Now when we’re all tightening our wallets, children asking for various gifts and treats on every shopping excursion, of which there are, of course a lot fewer, can be a bit grating. It’s hard not to try to explain the current global economic crisis in age-appropriate terminology, or even the personal family one.

Instead, I’ve been focusing on teaching my child how to purchase with his own money. Interesting concept. So, it’s back to the old fashioned way – bringing back the piggybank, like this, My First Piggy Bank, available in pink or blue – a perfect starter bank to get kids on the road to financial security.

Though intended as a gift for the new baby, which is of course not a bad idea, this cute piggy is a great gift for older children too. As we’ve all woken up to the fact that we could, um perhaps be a bit more fiscally responsible, it’s a good time for us to instill those long lost attributes into our children – we all remember them, right?

This 7 3/4″H X 7″W X 8″D, is plenty big enough to hold quite a collection of coins, encouraging extended savings before purchase. It’s hand painted ceramic so is cute enough for display in a nursery or child’s room or even your own…should you need to remind yourself of the value of saving.