Most use the Altoids tins. Go to a store that sells lots of candy and look at the containers not the product.
Purchase the one you want, throw out the poison and use the Tin.

I keep a small one in my daily carry. Mostly to use to get to my car which has my get home bag. My daily has enough for an overnight etc but the fundamentals are fire / light / water / food and shelter / security and tools / medical and knowledge. These are in my get-to-the-car bag and these things are nothing new. The problem is creating a small package of the essentials.

Fire: lighter and a little vaseline gauze, or maybe a 9V battery and some steel wool
Light: one of those small keychain LED lights. In fact, put it on your keychain and save the space in your tin.
Water: iodine pellets, a coffee filter. Use the tin as a cup.
Food: I just carry some Power Bars. You can include a line and hook (and for those brave enough: a mouse trap - yum).
Shelter: one of those silver emergency blanket and some para cord. I keep a small square of foam insulation (10 x 6 inches) to sit on; for anyone who has been out in winter you'll appreciate this little item. Don't forget the TP. I roll some up and stuff in in a urine sample bottle from work (due to its size)
Security and tools : a knife. I use a Swiss Army style.
Medical: a crushed iodine tablet in water is useful. gauze, island bandage and stri-stips. blistex or vaseline and if room add some sun block.
Knowledge: know your area, resources, distances, threats, medical care, foraging skills, and how to use whatever you have on hand.

This list is pretty minimalistic I admit. I personally carry quite a bit more in my get-to-the-car bag but this list may be suitable for a "mini" survival kit.

Sens

would a zippo be worth it ? ina small case with everything

Zippo will dry out fast, tiny Bic is probably better. Plain old dryer lint is good starter.
I think a couple of large clear plastic leaf bags are better than a Mylar sheet.
I find paper towels more useful than TP.

as with any kit it depends on what it is for,
EDC, Last ditch kit, fishing, fire starter,

Matches, peanut lighter, mini bic, fire steel whatever works
razor blade, small folder, multi tool
Tinfoil, water purification tablets, coffee filter
medications - pain pills, anti diarreah, allergy
sachets or cut and sealed drinking straws with antiseptic cream, anti itch, burn salve.
Bandaids, small gause pad/s, duct tape
mini keyring lights - whether solar or watch battery
whistle, mini compass, mini mirror

just a few possibilities

hey razerp I like the sealed drinking straws idea, what do you use to seal them with?

just use a lighter to seal the straw ends

This youtube clip shows many uses for them

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiB9kUPRXZ4

Thanks for the intel

For my general kit, one i would have in the car and backpack

Ok so i have started to build one with everyone's feedback
Thanks again

So far I have the following

- Tin with rubber seal
- Compass
- All weather matches (5)
- Sewing Kit with buttons and small safety pin
- Golf pencil (graphite)
- 5 Water purification tablets
- 2 pack of extra strenght Tylonol (fever and pain)
- Whisle
- Small booklet of survival tips

I am thinking of adding the following
- Fishing line and hook
- Para cord / utility Cord
- Tin Foil (about 2 feet)
- mini glow stick
- Water proof paper
- X-Acto knife blade
- Mini Led
- mini lighter
- emergency blanket
- Duct tape
- Wire saw
anything else? Thoughts

I am still looking at the straws too, and any idea for mini food? That can fit in a tin

Here are some i came across