Surface analysis of air-sensitive samples is difficult without controlled-environment sample transfer tubes or expensive vacuum transfer suitcases. Through the use of vacuum sealing and commercial magnets, we demonstrate a concept for a sample holder that can be used to transfer samples from an inert environment directly into an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. Our results show the efficacy of the holder through analysis of an air-sensitive CuCl powder, where oxidation was not observed when using the sample holder. This method offers a simple, low-cost alternative to enable routine air-free measurements in instrumentation with vacuum-controlled sample introduction chambers. Our aim with this report is to share the design so that this sample holder can be made anywhere where there is access to a basic machine shop.