Piggy Banks & Money Jars

Best Piggy Banks & Money Jars in the UK: Stylish Picks from Nordic Nest, Menkind and More

Why stylish piggy banks and money jars still matter

Have you ever walked past a cute jar and felt a tug to save a pound here and there? Piggy banks and money jars do more than hold coins — they nudge us toward better habits, add personality to a shelf, and can even act as tiny sculptures in your living space. Whether you’re saving for a rainy day or looking for a playful accent, the right money jar makes saving feel intentional and fun.

Featured shops from the HTML: Nordic Nest and Menkind

The HTML data highlights two very different UK-facing stores: Nordic Nest and Menkind. Each brings a distinct vibe to the piggy bank market. Nordic Nest leans Scandinavian—clean lines, quality materials and a subtle color palette—while Menkind chooses novelty, personalization and gifts that spark a grin. Together they illustrate how broad the market has become: from minimalist keepsakes to characterful, personalised money boxes.

Nordic Nest: Scandinavian simplicity and sculptural design

Nordic Nest champions minimalism with a nod to craftsmanship. Think soft pastels, matte ceramics, and sleek metal finishes. A perfect example is the Georg Jensen Miniphant — a playful, design-driven piggy bank that doubles as decor. These pieces are ideal if you want a money jar that won’t look out of place on a modern mantel or nursery shelf.

Menkind: fun, personalised and perfect for gifting

Menkind specialises in novelty and personalised items that push joy to the forefront. Their personalised carousel money box and similar items are cheeky, giftable and tailored. If you want a money jar that reflects personality — a theme park carousel for a birthday saver, for instance — Menkind often has quirky, memorable options that speak directly to the recipient.

Spotlight: Georg Jensen Miniphant & Moneyphant

The HTML lists two Georg Jensen pieces: the Miniphant in a “blueberry sprinkle” finish and the larger Moneyphant with twins. These sculptural piggy banks are more art than toy. They’re small enough to sit on a bedside table yet striking enough to start conversations.

Miniphant Money Box — compact charm

Described at roughly 2.4 by 3.4 inches, the Miniphant packs big design into a small frame. Its compact size makes it ideal for a child’s room or a shelf cluster. Despite being petite, it’s sturdy enough for daily use and looks like a collectible rather than a mass-market toy, making it a smart pick if you care about aesthetics as well as function.

Moneyphant with Twins — a statement piece

The Moneyphant measures about 5 inches in height, giving it a stronger sculptural presence. With twin elephants or paired elements, it reads as both symbolic and decorative. It’s one of those jars that belongs on a coffee table or open shelf, where it can be admired as design rather than tucked away in a drawer.

Types of piggy banks and money jars to consider

Not all money jars are created equal. Materials, style and mechanism differ hugely, and those differences affect durability, look, and how easy the jar is to empty. Let’s run through the main types so you know what suits your lifestyle.

Ceramic and porcelain: classic and decorative

Ceramic banks are traditional for a reason: they offer a broad palette of finishes and can be beautifully detailed. They tend to have a slot on top and a rubber stopper or require breaking to access coins. If you prefer something classic that complements a traditional decor, go ceramic—but be mindful of fragility.

Metal and stainless steel: modern and durable

Metal money jars, like sleek stainless or brass designs, add a contemporary edge. They’re hard-wearing and often have a screw base for easy access to contents. Metals suit high-traffic areas or homes with pets and busy kids because they resist chips and cracks.

Wooden and rustic jars: warm, organic textures

Wooden jars offer a homemade, rustic charm. They pair wonderfully with farmhouse or vintage interiors, and many come with sliding lids or removable panels so you can get the coins out without destroying the piece. Wood also ages well, developing character over time.

Personalised and novelty jars: unique and memorable

If you’re after personality, personalised money boxes give you names, dates or quirky motifs. Novelty jars — from retro gumball-machine jars to animal shapes and movie-themed items — make saving entertaining. These are ideal for children or as special gifts to mark milestones.

Where to buy stylish piggy banks in the UK (beyond Nordic Nest and Menkind)

The UK market offers a wide selection beyond the two stores in the HTML. High-street department stores, homewares chains and online marketplaces all stock interesting options. Think about John Lewis for well-made designer pieces, Dunelm for affordable decorative jars, The Range for rustic options, and Hobbycraft for craftable money jars you can personalise yourself. Online artisan platforms like Etsy are great for bespoke or hand-painted banks, while lifestyle boutiques like Anthropologie (UK) and Selfridges can stock artistic, higher-end designs.

