The origin of piggy banks dates back nearly 600 years, in a time before real banks existed. Back then,, people commonly stored their money at home — not under the mattress (or hay rack), but in common kitchen jars. These clay pots are also know as pygg pots.
As language evolved, pygg and word pig (pigge) starts to sound the same… After which, in the 19th century when English potters received requests for pygg banks, they started producing banks shaped like pigs. An accidental invention.
I started thinking about piggy banks because I was shortlisting gifts ideas for the little ones. Then, I remembered the one common item I have always received as a kid – the piggy bank. It also got me thinking or rather, trying to recall the first time I saved for something i really wanted. I do not remember what was it for me, but I do remember how I felt after I achieved it- major sense of achievement.
I also remember my first piggy bank, the old school plastic piggy one which had no opening for taking the money out. I always wondered why it was made that way and it got me making countless attempts to shake the money out from the slot. Attempts only, as I never succeeded. But I suppose that is what it means to save for rainy day. You only ‘kill your piggy’ and take the money out when you really have to, when what you want is more important than the ‘friend’.
The situation now is very different. I think it will gets increasingly difficult to educate the younger crowd on ‘value’, or on the concept of ‘putting in effort for what you want’. This is especially true in SG context where the young ones usually get what they want simply by asking. It’s a sticky case.
Gift ideas
1. Toys
2. Clothes
3. Piggy banks
4. Tech gadgets
And of course… It’s no longer relevant or appreciated as a gift idea.
CFP, representing Financial Alliance 