A simple approach has been reported to prepare Sn nanoparticle/graphene nanosheets (G/Sn) as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. Sn nanoparticles with size of ∼5 nm are directly grown and uniformly distributed between graphene interlayers. Graphene nanosheets act as the reducing agent and supporting matrix. Optimized G/Sn electrode with appropriate Sn content exhibits improved capacity (838.4 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 100 cycles) and cycling stability (684.5, 639.7, 552.3 and 359.7 mAh g−1 at 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 A g−1 respectively after 100 cycles). The enhanced electrochemical performance should be related to the designed layer-by-layer (G/Sn/G) structure, the synergism between the elastomeric space and large area of graphene, and the excellent conductivity of the Sn nanoparticles.