Spardose

Spardose is a German term for a container used to store coins and small valuables with the aim of encouraging saving. It commonly features a coin slot on top and a way to retrieve money, such as a cork, plug, or removable lid. Spardosen are used in homes and schools to teach children basic saving habits and to collect small savings from allowances, gifts, or pocket money.

The word combines sparen, to save, with dose, a container. The concept has historical roots in Europe in containers used to store coins; in many cultures pig-shaped boxes became a popular format, especially in the German-speaking world, where the pig motif is common. Some early boxes were made of clay or ceramic, later appearing in metal, porcelain, or plastic.

Typical forms include pig-shaped figurines, houses, or simple boxes with a decorative lid. Modern variants may include transparent panels, locking mechanisms, or removable plugs to retrieve funds. Spardosen serve as educational tools, decorative items, or gifts.

Beyond children’s savings, Spardose boxes are frequently used for fundraising campaigns and promotional giveaways. In German-language contexts the term can refer to any small savings container, though the pig shape remains a strong visual association in popular culture.