Kick Off Your Kids' Savings Journey with a DIY Piggy Bank

Getting kids in the habit of saving money might seem difficult but turning it into a fun and engaging activity can make saving simple, hands-on, and fun. Elementary aged kids are at an ideal age to start learning about making simple savings goals. A simple savings bank turns loose change into a visible goal, and every coin drop becomes a tiny win. Getting the chance to design their own savings bank engages kids' creativity and can help motivate them to save more.

Below are three easy DIY banks - made from a water bottle, a mason jar, and a cereal box. Each one uses inexpensive supplies found around the home, invites decorating, and gives kids a clear way to practice saving.

Water Bottle Piggy Bank

Supplies: Water bottle, googly eyes, construction paper and/or craft foam

1. Remove the water bottle label, thoroughly rinse and let dry.
2. Using a sharp knife, help your kids cut out a coin slot on the side of the bottle.
3. Cut out a tail, legs and ears using construction paper or craft foam. Remember that this will get heavy as your kid saves, so cut the legs short enough that the bottle can still rest on the table.
4. You can wrap the bottle in paper to add your own unique designs, or paint it pink to give it that classic piggy bank look.
5. Attach the tail, legs, ears, and googly eyes. Wrap up the finishing touches by adding a snout to the bottle cap with a Sharpie.

Mason Jar Money Bank

Supplies: Mason jar, hot glue

1. Remove the center part of the mason jar lid and cut a slot for coins and bills with a rotary tool. You can also purchase pre-cut lids online or make your own using craft foam.
2. Use hot glue to attach the coin slot lid to the lid ring.
3. Let your kid decorate it how they want! They can use stickers, drawings, and more to make it their own.

Cereal Box Savings Bank

Supplies: Cereal box, wrapping paper, glue sticks

1. Wrap your empty cereal box in the paper of your choice
2. Help your kid cut a slot at the top of the box
3. Let your kid add any fun decorations they like – drawings, magazine cutouts, and more!
   
   

Starting small builds big habits. Talk to your kids about their savings goals and help make a plan to work towards it. If you want to take their savings to the next level, you can make three banks to start an easy money system:

• Save for bigger goals.
• Spend for small treats.
• Donate to help others.
  
  

Open a Youth Savings Account at iQ

You can also help kickstart good savings habits by opening your child an iQ Youth Savings account. They can deposit the money they've saved once the bank is filled and use online banking tools like our CashCamp app to visually track their progress towards their savings goals.