Unusual Money Boxes: Quirky and Novelty Savings Banks
A plain money box does the job, but a quirky one makes saving fun — and fun is what keeps you coming back to drop in another coin. Novelty money boxes have come a long way from the humble ceramic pig. Today you can find gadget banks that gobble up your coins at the press of a button, jars that count as you fill them, retro tins that look great on a shelf, and piggy banks with a mischievous twist. If you have ever struggled to build a saving habit, a money box that raises a smile can be surprisingly effective.
This guide runs through the most interesting styles of unusual money box, who each suits, and what to check before you buy, so you end up with something that is genuinely useful as well as fun.
At a glance
- Best for
- Making saving fun
- Great gift
- Novelty gadget banks
- Kid-friendly
- Arcade coin banks
- Look for
- A build that lasts
Key Takeaways
- Novelty keeps the habit going. A money box that entertains you is one you will actually use, which matters more than capacity or looks.
- Gadget banks are great gifts. Coin-gobbling and arcade-style banks make memorable presents and get children excited about saving.
- Retro and decorative tins double as décor. If you want something on display, choose a design you will still like in a year.
- Check how you get the money out. Some novelty boxes are sealed or fiddly to open, so decide whether that friction helps or annoys you before buying.
What to look for
First, decide whether the box is mainly for fun, gifting, or serious saving. A gadget bank that swallows coins is a brilliant gift and a great habit-builder, but it may hold less than a plain tin. If you want to save a meaningful sum, balance novelty against capacity.
Check the coins or notes it accepts. Some arcade and gadget banks are built for coins only, while jars and larger tins happily take notes too. If you plan to save banknotes, make sure the opening suits them — our guide to the best money boxes for notes goes into this in detail.
Think about how you retrieve your savings. Some novelty boxes have a proper hatch or plug; others are sealed and meant to be opened only when full. Neither is wrong, but the friction level should match your saving style. Finally, weigh up build quality and power. Battery-powered gadget banks need working batteries to do their trick, and cheap plastic can feel flimsy, so read the detail before you commit.
Coin-gobbling gadget banks
These battery-powered banks are the showstoppers of the money box world: place a coin on a tray and a hand, mouth or mechanism whips it away, often with a sound effect. They are irresistible to children and make a memorable gift for all ages. They suit habit-building and fun rather than large-scale saving. Check they take UK coins and that the mechanism feels well made.
Check price on AmazonLive price · opens in a new tabArcade-style savings machines
Modelled on fruit machines, gumball dispensers or mini ATMs, arcade banks turn saving into a game. Insert a coin and you might get lights, sounds or a spinning reel. They are a fantastic way to make pocket money exciting for children and a fun novelty for adults too. Look for sturdy construction and easy access to the coin store inside.
Check price on AmazonLive price · opens in a new tabCounting money jars and pots
A digital counting jar tallies your total as you drop coins in, showing a running figure on a small display. Watching the number climb is oddly motivating, and it saves you counting up at the end. These suit goal-focused savers who like to track progress. Check which coin denominations it recognises and whether the display is easy to read.
Check price on AmazonLive price · opens in a new tabRetro and vintage-style tins
For savers who love a bit of nostalgia, retro money tins styled like old cash registers, post boxes or classic advertising add character to a shelf. They work as home décor as much as savings pots. They suit collectors and anyone who wants something that looks the part. Look for a solid tin body and a design you will be happy to display long term.
Check price on AmazonLive price · opens in a new tabPiggy banks with a twist
The classic pig, reinvented. Think banks that only "eat" when you feed them, ones with faces that react, or oversized ceramic pigs you have to smash to open — the ultimate commitment device. They suit anyone who loves the traditional idea but wants a bit more personality. Decide upfront whether you want a reusable plug or a smash-to-open design.
Check price on AmazonLive price · opens in a new tabPuzzle and challenge money boxes
Puzzle boxes require you to solve a sequence or mechanism to open them, adding a satisfying barrier between you and your savings. They are perfect for people who need to make raiding the pot deliberately difficult, and they double as a brain-teaser. Check the puzzle is challenging enough to matter but not so fiddly it frustrates you.
Check price on AmazonLive price · opens in a new tabFrequently asked questions
Are novelty money boxes good for actually saving?
They can be, because the fun factor keeps you engaged with the habit. Just be realistic about capacity — gadget and arcade banks are more about building a routine than storing large sums, so pair one with a bigger tin if you are saving seriously.
Do gadget money banks need batteries?
Most coin-gobbling and arcade-style banks do, since the moving parts and sound effects are powered. Check the battery type before buying, and remember the novelty stops working once the batteries run flat, though the box still stores coins.
What makes a good money box gift?
Choose something that matches the person: a gadget bank for a fun-loving child, a retro tin for someone who likes home décor, or a counting jar for a goal-driven saver. A little personality goes a long way in getting someone into the saving habit.
Can I save notes in a novelty money box?
Some can, but many gadget and arcade banks are coin-only. If notes are your priority, look at our dedicated best money boxes for notes guide, or choose a jar or larger tin with a suitable slot.
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