How to make a piggy bank with paper
Short answer
Making a piggy bank with paper is a creative and educational activity that helps kids practice saving money. Using simple materials like cardstock or cardboard, scissors, and glue, children can follow clear steps to build a sturdy piggy bank with a coin slot. This hands-on project promotes money habits and fine motor skills while creating a colorful container for coins.
What supplies are needed before starting to make a paper piggy bank?
Before beginning the project, gather all necessary supplies to ensure a smooth crafting experience for children aged 8 to 12. The materials include:
- Sturdy paper or light cardboard: Cardstock, cereal boxes, or any firm paper work well. These materials support coins without bending.
- Scissors: Safety scissors appropriate for children, with adult supervision especially when cutting cardboard or making the coin slot.
- Glue or tape: White craft glue or clear tape to stick pieces together securely.
- Pencil and ruler: For drawing shapes, measuring the coin slot, and marking fold lines.
- Decorations: Markers, crayons, stickers, or paint to personalize the piggy bank.
Prepare the work area by covering the surface with newspaper or a plastic sheet to protect against glue or marker stains. Make sure children understand how to handle scissors safely and know when to ask for help. Having all supplies ready avoids interruptions and keeps kids engaged.
How do you make a piggy bank with paper step-by-step?
Follow this detailed set of instructions to create a functional piggy bank with paper:
- Draw the piggy bank shapes: On cardstock or cardboard, use a pencil and ruler to draw two identical shapes. A simple pig silhouette or a rectangular box shape works well. For example, draw rectangles measuring about 6 inches by 4 inches for the front and back.
- Cut out the shapes: Use scissors to cut the two shapes carefully. These will be the front and back panels.
- Create the coin slot: On one panel near the top center, measure and mark a narrow rectangle about 1 inch long and 0.5 inch wide — enough for coins to fit through but not too large. Cut this slot carefully with scissors or a craft knife (adult help recommended).
- Cut side strips: Cut four strips of paper about 1.5 inches wide and the same length as the sides of your panels (for a rectangle, four strips measuring 6 inches or 4 inches). These will form the edges connecting front and back.
- Fold the side strips: Fold each strip along its length at right angles or make accordion folds to help them bend around corners.
- Attach side strips to one panel: Glue or tape the folded strips along the edges of one panel, matching the folds with the corners. For example, tape the 6-inch strips on the longer sides and the 4-inch strips on the shorter sides to form a box edge.
- Attach the second panel: Once dry, glue or tape the second panel onto the other edge of the side strips, creating a closed box with a coin slot on one side.
- Decorate the piggy bank: Use markers, stickers, or paint to add eyes, ears, spots, or fun designs. For example, draw a smiling pig face or add glitter for sparkle.
This process creates a container that holds coins securely and teaches kids about measuring, cutting, folding, and assembling. For instance, if making a rectangular piggy bank, the strips act as walls connecting the front and back panels, forming a 3D box.
How can it be determined if the paper piggy bank is working correctly?
Testing the piggy bank after assembly confirms it functions well. Check the following:
- Coin slot size: Insert different coins like pennies, nickels, and quarters through the slot. The coins should slide in smoothly without getting stuck. For example, if a quarter fits easily but a half-dollar does not, the slot size is appropriate for typical coins.
- Sturdiness: Hold the piggy bank and gently shake it. Coins inside should move but not fall out through gaps.
- Shape stability: Place the piggy bank on a flat surface to see if it stands upright without tipping.
- Sealed edges: Inspect glued or taped edges for any holes or loose parts where coins could escape.
If coins don’t fit, carefully widen the slot using scissors. If the shape bends easily, add extra tape around edges or create internal supports by gluing extra cardboard inside corners. Testing ensures the piggy bank is sturdy and functional.
What can be done if the paper piggy bank doesn’t work right?
If issues arise, here are common problems and how to fix them:
- Coin slot is too small: Carefully trim the slot edges to widen it. Use a pencil to mark the new size (for example, increase length by 0.25 inch) before cutting.
- Sides bend or tear: Use thicker cardboard or double layers of paper glued together. Reinforce corners with extra strips glued inside the piggy bank.
- Piggy bank tips over: Flatten folds or add a small cardboard base glued inside to increase stability.
- Coins fall out: Check all edges and corners. Add tape or glue to seal any loose spots. If the slot is too wide, place tape inside the slot edges to narrow it.
Also, allow glue to dry completely between steps. Rushing can weaken the structure. If glue drips onto the coin slot, trim it carefully once dry to prevent coins from sticking.
How can this project be adapted to make a piggy bank using cardboard?
Cardboard piggy banks are more durable and suitable for holding more coins. To adapt the paper piggy bank steps:
- Use a small cardboard box such as a cereal box or shoebox as the base.
- Cut a coin slot on the top or side using a craft knife (adult supervision required). Make the slot about 1 inch long and 0.5 inch wide.
- Decorate the box with paint, markers, or glued-on paper cutouts.
- Reinforce edges and corners with clear packing tape or extra cardboard strips glued inside.
- For custom shapes, flatten the box, cut pig shapes from the cardboard, and assemble with glue and tape as in the paper version.
Cardboard piggy banks last longer but require careful cutting. This is a good next step for kids who enjoyed the paper piggy bank project and want a sturdier bank.
How can parents and teachers explain the purpose of making and using a piggy bank to kids?
Connecting the craft to money lessons helps kids understand saving. Use simple language like:
“A piggy bank is a special container for saving coins. When you put money into your piggy bank instead of spending it right away, you are saving for something you want in the future. Saving helps you buy toys, books, or other fun things later.”
Encourage kids to pick a savings goal, like “I want to save $5 to buy a new book.” Help them decorate the piggy bank as a reminder of this goal. Ask questions to reinforce the idea, such as:
- “What are you saving for?”
- “How many coins do you need to reach your goal?”
- “How often will you add coins to your piggy bank?”
This approach makes saving concrete, motivating, and relevant.
How can adults support kids to get the most from this piggy bank project?
Parents and teachers can enrich this activity by:
- Helping with tools: Assist with cutting, measuring, and gluing, especially for younger kids.
- Discussing money concepts: Talk about saving, spending, and making choices with money.
- Encouraging regular saving: Suggest adding coins after chores or allowances.
- Combining with other activities: Use piggy banks alongside lessons on counting money, budgeting, or setting goals. For example, track savings on a chart to visualize progress.
- Celebrating milestones: Praise kids when they reach savings goals and discuss what to do next, like spending or saving more.
This guidance helps children connect craft skills with important money habits, building confidence and responsibility.
Frequently asked questions
How can this project be done with minimal supplies?
Use recycled materials like cereal boxes or scrap paper. Tape can replace glue if unavailable. Even folded paper envelopes or small boxes can work as piggy banks.
What if a child is scared to use scissors?
Provide safety scissors and supervise closely. Adults can pre-cut difficult parts. Alternatively, use tape for assembly or fold paper designs that don’t require cutting.
How to explain saving money to kids who want to spend immediately?
Teach setting small goals and rewards. Explain that waiting helps save for bigger or special items, which can be more satisfying than spending right away.
Can decorations be made from recycled materials?
Yes, old magazines, fabric scraps, buttons, and stickers add creativity and teach about recycling while decorating the piggy bank.
What if the piggy bank is too small for the child’s coins?
Help make a bigger piggy bank using larger cardboard or find a simple jar or container to decorate and use for saving instead.
How can kids be encouraged to count their savings?
Set regular times to count coins together. Use charts or worksheets for tracking savings progress, turning counting into a fun and rewarding activity.