How to draw a piggy bank

Kids 8–12 · Activities · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What materials are best for children to draw a piggy bank?

Children ages 8 to 12 should have easy-to-use materials that encourage creativity without overwhelming them. Essential items include:

• Paper: Plain white drawing paper or a sketchbook.
• Pencils: A regular pencil for sketching outlines and details.
• Eraser: To fix mistakes or lighten lines before coloring.
• Color tools: Colored pencils, crayons, or washable markers for coloring.
• Optional supplies: A ruler can help with drawing the coin slot, and colored pens or glitter can add decorative details.

For classroom settings, prepare individual kits or supply communal materials, depending on how many kids participate. At home, parents might encourage children to gather their favorite coloring tools for a more personalized experience. Having materials ready before starting keeps the activity smooth and focused.

How do kids draw the basic shape of a piggy bank step-by-step?

Start by breaking the piggy bank into simple shapes. Here’s a detailed guide kids can follow:

1. Draw the body: Lightly sketch a large oval or circle in the center of the paper. This will be the piggy bank’s main body.
2. Add the slot: Draw a small horizontal rectangle or rounded rectangle on top of the oval to represent the coin slot. Using a ruler can help make it straight.
3. Sketch the ears: On each upper side of the oval, draw two small triangles or rounded shapes for ears.
4. Draw the snout: Near the front of the oval (the right or left side), add a small oval or circle for the pig’s snout.
5. Include legs: Draw four small rectangles or oval shapes underneath the oval body for legs.

Encourage kids to keep their lines light so they can erase and adjust as needed. This step-by-step approach helps children see the piggy bank as a combination of simple shapes, making it easier to draw.

How do children add pig features to their piggy bank drawing?

After the basic shape, add details to make the piggy bank look more like a pig:

• Eyes: Draw two small circles or ovals above the snout. Add tiny dots inside these circles to represent pupils.
• Nostrils: Draw two small dots or tiny ovals inside the snout.
• Mouth: Add a small curved line under the snout to show a smile.
• Tail: Draw a curly or spiral line on the back edge of the oval for the pig’s tail.
• Hooves: Add small horizontal lines at the bottom of each leg to show hooves.
• Optional: Draw small eyebrows or eyelashes for expression.

Suggest that kids look at photos or illustrations of pigs or piggy banks to understand where to place these features naturally. This also builds observation skills.

What coloring techniques help make piggy bank drawings stand out?

Coloring is an enjoyable part of the activity and lets kids express themselves. Remind them to:

• Choose traditional colors like pink or peach for a classic piggy bank, or pick bright, imaginative colors to make a unique piggy bank.
• Use different shades of the same color to add dimension—for example, use a lighter pink where the light hits and a darker pink on the opposite side.
• Color the coin slot a contrasting color such as grey, dark brown, or metallic silver to make it look like metal.
• Add fun decorations such as spots, stripes, or stars.
• Use glitter glue or stickers around the piggy bank to make it sparkle and feel special.

Encourage kids to name their piggy bank or create a backstory, which helps with storytelling and imagination.

How can kids personalize their piggy bank drawing with money symbols?

To connect the drawing to money and saving, kids can:

• Draw coins or dollar bills partially inserted into the slot or scattered around the piggy bank.
• Write words like “Save”, “My Money”, or “Piggy Bank” on the side using bubble letters or colorful fonts.
• Add small symbols such as a dollar sign ($), a lock, or a safe to show security.
• Sketch a small savings chart or a piggy bank goal list nearby.

For example, a child might write: “Save for a bike!” on their piggy bank, making the activity personal and goal-oriented. This also introduces basic money management concepts in a kid-friendly way. For more ideas on piggy bank designs, see Piggy bank sample ideas for kids.

How can parents and teachers adapt this piggy bank drawing activity for home and classroom?

In the classroom:

• Use this drawing activity to introduce a lesson on saving money.
• Organize a group sharing session where kids explain why saving is important.
• Combine the drawing with a story or video about how piggy banks work.
• Provide step-by-step printed instructions or a visual guide to support different learning styles.
• Encourage kids to display their drawings on a classroom board.

At home:

• Parents can turn the drawing into a fun family project, encouraging children to explain their drawing choices.
• Use the drawing as a starting point to create a real piggy bank craft from recycled materials, linking art with a hands-on savings tool (see DIY Piggy Bank Ideas for Beginners).
• Talk about saving goals as kids personalize their piggy bank drawings.
• Make it a relaxing after-school activity to wind down while learning.

Both settings benefit from a brief discussion about how piggy banks encourage saving money, reinforcing the lesson.

What important skills does drawing a piggy bank help kids build?

Drawing a piggy bank supports several key skills:

• Fine motor skills: Holding pencils and coloring carefully builds hand strength and control.
• Visual-spatial skills: Understanding shapes and how to fit features together improves spatial awareness.
• Creativity: Choosing colors and designs encourages imagination.
• Money literacy: Relating the piggy bank to saving money introduces financial responsibility early.
• Following instructions: Completing the drawing step by step helps children practice attention and patience.
• Communication: Explaining their drawing fosters verbal skills.

For example, a child who carefully colors shading to show the piggy bank’s roundness is practicing observation and artistic skills that can transfer to other subjects.

How to debrief the piggy bank drawing activity with kids?

After the drawing is complete, engage children with open-ended questions to reflect on their work and what they learned:

• “What do you like best about your piggy bank drawing?”
• “Why do you think people use piggy banks?”
• “How do you plan to save money in real life?”
• “What colors or decorations did you choose, and why?”
• “If you could make a real piggy bank, what would it look like?”

This conversation helps kids link art with money skills and encourages them to think about saving as a positive habit. It also lets teachers and parents assess what the children understood.

Can this drawing activity be combined with other money lessons or crafts?

Yes, drawing piggy banks pairs well with hands-on and educational activities such as:

• Making real piggy banks from jars or boxes to practice saving coins.
• Playing money counting games to reinforce currency recognition.
• Reading books or watching videos about saving and spending wisely.
• Discussing different types of piggy banks and their uses (see Piggy bank guide for kids and parents).

For example, after drawing, kids could use their drawings as a plan to build their own piggy bank craft or set a saving goal, blending art with practical money skills.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest shape to start a piggy bank drawing?

Starting with a large oval or circle for the piggy bank’s body is easiest. From there, adding simple shapes like a small rectangle for the coin slot and round shapes for the snout and ears makes drawing manageable.

How can drawing a piggy bank help kids understand money?

Drawing a piggy bank introduces kids to the idea of saving money visually. Adding coins, dollar signs, or savings goals during the activity makes the connection between art and money concepts clear and fun.

How much time should be set aside for this drawing activity?

This activity typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes, including sketching, adding details, and coloring. Adjust the time based on the child’s interest and skill level.

What if a child wants to create a unique piggy bank instead of a traditional pink one?

Encourage creativity! Kids can use any colors, patterns, or decorations they like, such as stripes, polka dots, or even superhero themes. Personalizing their piggy bank helps build confidence and artistic expression.

How can parents help children who struggle with drawing steps?

Parents can gently guide kids by drawing alongside them, providing simple verbal instructions, or using tracing paper to build confidence. Praise effort rather than perfection to keep the experience positive.

Can older children add more advanced details to their piggy bank drawings?

Yes, older kids can add shadows, reflections, or even draw transparent piggy banks showing coins inside. They might also create backgrounds or design unique piggy bank shapes inspired by animals or objects.