How to make a piggy bank at home with a bottle

Kids 8–12 · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What materials do I need before starting to make a piggy bank with a bottle?

Before beginning this project, it’s important to gather everything you’ll need to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s a detailed list:

• Plastic bottle: A clean, empty plastic bottle with a screw-on cap works best. A clear bottle lets kids see the coins inside, which makes saving more rewarding. Avoid glass bottles since they can break and cause injuries.
• Cutting tools: Scissors work well for plastic bottles, but a craft knife may be needed for thicker plastic. Parents or adults should handle cutting to ensure safety.
• Tape or glue: To cover the edges of the coin slot or to secure decorations.
• Decoration supplies: Markers, stickers, colored paper, paint, foam sheets, or any fun craft materials. Using a variety of decorations makes the piggy bank unique and encourages kids to use it.
• Optional: Sandpaper to smooth rough edges or a ruler to measure the slot size.

Having all these ready before starting helps kids focus on creating their piggy bank without interruptions. For example, if your child wants a pink piggy bank, prepare pink markers and paper ahead. This planning step also introduces kids to organizing materials before a project, a useful skill in many areas.

What are the step-by-step instructions for making a piggy bank with a bottle?

Here is a clear, numbered list of instructions along with explanations so kids understand why each step matters:

1. Wash and dry the bottle thoroughly. This removes any sticky residue and smells from the bottle, making it more pleasant to use. For example, wash with warm soapy water and let it dry completely.

1. Mark the spot for the coin slot. Choose a flat area on the bottle or the cap where it’s easy to insert coins. Using a ruler, mark a line about 1.5 to 2 inches long. This size fits most coins and makes depositing easy.

1. Carefully cut the slot. Have an adult cut along the marked line with scissors or a craft knife. The slot should be wide enough for coins but not too big to lose them. Cutting on the side helps keep coins inside better than cutting on the cap, which can loosen.

1. Smooth the edges if needed. If the plastic edges around the slot are sharp, cover them with tape or use sandpaper to avoid cuts.

1. Decorate the bottle. Let kids use markers, stickers, or paint to make the piggy bank colorful and fun. For example, they can draw pig ears and a nose with markers or glue on foam shapes.

1. Tightly screw on the bottle cap. This keeps the coins safely inside. You can tape the cap in place for extra security.

1. Optional: Label the piggy bank with a savings goal. Write or stick a label such as “Vacation Fund” or “Toy Money” to help kids understand why they’re saving.

Each step builds on the last to create a functional and personalized piggy bank. For instance, a well-cut slot lets kids add money easily, while decorations make the bank inviting to use.

How can you tell if the piggy bank works properly?

After finishing the piggy bank, test it to make sure it functions well by doing the following:

• Try inserting coins of different sizes (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters).

Coins should slide easily through the slot without getting stuck. If a coin doesn’t fit, the slot might need to be widened slightly by an adult.

• Shake the bottle gently and listen for coins moving inside.

This confirms coins are safely held and not falling out.

• Check the cap’s tightness.

Tip the piggy bank upside down and sideways to ensure no coins fall out. If the cap feels loose, screw it on more tightly or secure it with tape.

• Look for any sharp edges or decorations that may come off.

Fix these by adding more tape or glue if necessary.

A piggy bank that passes these checks is ready to be used by the child. For example, if a quarter fits through the slot and the coins rattle inside securely, it’s working well. This testing also teaches kids about problem-solving and adjusting projects as needed.

What should you do if something goes wrong while making the piggy bank?

Mistakes or problems can happen, but they’re great learning opportunities. Here’s how to handle common issues:

• Slot too small or coins won’t fit:

Have an adult carefully enlarge the slot with scissors or a craft knife. Measuring the slot again with a ruler before cutting helps prevent this issue.

• Sharp edges around the slot:

Cover edges with tape or smooth them with sandpaper to prevent cuts.

• Cap doesn’t close tightly or leaks coins:

Try a different bottle cap or use tape to secure it. If the bottle shape makes the cap loose, consider cutting the slot on the bottle’s side instead of the top.

