Fun piggy banks for kids that make saving exciting

Modak
August 27, 2025

Main takeaways

đź’° Piggy banks, classic or digital, teach kids the value of saving from an early age.

📱 Digital piggy banks make saving fun and interactive with real-time tracking and goal setting.

🎨 Creative piggy bank ideas like DIY or themed designs keep kids engaged and motivated to save.

The piggy bank is one of the most iconic symbols of saving money. For generations, kids have dropped their spare change into these small containers, watching their savings grow over time.

But in today’s digital world, saving has evolved, and so has the piggy bank. With the rise of digital piggy banks and apps designed to help kids and teens save, the concept of stashing money away has become more interactive and educational than ever before.

So, what’s the deal with traditional piggy banks, and how do modern digital versions work?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the evolution of piggy banks, from classic ceramic figures to virtual piggy banks, and why they’re still one of the best tools for teaching kids financial literacy.

The classic piggy bank: A timeless tool for saving

Before diving into the world of digital piggy banks, let’s first explore the origins of the classic piggy bank. A children’s piggy bank is more than just a place to store coins, it’s often a child’s first introduction to the idea of saving money.

These banks usually come in the form of a cute pig, although they can be found in countless designs ranging from animals to superheroes.

Classic piggy bank

Why do we use piggy banks?

The concept of a piggy bank is simple: it encourages kids to physically deposit money they receive from allowances, gifts, or chores. Over time, they see their savings accumulate, which builds a sense of financial responsibility.

Piggy banks are also a great way to teach kids about the value of setting goals, whether it’s saving for a new toy or a bigger purchase in the future.

Personalized piggy banks for kids

Personalization adds a fun and unique touch to a traditional piggy bank for kids. Many families opt for personalized piggy banks with their child’s name or favorite character to make the experience of saving more personal and engaging.

A piggy bank can act as a symbol of ownership and responsibility, kids are more likely to use it when they feel it belongs to them.

The rise of digital piggy banks

While traditional piggy banks are still popular, technology has changed how we manage and save money. Enter the digital piggy bank, a modern solution for kids and teens to track their savings without the need for physical coins or bills.

A digital piggy bank works similarly to the classic version but operates through a smartphone app or a digital device. Instead of dropping coins into a piggy’s back, kids can see their savings grow on a screen, with real-time tracking and updates.

Classic piggy bank with coin

How does a digital piggy bank work?

A digital piggy bank is usually linked to an online account or app. Parents can fund the digital piggy bank by transferring money to it, and kids can track their savings and spending through the app.

This gives children a more modern and interactive experience, allowing them to watch their balance grow, set savings goals, and even earn rewards based on good financial behavior.

Here’s a basic rundown of how digital piggy banks work:

  1. Setup: Parents or guardians set up the digital piggy bank through an app or a connected device.
  2. Deposits: Money is added electronically, often via bank transfers, and tracked in real time.
  3. Goal Setting: Kids can set financial goals, such as saving for a new bike or a game.
  4. Monitoring: The app allows both parents and kids to monitor the progress of savings over time.

This system not only helps kids learn the value of saving, but it also teaches them how to manage money in a world where cash is used less frequently.

How Modak can help you save

📲 Modak helps teens manage chores and earn real money through MBX points.

👟 With Walk to Earn, teens can get rewarded for hitting daily step goals, up to 70 MBX a week!(2)(3)

đź§  Modak builds financial literacy by turning everyday tasks into learning and earning opportunities.

Fun and creative piggy bank ideas

Even in the digital age, there’s something special about having a physical piggy bank. For parents and kids looking for fun ways to personalize their saving experience, here are a few creative ideas:

1. DIY piggy banks

Making a DIY piggy bank can be a fun and educational project for kids. Using materials like old jars, cardboard, or plastic containers, kids can design their piggy banks, adding stickers, paint, or other decorations. This project teaches creativity and responsibility at the same time.

Cool piggy bank

2. Themed piggy banks

Themed piggy banks, like superhero banks or animal-shaped banks, make saving exciting. You can find piggy banks that reflect your child’s favorite characters or interests, which motivates them to save more.

3. Piggy banks with lock features

Some piggy banks come with lock features, which adds an element of challenge. Kids need to reach a savings goal before “unlocking” the bank to access their money, which teaches them patience and delayed gratification.

What does it mean when your piggy bank cracks?

In traditional piggy banks, once the bank gets full or when the child is ready to use their savings, they would sometimes crack the piggy bank open to access the money. This is often seen as a symbolic moment, it represents the accomplishment of reaching a financial goal or milestone.

While not all piggy banks need to be broken open these days, the phrase still carries meaning. It reflects the idea that saving money takes time and effort, but the reward at the end makes it all worth it.

Modak is the best way for teens to earn money and manage chores

While a digital piggy bank is a great tool for saving, teens today need more than just a place to stash their money, they need to learn how to manage it. That’s where the Modak app comes in.

Modak helps teens track their chores, earn money, and manage their money all in one place. With Modak, teens can earn MBX points, which convert directly into dollars.2

These points can be earned through a variety of activities, such as completing chores, taking on financial literacy challenges, and more.

One of the most exciting features of Modak is Walk to earn3. By walking and reaching daily step goals, teens can earn up to 70 MBX per week. Over the course of a year, that adds up to an extra $36.40 just for staying active!2

With Modak, teens not only earn and manage money but also develop valuable life skills, from financial literacy to physical wellness.

Girl holds Modak VISA debit card for kids

FAQs about piggy banks

Is there a virtual piggy bank?

Yes, there are virtual piggy banks available through apps and digital platforms. These tools allow kids to track their savings electronically, set goals, and monitor their progress in real time.

How does a digital piggy bank work?

A digital piggy bank works by linking a child’s savings to an app or an online account. Money can be deposited electronically, and the child can track how much they’ve saved, set financial goals, and even receive rewards for meeting those goals.

What is smart piggy bank?

A smart piggy bank combines the traditional concept of saving money with modern technology. These devices often connect to apps, providing kids with real-time updates on their savings, interactive goal setting, and fun features that make saving more engaging.

What is a piggy bank app?

A piggy bank app is a digital platform that helps kids and teens manage their money. These apps offer features like tracking savings, setting goals, and earning rewards for good financial habits.

Why piggy banks, classic or digital, are still essential

Whether you choose a classic children’s piggy bank or a modern digital piggy bank, the goal remains the same: to teach kids and teens about the importance of saving money.

By turning saving into a fun and engaging process, piggy banks, whether physical or digital, are powerful tools for building financial literacy from a young age.

MoGogh and starbucks cup

For teens looking to take their financial responsibility further, the Modak app offers a smart solution for managing money, completing chores, and earning rewards.

Take control of your kids’ financial future, download Modak today and teach them valuable skills that will last a lifetime.

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  1. Deposit account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Legend Bank, N.A., FDIC-Insured. Modak is a financial technology company and not a FDIC insured financial institution. Funds deposited into a Deposit Account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance.
  2. 100 MBX = $1(as of June 2025). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. For more information on MBX, click here for more information on MBX‍
  3. Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2024). This is subject to change at Modak’s discretion.
  4. Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.
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