How to choose the perfect money jar

Choosing a money jar mixes form and function. You want something that looks right in your space, fits your saving habits, and is practical to use. Here are a few decision points that narrow the field fast.

Size and capacity — how much do you want to stash?

Size matters. A tiny jar around 2 to 4 inches is cute and works for spare change or a small “coffee fund.” For serious coin-hoarding or long-term saving, look for jars that are 6 inches or larger or have a wide opening that holds more. Think about whether you’ll deposit folded notes — if so, choose a jar with at least 3 to 4 inches of height in the slot area.

Material and durability — where will it live?

If your money jar will face knocks in a living room or playroom, choose metal or sturdy wood. For a decorative nursery shelf, ceramic or porcelain works well but place it out of reach if you have younger children. Also consider the cleaning method for the material: metals clean easily with a damp cloth, while porous materials may need gentler care.

Style and placement — match your decor

Think of a money jar as a tiny sculpture. Minimalist homes may benefit from monochrome or matte designs, while eclectic spaces welcome colourful, patterned jars. Match scale to shelving: a large, chunky bank can anchor a console, while a small whimsical jar is perfect for bedside tables or desk nooks.

Caring for your piggy bank: cleaning and maintenance

Maintaining your money jar keeps it looking fresh and ensures it lasts. The right care varies by material but follows a few simple rules: keep it dry, dust regularly, and avoid harsh chemicals.

Cleaning tips for different materials

For metal jars, wipe with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately to prevent tarnish. Ceramic and porcelain benefit from gentle soap and water — dry them fully before returning to their shelf. Wooden jars sometimes need a wipe and a light wood polish now and then to maintain the grain.

Maintenance and longevity — small habits, big difference

Don’t leave coins damp inside a jar as moisture can corrode metals and stain materials. If your money box has a removable plug, check it occasionally for wear to avoid accidental spillage. And if it’s a prized collectible, consider keeping it in a display case to protect it from curious hands.

Creative uses beyond saving coins

Piggy banks and money jars aren’t just for cash. They double as decor, organisers, and teaching tools. Think creatively — your money jar can earn its place in the home in multiple roles.

Decorative accents and living-room styling

Use a sculptural money jar as a bookend or place it within a group of objects on a coffee table. A metallic jar adds contrast on a soft-textured tray; a pastel ceramic piece softens a monochrome shelf. They can be subtle style additions that support a theme rather than shouting “kids’ item.”

Teaching kids about money and goals

Money jars are brilliant teaching tools. Create jars labelled “save,” “spend,” and “share” to make the concept of budgeting tactile and visual for children. Personalised jars also encourage responsibility — kids are more likely to deposit coins if the jar is fun and theirs.

Shopping tips and tricks to get the best value

Finding a great piggy bank is partly about hunting and partly about knowing what to look for. A little planning saves money and ensures you get a piece you’ll love for years.

Look for personalisation options and craftsmanship

A personalised message or custom paint job can transform a jar into a cherished keepsake. If you’re buying as a gift, consider customisation as an investment in sentiment rather than a mere cost. Check craftsmanship details — tight seams, smooth finishes and secure stoppers are signs of quality.

Compare prices, materials and long-term value

Don’t be swayed by price alone. A cheap ceramic jar might chip quickly, while a slightly more expensive metal or designer piece keeps its charm for years. Compare similar items across stores — John Lewis and Nordic Nest often stock higher-end designs, while Dunelm and The Range offer budget-friendly options with good value.

In short: choose a style you enjoy looking at, a material that suits your household, and a size that matches your saving habits. That way the jar does its job and becomes part of your home’s story.

Conclusion: A piggy bank or money jar is more than a container — it’s a small habit-forming object, a decorative accent, and sometimes a sentimental keepsake. Whether you lean Scandinavian with Nordic Nest and Georg Jensen pieces, go playful with Menkind, or hunt for a bespoke find on Etsy, there are plenty of options in the UK to match every taste and budget. Pick a jar that fits your space, reflects your personality, and makes saving feel a little more delightful.