• Decorations peel off:

Use stronger glue or apply a layer of clear tape over decorations to keep them in place.

• Bottle cracks or breaks:

Switch to a thicker plastic bottle or use a different container altogether, such as a jar or cardboard box.

Encourage kids to see these problems as chances to fix and improve their project. For example, if the slot is too small, widening it teaches precision and patience. This approach builds resilience and confidence.

How can you adapt this piggy bank project for 8-12 year olds?

To keep children aged 8-12 interested and learning, try these adaptations:

• Set clear savings goals together.

Help kids decide what they want to save for—like a new book, a toy, or donating to charity. Write the goal on the piggy bank to motivate saving.

• Make multiple piggy banks for different purposes.

For example, one for spending, one for saving, and one for sharing or giving. This introduces budgeting concepts.

• Add simple math activities.

Encourage kids to count how much money they put in each week or month. They can keep a savings journal or chart to track their progress.

• Experiment with different bottle shapes or sizes.

Larger bottles hold more coins and can be decorated in more detail, while smaller bottles teach the value of saving smaller amounts.

• Include a “deposit schedule.”

For instance, decide that every time kids get $5 allowance, they put $1 in the piggy bank. This sets healthy saving habits.

These ideas turn a fun craft into a meaningful learning experience. For more creative inspiration, see DIY Piggy Bank Ideas for Beginners and Teaching about piggy banks to kids.

What are some fun decoration ideas for a bottle piggy bank?

Decorations make the piggy bank personal and exciting. Here are some kid-friendly ideas with step-by-step suggestions:

• Animal theme:

Turn the bottle into a pig by cutting paper ears and a snout, then gluing them on. Add googly eyes or draw eyes with markers. For a cat or dog, add paper whiskers and a tail.

• Colorful patterns:

Use washi tape or strips of colored paper to create stripes or polka dots. Encourage kids to choose their favorite colors or make rainbow patterns.

• Glitter and gems:

Apply glue in shapes like stars or hearts, then sprinkle glitter or stick on craft gems for sparkle.

• Labels and stickers:

Write the child’s name and savings goal on a label and stick it on. Use stickers of favorite characters or shapes to add personality.

• Painted designs:

Use washable or acrylic paint to create abstract designs, flowers, or favorite themes like space or sports.

Encourage kids to plan their decorations before starting and be creative. Decorating helps kids build ownership of their piggy bank, making saving money more fun and meaningful.

What can kids learn from making and using a piggy bank at home?

This simple project offers valuable lessons beyond just crafting:

• Responsibility:

Kids learn to care for something they made and protect their money by keeping the piggy bank secure.

• Goal-setting:

Writing savings goals on the piggy bank helps children understand planning and working toward something they want.

• Math skills:

Counting coins, adding totals, and tracking savings develop basic arithmetic skills.

• Creativity:

Decorating encourages self-expression and decision-making.

• Delayed gratification:

Kids experience the reward of saving money over time rather than spending it immediately.

This hands-on activity connects money management to everyday life in a way kids can understand and enjoy. For further reading on money habits, check How Can We Save Money.

Frequently asked questions

Can kids use glass bottles to make piggy banks?

Glass bottles are not safe for kids because they can break and cause injury. Plastic bottles are easier to work with, safer, and can be cut and decorated without risk.

How do kids open the bottle piggy bank to get their money out?

Most plastic bottles have screw-on caps. Children (with adult help if needed) can unscrew the cap to remove coins. For tips on opening piggy banks, see [How to open a piggy bank](#r3).

What if we don’t have scissors or a craft knife at home?

Parents can pre-cut the coin slot, or you can use other containers like jars with lids or cardboard boxes. Another option is making a piggy bank from paper as explained in [How to make a piggy bank with paper](#r1).

How can this piggy bank help teach kids about saving money?

It creates a physical place to collect money, helping kids see their progress and feel proud. Combined with setting goals, it encourages good saving habits from a young age.

Can older kids customize their piggy banks in more complex ways?

Yes, older kids can add locks, create multiple banks for different goals, or use electronic coin counters. They might also enjoy more advanced art techniques or building banks from other materials.