My husband and I live in Washington where his family lives but my family is in California. It is so much easier for my parents, grandmother and friends to send money to my boys for birthdays, Christmas and other special events.

I had the intention of starting a bank account for my oldest son when he was born. I had received a few checks for him and didn't want to have to keep track of his money in my account. My husband and I discussed it and decided that we would get him a bank to keep in his room. I bought a sterling silver one that you see in lots of baby product stores. It was very small. By his first birthday it was full. I wanted to get him a bigger bank, one that he would want to use.

I saw this bank at Toys R Us and the price was right. It cost $9.99 and it was very cute. I gave it to my son and at first he thought it was incredibly boring. Once he was a little over 2 years old he started enjoying feeding his piggy. Every time my son sees his grandpa (which is a lot) he usually gets 4 quarters. He instantly tells anyone that will listen that he must feed his piggy when he gets home.

We have a ritual. He sits on his bed while I get his piggy. We spread out his quarters or what ever else on the blanket. Then he counts out loud how many quarters he has to feed to piggy. If he doesn't count, my hand doesn't move from the opening. Once he's done putting all of the money in the pig, we shake it and say that the piggy's tummy is full for a while and put him back to sleep.

I often use a quarter as a reward for something I see him do on his own that I want to encourage, like picking up his toys or helping me clean the house.

Once my second son was born I had to buy one more. I put stickers with each boys name under the snout so that they know which is which.

I like this piggy bank for all these reasons plus it is well made. The plug on the bottom doesn't release easily but isn't too hard to open.

It comes in two colors, blue and pink.

I would suggest giving one of these to a child you buy gifts for that doesn't live close, then send them money for gifts instead of having to pay shipping. Even if mom or dad has to go out and buys what the child wants there may be some change left over to teach the value of a dollar and how to save your money.




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