Loose change and bills often don’t fit well in your wallet or pocket, making a piggy bank an excellent choice for managing your money. Whether you prefer classic porcelain piggies or modern high-tech coin and bill counters, there’s a piggy bank to suit your needs.
Understanding Piggy Banks
Piggy banks serve a straightforward function: storing coins and bills. They feature small slots for inserting money, but accessing your savings involves unlocking a panel or removing a plug.
The Purpose of Piggy Banks
Piggy banks encourage saving for specific goals. They help children learn valuable financial concepts, like counting and budgeting. Adults use them to keep loose change handy or to save for larger purchases, such as trips or electronics.
Popular Piggy Bank Varieties
Classic piggy banks resemble stout pigs but come in various shapes, such as giraffes, unicorns, or elephants. Older children may prefer locker- or safe-inspired designs, while adults often opt for jar-style or digital banks that track savings electronically.
Choosing a Quality Piggy Bank
Materials
Traditional piggy banks made from ceramic or porcelain offer aesthetic appeal but can chip or crack. Modern designs often use durable high-density plastic or metal, making them more affordable.
Storage Capacity
Most piggy banks store between 100 to 1,500 coins. However, storage capacity varies based on coin size and inclusion of bills.
Accessibility
While slots for coins are standard, the access methods differ. Some banks use rubber plugs, others have locking mechanisms, and jar-style banks feature twist-off caps for easy opening.
Cost of Piggy Banks
Small piggy banks cost less than $12. A range of classic, novelty, and high-tech designs are available for $15-$35. Hand-painted or handcrafted designer banks can range from $40-$85.
Piggy Bank FAQs
Storing Foreign Currency
You can store foreign currency in piggy banks, but keeping it separate from domestic coins is wise to avoid confusion during counting.
Mixing Bills with Coins
Opinions on mixing bills and coins in a piggy bank vary. Some find it convenient, while others prefer keeping bills separate to access them more easily.
Top Piggy Bank Choices
Vcertcpl Digital Coin Counting Bank
This bank holds up to 1,000 coins and features an LCD counter for tracking savings. It’s made from sturdy ABS plastic and recognizes all U.S. coin sizes. Note: batteries not included, and it doesn’t recognize bills.
Pearhead Ceramic Piggy Bank
A classic design ideal for children, this bank fits easily on shelves and comes in various colors. It accommodates folded bills but has a challenging rubber stopper that may require a tool for removal.
Melissa & Doug Sweet Keepsakes Craft Kit
This kit lets kids decorate two resin treasure boxes and a cake-shaped bank. It’s a fun craft project that takes about an hour and helps develop painting and motor skills. The kit includes paints and brushes, though upgrading them is common.
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