History of Piggy Banks

As you shop for personalized gifts and presents for friends and families, you may have seen that piggy banks seem to be a very popular item. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and can be found made of all different materials. So what has led to the piggy bank being such a popular gift item? There are a few theories, but one seems to prevail over all the others.

Where does the piggy bank come from?

Back in the Middle English times (around 1000 – 1400 AD), many items that are now pretty readily available to people (including metals), were very expensive for most people to acquire. But one resource that people could easily find and use to make items was clay. And a particular type of clay thatwas popular then was named 'pygg' (are you seeing where this is going?).

Pygg was used widely by household to create many things that they needed. Plates, bowls and even jars. As you can imagine, they would call these jars 'pygg jars'. Over time, people would put their hard earned money in their jars for safekeeping and to guard from theft. It is these special jars that would soon be called 'pygg banks' (we're getting closer).

Once materials became more widely used by the masses, the bank made from pygg was now being made of glass, tin, ceramic and other materials. And sometime in between, the term 'pygg' went from describing the material of the bank to the shape of the bank, and the name became pig bank, or piggy bank. That's how the product of the piggy bank came to be. But why has it become such a popular gift?

Why is the piggy bank such a popular gift?

There are a number of very good and practical reasons why piggy banks became a popular gift, and why they have stayed popular through the years. First of all, the basic concept of the piggy bank revolves around money. Gifts are typically exchange between family members, and most families provide the basis of one’s early financial knowledge. Parents and grandparents want to help children learn the power of money, and that saving is a big part of anyone's financial success and freedom. This was true in the 15th century, it is true today and will be true in the future. Giving a young person a piggy bank (preferably with some starter money in it) is a great way to start the saving conversation and give them a tool to use to help save.

Piggy banks are also very cute. Today there are countless variations a piggy bank can come in (some are not even shaped like pigs), and with paint and different materials the imagination is the only thing that will limit what one can look like. Because of this, piggy banks can be made or chosen with a specific person in mind. Whether it matches their personality or style, there is sure to be a piggy bank out there for everyone.

In some cultures the gift of a piggy banks is a gesture to bring someone good luck. You give someone a piggy bank (again, with some starter money) to wish upon them good fortunes down the road. Whether just a nice gesture or a gift as someone heads on to another stage of their life, this is always a welcome offering (and of course, the more starter money you give the more good luck they should run into).

Lastly, piggy banks don't just stand still. They evolve. They keep up with times. As more materials became available, piggy banks were made from new ones (ceramics, paper mache, plastics). As people wanted more, piggy banks could grow in size. We know even have belly banks which have a plastic ball for the money wrapped by whatever you want – dragons, dinosaurs, pigs and more. There's always something new around the corner, and the piggy bank is one of the things that will always be able to stand the test of time.

Does the history of the piggy bank intrigue you? Are you more excited than ever to give a family member or friend one for their birthday or a holiday? Then check out our selection of fun piggy banks and belly banks. There's something for everyone, and with the added touch of personalization these piggy banks are sure to be a hit. Start shopping now.