Piggy banks are sold at most major retailers, online marketplaces, and specialty stores, with prices ranging from a few dollars to over a hundred depending on material and design
You can find piggy banks at big-box stores like Target, Walmart, and Costco, at toy retailers like Toys "R" Us (where still operating), at home goods stores like HomeGoods and TJ Maxx, and at online marketplaces including Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's carry them, especially around holidays. The selection and price vary widely by retailer and by what you're looking for — a basic ceramic pig costs $5 to $15, while collectible or handmade versions can run $50 to $200 or more.
The best place to buy depends on what matters to you: speed of delivery, specific style or material, price, or the ability to see the item in person before buying. Each type of retailer has different strengths.
Key Takeaways
- Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and HomeGoods stock piggy banks year-round, with the largest selection around holidays and back-to-school season.
- Online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy offer the widest variety of styles, materials, and price points, from mass-produced to handmade and collectible.
- Specialty toy stores and gift shops often carry higher-quality or unique piggy banks than big-box retailers, though at higher prices.
- Thrift stores like Goodwill and estate sales are sources for vintage and collectible piggy banks at lower prices than specialty retailers.
- Seasonal availability peaks around holidays, back-to-school, and baby shower season, so selection is largest during those windows.
Big-Box Retailers: Walmart, Target, and Costco
Walmart and Target carry basic piggy banks year-round in their toy and home goods sections, with prices typically between $5 and $20. Both stores stock ceramic, plastic, and metal versions in common designs — pigs, animals, and simple geometric shapes. Selection is largest during holiday shopping season (November through December) and back-to-school season (July through August).
Costco carries piggy banks seasonally, usually in packs of multiple units or as part of gift sets. Prices are competitive, but selection is limited and changes by warehouse and season. You need a Costco membership to shop in-store, though some items are available through Costco.com without membership.
The advantage of big-box retailers is that you can see and handle the item before buying, return it easily if it's damaged, and get it immediately. The disadvantage is limited selection compared to online options and no customization.
Online Marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, and Etsy
Amazon carries thousands of piggy banks from dozens of sellers, ranging from $3 plastic versions to $150+ collectibles. You can filter by material (ceramic, metal, glass, wood), size, color, and design. Shipping is usually fast — Prime members get two-day or next-day delivery on many items. Returns are straightforward if the item arrives damaged or doesn't match the description.
eBay is a strong option for vintage and collectible piggy banks, including rare or out-of-production designs. Prices vary widely depending on age, condition, and rarity. Shipping times depend on the seller, and you should check seller ratings and return policies before buying. Many eBay sellers specialize in collectibles and can answer detailed questions about condition and authenticity.
Etsy connects you directly to makers and small sellers who create handmade, personalized, and custom piggy banks. You can order a piggy bank with a child's name, a specific color scheme, or a custom design. Prices are higher than mass-produced options (typically $20 to $80), but the quality and uniqueness are often worth it. Shipping times are longer — usually two to four weeks — because items are made to order.
Specialty Toy and Gift Stores
Independent toy stores and gift shops often carry higher-quality piggy banks than big-box retailers, including wooden versions, hand-painted designs, and brands focused on child development or sustainability. Prices are typically $15 to $50. Staff can often recommend options based on age, interests, or purpose.
Specialty stores are also good sources for piggy banks tied to specific interests — sports teams, book characters, or educational themes. Many will special-order items if they don't have them in stock. The trade-off is that you pay more and have less selection than online, but you get personalized service and can inspect the item before buying.
Home Goods and Décor Retailers
HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross carry piggy banks as part of their home décor and gift sections. Inventory changes frequently because these stores buy overstock and closeout merchandise. You might find designer or brand-name piggy banks at 20 to 40 percent below retail price, but you can't count on finding the same item twice.
These stores are best if you're browsing for a gift and want to see options in person without committing to a specific design ahead of time. Prices are usually $8 to $25. Return policies vary by store, so check before you buy.
Thrift Stores and Estate Sales
Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other thrift stores often have vintage piggy banks for $1 to $5. Quality and selection vary by location and what's been donated recently. You won't find new items, but you might find collectible or unusual designs at a fraction of what they'd cost online.
Estate sales and auctions are sources for rare or valuable piggy banks, especially if you're collecting. Prices can be high for desirable pieces, but you're buying directly from sellers rather than through a middleman. Check local estate sale listings or websites like EstateSales.net to find sales in your area.
Seasonal Availability and Timing
Piggy banks are stocked most heavily during three windows: November through December (holiday shopping), July through August (back-to-school and summer gift-giving), and March through May (baby showers and spring celebrations). Selection is widest during these periods, and retailers often run promotions.
If you're buying for a specific occasion, shopping during the relevant season gives you the most options. If you're buying year-round, online retailers have consistent inventory even when brick-and-mortar stores are low on stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest place to buy a basic piggy bank?
Walmart and Costco typically have the lowest prices on basic plastic or ceramic piggy banks, usually $5 to $10. Thrift stores like Goodwill are even cheaper ($1 to $3) if you don't mind used items. Online, Amazon has competitive prices on mass-produced versions, especially if you buy in bulk.
Where can I find a personalized or custom piggy bank?
Etsy is the primary source for custom and personalized piggy banks made to order. You can request specific names, colors, materials, or designs. Some specialty toy stores also offer personalization services, though selection is more limited. Expect to pay $25 to $80 and wait two to four weeks for delivery.
Can I find vintage or collectible piggy banks online?
Yes. eBay specializes in vintage and collectible piggy banks and has detailed listings with photos and seller ratings. Etsy also has vintage sections where sellers offer older pieces. Prices vary widely depending on age, rarity, and condition. Thrift stores are cheaper but require in-person browsing.
Do I need to pay shipping if I buy from a big-box retailer?
In-store purchases at Walmart, Target, or HomeGoods have no shipping cost. Online orders from these retailers' websites may may have access to for free shipping depending on order total and your location. Check each retailer's shipping policy before checking out.
What's the return policy if the piggy bank arrives damaged?
Most retailers accept returns of damaged items within 30 days with proof of purchase. Amazon and eBay have buyer protection policies that cover items that don't match the description or arrive damaged. Etsy's return policy depends on the individual seller, so check before ordering. Keep the original packaging and take photos of damage if you need to return something.