Where to find piggy banks near you and online

Piggy banks are sold at most stores that carry household items, toys, or gifts. The easiest places to look are big-box retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco, which stock them year-round in their toy or home décor sections. Dollar stores, five-and-dime shops, and general merchandise chains carry basic plastic and ceramic versions. If you want something specific — a particular character, material, or size — online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and specialty shops give you far more choice than any single physical store.

The store you choose depends on what you want to spend, how quickly you need it, and whether you're looking for something common or unusual. A straightforward plastic piggy bank costs a few dollars at a dollar store. A handmade ceramic one or a vintage collectible can cost much more and may only be available online.

Key Takeaways

  • Big-box retailers like Target and Walmart stock piggy banks year-round in toy or home décor sections, usually for $5 to $20.
  • Dollar stores and five-and-dime shops carry basic plastic piggy banks for $1 to $5 if you need something straightforward and inexpensive.
  • Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay offer the widest selection, including character-themed, vintage, and specialty piggy banks.
  • Specialty gift shops, craft stores, and home décor boutiques carry higher-end or unique piggy banks if you want something beyond standard options.

Big-box retailers and department stores

Target, Walmart, Costco, and similar large retailers stock piggy banks in their toy sections, usually near other children's items or in home décor aisles. These stores typically carry 5 to 15 different styles at any given time — usually plastic or ceramic designs in common colors and straightforward shapes. Prices range from about $5 to $20 depending on size and material.

The advantage of shopping in person is that you can see the piggy bank before you buy it and take it home the same day. The disadvantage is that selection is limited to what the store has decided to stock that week. If you're looking for something specific — a particular character or color — you may not find it. Most of these stores also sell piggy banks online through their websites, which sometimes offers more selection than the physical store.

Dollar stores and five-and-dime shops

Dollar stores like Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Family Dollar carry basic plastic piggy banks for $1 to $5. These are straightforward, functional designs — often just a pig shape in pink or white plastic with a coin slot on top and a rubber stopper on the bottom. They're not fancy, but they work well for teaching children to save money without spending much.

Five-and-dime shops and variety stores in your area may also stock piggy banks in a similar price range. These stores are good if you need something quickly and don't care about style or brand. The downside is that selection is very limited — you get what's in stock that day, and it's usually the same basic design across multiple stores.

Online marketplaces and specialty retailers

Amazon, eBay, and Etsy have thousands of piggy banks in every style imaginable — character-themed (Disney, Marvel, video game characters), vintage collectibles, handmade ceramic, glass, metal, and novelty designs. Prices range from $3 for a basic plastic bank to $50 or more for artisan or collectible versions. You can filter by price, material, size, and theme, which makes it much easier to find exactly what you want.

Specialty gift shops, home décor boutiques, and craft stores like Michaels also sell piggy banks online and in person. These tend to carry higher-end or unique designs that you won't find at big-box stores. Shipping usually takes 3 to 7 business days for standard delivery, though many retailers offer faster options for an extra fee.

Toy stores and children's retailers

Dedicated toy stores, whether local independent shops or chains, often have a wider selection of character-themed and educational piggy banks than general retailers. They may also carry piggy banks designed to teach children about money management — some with compartments for saving, spending, and giving. Prices are typically higher than at dollar stores but comparable to big-box retailers.

If you have a local toy store, calling ahead to ask if they have a specific style in stock can save you a trip. Many toy stores also have websites where you can see their full inventory and order for pickup or delivery.

Thrift stores and secondhand options

Thrift stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local consignment shops often have used piggy banks for $1 to $5. These are good if you want something vintage, unusual, or inexpensive. The selection changes constantly, so you may need to visit multiple times to find what you're looking for. Secondhand online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local buy-and-sell groups also have piggy banks listed by people in your area.

Buying secondhand is cheaper and more sustainable, but you have less control over condition and selection. Make sure any piggy bank you buy secondhand is clean and in good working order before you use it.

What to consider when choosing where to buy

Think about what matters most to you: price, selection, speed, or the ability to see the item in person. If you want the cheapest option and don't care about style, a dollar store is your best bet. If you want a wide selection and don't mind waiting for shipping, an online marketplace is better. If you want to see it before you buy and take it home today, a big-box retailer or local toy store works well.

Also consider the material and size you want. Plastic piggy banks are cheapest and most durable for children. Ceramic and glass are more decorative but breakable. Metal banks are sturdy and often vintage-looking. Knowing what you want before you shop — whether in person or online — saves time and helps you find the right option faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the cheapest place to buy a piggy bank?

Dollar stores sell basic plastic piggy banks for $1 to $5, making them the cheapest option. Thrift stores and secondhand marketplaces are also very inexpensive if you're willing to buy used. Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target are slightly more expensive but offer better selection.

Can I buy piggy banks in bulk for a group or event?

Yes. Costco and Sam's Club sell piggy banks in bulk packs, usually at a lower per-unit price than buying individually. Dollar stores also sell them cheaply if you need many. For larger orders, contact retailers directly or check their wholesale options — some offer discounts for bulk purchases.

Where can I find character-themed piggy banks?

Amazon, eBay, and Etsy have the widest selection of character-themed banks. Specialty toy stores and gift shops may also carry them. Big-box retailers stock some character designs, but selection is limited. Online shopping gives you the most options if you're looking for a specific character.

Are there piggy banks designed to teach kids about money?

Yes. Some piggy banks have multiple compartments labeled for saving, spending, and giving, or they include a tracking chart. Specialty toy stores, educational retailers, and online marketplaces carry these. They cost more than basic piggy banks but are designed to teach financial habits alongside saving.

How do I know if a piggy bank is good quality?

For plastic banks, check that seams are smooth and the coin slot is the right size for coins. For ceramic or glass, look at photos carefully for cracks or chips if buying online. Read customer reviews on online marketplaces — they often mention durability and whether the stopper stays in place. In-person shopping lets you inspect it directly before buying.