How to open a piggy bank

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

What do you need before starting to open a piggy bank?

Before opening a piggy bank, have everything ready to keep the process safe and smooth. You will need:

• A clean, flat surface like a table or countertop, covered with a soft cloth or towel to protect the piggy bank from scratches or slips.
• A small bowl or container to catch the coins and bills as they come out.
• A coin or thin stick, like a pencil or chopstick, to help nudge coins out if they get stuck.
• Good lighting so you can see the piggy bank’s opening clearly.
• Patience and steady hands—remind your child that careful handling is important to avoid damage.

If the piggy bank is made of wood without a clear opening, you might also want a screwdriver or ask an adult for help. Preparing these things before starting saves frustration and keeps the piggy bank safe.

How do you open a piggy bank step by step without breaking it?

Opening a piggy bank without breaking it is easy when done carefully. Follow these steps and explain each one to your child:

1. Find the opening: Turn the piggy bank over and look for a rubber or plastic stopper, usually on the bottom. Some piggy banks may have a twist-off lid or a small hatch.
2. Remove the stopper: Using your fingers, gently pull or twist the stopper. If it’s tight, wiggle it slowly side to side to loosen it. Avoid using sharp tools that could damage the piggy bank.
3. Tilt the piggy bank: Hold the piggy bank over your bowl or table and tilt it slightly so coins can slide toward the opening.
4. Shake gently: Tap the piggy bank lightly or shake it gently to encourage coins to come out. If coins don’t come out easily, don’t shake hard—this could crack the piggy bank.
5. Use a coin or pencil: If a coin gets stuck, carefully insert a coin or pencil to nudge it toward the opening. Avoid pushing too hard to prevent damage.
6. Count the money: As coins come out, count them with your child aloud. For example, say, “Let’s count all the quarters first and see how much money you saved!” This helps practice math skills too.

Each step is designed to keep the piggy bank intact for future use. Remind kids that handling the piggy bank gently is like caring for their money treasure chest.

How can you tell if the piggy bank opened successfully?

You’ll know the piggy bank opened successfully when:

• The stopper or lid comes off smoothly without cracking or breaking.
• Coins and bills slide out easily without forcing.
• The piggy bank’s shape and paint remain undamaged—no chips, cracks, or scratches.
• The child feels happy and confident about opening the bank without damage.

If the piggy bank is intact and the money is safely removed, the process was a success. If any cracking or damage happens, it’s a sign to change the method or get adult help next time.

What should you do if the piggy bank won’t open or gets stuck?

Sometimes piggy banks are tricky to open. If the stopper won’t budge or coins are stuck inside, try these tips:

• Warm the stopper: Hold the piggy bank or the stopper in your hands for a minute. The warmth can soften rubber and make it easier to remove.
• Use a little oil: Put a tiny drop of cooking oil or vegetable oil on the stopper’s edge and wait a few minutes. This can help it slide out easier. Remember to wipe off any oil after.
• Tap gently: Lightly tap the stopper and the piggy bank’s bottom with a soft object like a rubber eraser to loosen it.
• Try twisting: Sometimes twisting the stopper gently back and forth helps loosen it more than pulling straight out.
• Adult help: If these steps don’t work, ask an adult for assistance. For wooden piggy banks without openers, adults might carefully unscrew the bottom or find another way to open it without damage.

Avoid forcing the stopper or shaking the piggy bank hard, as this can cause cracks or breaks. Patience and gentle methods are best.

How can you adapt opening a piggy bank for kids aged 8-12?

When teaching kids 8-12 years old how to open a piggy bank, use clear, simple language and hands-on guidance:

• Explain that the stopper is “like a door to their money.” Say, “We will open the door slowly so your money can come out safely.”
• Show each step first, then let the child try under supervision, praising their careful work.
• Use encouraging words such as, “Great job being gentle!” or “You’re learning to take care of your savings.”
• Help them count the coins as they come out, making it a fun math game. For example: “Let’s count how many dimes you saved and see what they add up to.”
• Remind kids to ask an adult before using tools or if the stopper is stuck.
• Turn the process into a teaching moment about saving money and patience.

This approach helps children feel responsible and proud of their money habits while keeping the piggy bank safe.

Should you open a piggy bank often or keep it closed?

It’s usually best to keep a piggy bank closed most of the time. Opening it only when your child wants to count their savings or purchase something special helps build good saving habits. Explain that:

• Opening the piggy bank too often can make it empty faster, so waiting helps grow the savings.
• The longer money stays inside, the more your child can save for bigger goals.
• Opening it can be a special event — like a reward for reaching a savings target. This makes saving feel exciting.

Encouraging children to set goals for their piggy bank savings—like a toy or game—can motivate them to wait and keep saving. This teaches patience and planning.

Can you make your own piggy bank at home?

Making a piggy bank at home is a fun craft project that teaches creativity and saving. Here’s how you can help kids make one:

• Find an empty container like a clean jar, tissue box, or cardboard tube.
• Cut a small slit in the lid or side big enough for coins to slide in easily but not fall out.
• Let kids decorate it with markers, stickers, paint, or glitter to make their own “money box.”
• Label it with their name or a fun saving goal, for example, “Emma’s Toy Fund.”
• Explain that this homemade piggy bank is their special money holder and they can open it anytime to count their savings.

Making a piggy bank can be a great way to start conversations about money. For drawing ideas and decorations, see the guide How to draw a piggy bank. This project helps kids feel connected to their saving journey.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open a piggy bank if it doesn’t have a stopper?

If there’s no stopper or lid, check if the piggy bank has a removable bottom panel or screws. If not, you may need adult help to carefully open or break it safely. Always use eye protection and a safe space if breaking is necessary.

How do I teach kids about saving money with a piggy bank?

Use the piggy bank to show how small coins add up over time. Encourage kids to save regularly and explain saving helps them buy bigger things later. Counting coins together also makes math practice fun.

Should I let my child open the piggy bank whenever they want?

It’s better to open it only for special reasons like counting savings or making a purchase. This helps children learn patience and the value of saving money over time.

What if my child breaks the piggy bank by accident?

Stay calm and use the moment to talk about being careful with money and their things. You can help them make a new piggy bank or use a safe container, encouraging gentle handling next time.

How can I help my child count all their coins from the piggy bank?

Sort coins by type (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters) first. Count each group aloud, then add the totals together. Using real objects for counting helps children understand money better.