my art cabinet without wasting space.” That lid design advantage means home offices and craft rooms stay cleaner. Also, durability scores high: weighted averages show sturdiness at 4.3/5 even after heavy handling, with a user noting: "Been using the same set for 8 years — no cracks yet."
Common Complaints
Several users point to availability issues. While sold across Amazon, Target, Lowes, and other platforms, buyer frustration surfaces when popular clear-color runs out. Reddit user u/FrameItUp*** vented: "By the time I decided to get a second pack, everywhere was sold out." Another recurring gripe is bulkiness for those planning to carry multiple cases without an outer organizer; craft fair sellers find them less suitable for mobile vending.
Some mention the lack of waterproofing. A Twitter post warned: "Accidentally left one in a damp basement — not sealed against humidity." For archival-grade needs, extra protection might be necessary. Others comment on price spikes depending on retailer; one eBay buyer reported paying “half the usual” via auction, but regular online listings sometimes double in cost.
Divisive Features
The uniform clear design appeals to archivists who want quick visibility. On the flip side, scrapbookers sometimes prefer assorted colors for thematic separation, with one Lowe’s reviewer favoring green/blue sets over all-clear. While the lightweight build benefits portability, some users question long-term lid tightness; yet others see any wear as reasonable given years of use.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data shows minimal scam concerns; buyers receive authentic IRIS USA products as described. No patterns of counterfeit cases arise. Long-term durability finds strong backing in multiple Reddit posts describing multi-year use with no degradation except occasional latch slack. As one verified Amazon buyer explained: “After five years, still structurally perfect — just a little surface scuffing.”
IRIS’s US manufacturing base is a confidence factor. Domestic quality controls and materials free from PVC, lignin, and acids reassured crafters investing in archival storage. No credible reports suggest health or safety issues from the plastics used.
Alternatives
When buyers can't find this exact SKU, they sometimes shift to IRIS’s multi-color variants or the 4” x 6” cases, which share similar build quality but are smaller. However, these lose the exact fit for 5” x 7” prints and memorabilia programs. No other direct competitor appears in user data across Reddit or Trustpilot, underscoring this product’s niche dominance.
Price & Value
At $29.99 typical retail, the per-case cost hovers around $3. Many users call this “fair for archival quality.” Price tracking across eBay and Sears shows fluctuation — auction buyers snagged sets for $4.40, while marketplace sellers list above $45.59. Community buying tips center on watching seasonal sales at Target and Amazon, where discounts hit 20–50%.
FAQ
Q: Can these store items other than photos?
A: Yes — users report keeping stickers, trading cards, fabric swatches, and even small electronics inside. The snap-tight closure works for any small, flat item fitting the dimensions.
Q: Are they waterproof or airtight?
A: No — while closures are secure for dry storage, they won’t protect contents from humidity or water damage. Extra protection is advised for damp environments.
Q: Do they include an outer carrying case?
A: Not in this 10-pack format. Some IRIS USA sets come with an outer organizer, but this specific SKU includes individual clear cases only.
Q: Can I mix these with other IRIS case sizes?
A: Yes — the stacking lid design works across IRIS’s photo case series, but different sizes won’t fill space as evenly.
Q: Are there color options for this model?
A: The clear version is most common, but assorted blue/green sets are available through certain retailers like Lowe’s.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a photo archivist, scrapbooker, or crafter needing acid-free, clear, stackable storage for mid-sized prints and embellishments. Avoid if you require waterproof sealing or ultra-light mobile use without an organizer. Pro tip from the community: wait for seasonal discounts, and stock up before your preferred colorway disappears.
