Piggy banks are sold at most major retailers, online marketplaces, toy stores, and home décor shops
You can find piggy banks at big-box stores like Target, Walmart, and Costco, which stock them year-round in their toy or home goods sections. Online, Amazon, eBay, and Etsy carry thousands of options from basic ceramic designs to collectible or handmade versions. Specialty toy stores, dollar stores, and home décor chains like HomeGoods and TJ Maxx also carry them, though selection varies by location and season.
The type of piggy bank you want—ceramic, plastic, metal, novelty character, or high-end collectible—determines where you'll find the best selection and price. Knowing where each retailer stocks them and what to expect in terms of variety and cost helps you narrow down your search.
Key Takeaways
- Major retailers like Target and Walmart stock basic piggy banks in toy or home goods sections, usually for $5 to $20.
- Online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy offer the widest selection, including rare, handmade, and collectible piggy banks.
- Specialty toy stores and independent shops often carry unique designs not found in chain stores.
- Dollar stores and discount retailers carry budget-friendly options, though selection is limited and changes frequently.
- Seasonal availability peaks around holidays and back-to-school periods, so timing affects what you'll find in stock.
Big-Box Retailers and Department Stores
Target, Walmart, and Costco stock piggy banks in their toy sections and sometimes in home décor aisles. Prices typically range from $5 to $25 depending on size and material. These stores carry standard ceramic, plastic, and novelty designs—often licensed characters or simple geometric shapes. Availability is consistent year-round, though selection expands during holiday shopping seasons.
Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's also carry piggy banks, usually in their home goods or gift sections. These tend to be higher-end ceramic or decorative versions priced $15 to $40. You can check their websites to see what's in stock at your nearest location before making a trip.
Online Marketplaces and E-Commerce Sites
Amazon offers the largest selection of piggy banks, with options ranging from $3 plastic versions to $100+ collectibles. You can filter by material, size, theme, and price. Shipping is often fast, and customer reviews help you gauge quality before buying. eBay specializes in vintage and collectible piggy banks if you're looking for specific brands or rare designs from past decades.
Etsy connects you directly with independent makers and sellers who create handmade, personalized, and custom piggy banks. Prices vary widely—$10 to $150+—depending on the artist and complexity. Etsy is the best option if you want something one-of-a-kind or tailored to a specific person or theme. Shipping times are longer than Amazon because items are often made to order.
Specialty Toy Stores and Independent Shops
Local toy stores and independent gift shops often carry piggy banks you won't find in chain retailers. These stores typically stock higher-quality ceramic designs, educational piggy banks, and brands focused on craftsmanship. Prices are usually higher than big-box stores—$15 to $50—but the selection is curated and unique.
Specialty stores also tend to have staff who can recommend piggy banks based on age, interest, or décor style. If you have a local toy store or gift shop, calling ahead to ask about their piggy bank selection saves you a trip if they don't have what you're looking for.
Dollar Stores and Discount Retailers
Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Five Below carry budget-friendly piggy banks, usually priced $1 to $5. Selection is limited and changes frequently based on what's in stock. These stores are good for basic plastic or ceramic piggy banks if you need something quickly and inexpensively, but don't expect variety or specialty designs.
TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Ross carry discounted home décor items including piggy banks, often at 30 to 50 percent off retail prices. Stock rotates constantly, so you may find high-end ceramic or designer piggy banks at lower prices, but you can't count on finding the same item twice. These stores work best if you're flexible on design and enjoy browsing.
Seasonal Availability and Shopping Timing
Piggy bank selection peaks during the winter holidays (November through December) and back-to-school season (July through August). Retailers stock more options and varieties during these periods. If you're shopping outside these windows, selection narrows—especially in smaller stores—so online options become more reliable.
Specialty designs tied to holidays or events (Halloween piggy banks, Christmas designs, graduation themes) appear and disappear seasonally. If you want a specific holiday-themed piggy bank, shopping during that season gives you the best selection. After the season ends, these designs are harder to find except through online resellers.
Comparing Price and Quality Across Retailers
Different retailers offer different combinations of price, selection, and convenience. The table below shows what you can expect at each type of store, helping you decide where to shop based on your budget, timeline, and what you're looking for.
| Retailer Type | Price Range | Selection | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big-box (Target, Walmart) | $5–$25 | Standard designs, licensed characters | Quick shopping, consistent stock |
| Online (Amazon, eBay) | $3–$150+ | Widest range, vintage, collectibles | Specific designs, rare finds |
| Etsy | $10–$150+ | Handmade, personalized, custom | One-of-a-kind or custom orders |
| Specialty toy stores | $15–$50 | Curated, high-quality, unique | Premium or educational designs |
| Dollar stores | $1–$5 | Limited, basic designs | Budget-friendly, quick purchases |
| Discount retailers (TJ Maxx, Ross) | $5–$20 | Rotating stock, designer brands | Deals on higher-end designs |
Big-box stores offer the best balance of price and convenience for standard piggy banks. Online marketplaces win for selection and specialty items. Discount retailers are worth checking if you're willing to hunt for deals on higher-end designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest place to buy a piggy bank?
Dollar stores like Dollar Tree and Dollar General sell basic plastic piggy banks for $1 to $5. Walmart and Target also have budget options starting around $5. If you're flexible on design and willing to wait for shipping, Amazon sometimes has plastic piggy banks for $3 to $8.
Where can I find vintage or collectible piggy banks?
eBay is the primary source for vintage and collectible piggy banks, with thousands of listings from different eras and manufacturers. Etsy also has vintage options from independent sellers. Local antique shops and estate sales occasionally have vintage piggy banks, though selection depends on what's available in your area at any given time.
Can I get a custom or personalized piggy bank?
Etsy is the best option for custom or personalized piggy banks. Many sellers offer engraving, custom names, or made-to-order designs. You can also contact local pottery studios or artisans who may create custom pieces. Custom orders typically take two to four weeks and cost $25 to $100+ depending on complexity.
Do stores carry piggy banks year-round?
Big-box retailers and online marketplaces stock piggy banks year-round, though selection is smaller outside holiday and back-to-school seasons. Specialty toy stores and discount retailers have more variable stock. If you need a specific design, shopping during peak seasons (November through December, July through August) gives you the best selection.
What's the difference between buying online and in-store?
In-store shopping lets you see the piggy bank in person and take it home immediately, but selection is limited to what that location stocks. Online shopping offers vastly more options and often lower prices, but you pay for shipping and can't inspect the item before it arrives. Online is better for specific or hard-to-find designs; in-store is better if you need something quickly.