Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for capturing a stir bar in a container. A stir bar may be placed in a container and subjected to a changing magnetic field that causes the stir bar to rotate inside the container. A retaining band or sleeve having metallic or magnetic inserts or materials is placed around a portion of the container so that it is positioned near where the stir bar may be located or might slide past as the contents of the container are poured out of the container. Magnetic attraction between the retaining band or sleeve and the stir bar helps prevent the stir bar from inadvertently being poured out of the container.