One of the most valuable lessons my parents taught me was the ability to budget wisely and save, save, save. So before Bee was born, Ken and I knew we’d strive to pass along that same wisdom our parents had given us. Although I always relied heavily on the envelope system as a kid, there’s something so very nostalgic about a good, old-fashioned piggy bank. (Of course, I’d hardly call the above picks old-fashioned, but they’re certainly full of charm, yes?) Today, enjoy a few of my favorite modernized, quirky piggy banks from around the web!:

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Oh, man that Olivia reference will never get old. Anyway, these Donna Wilson (I love everything she does!) exercise books are melting my heart [not my thigh fat, though!]. I’d love to doodle a day’s worth of dreams inside these cutie covers.

LINK: THEO

Bakker made with love creates the best backpacks in town. Or overseas, that is. Dying for a grown-up version to tote around on my travels – how sweet is that top left pattern? Eek!

LINK:  FRENCH TROTTERS

Crayons come in all shapes, sizes and colors these days – here are a peek at 3 of my favorite surprising designs!:

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Alphabet posters are adorable, but I often tired of the same “A is for Apple” montage. Luckily, Eudeline Moutarde’s alphabet poster is far more quirky, with A standing in for Acrobat, H for Hedgehog, P for Parachute and V for Volcano. Such a fun take on an old classic!

Purchase Eudeline’s alphabet poster for $49 at L’Affiche Moderne.

What do you get when you mix your favorite geometric shapes, a puzzle, a marble run and a magnetic field of awesome? Bernhard/Burkard’s 2d marble run – a uniquely interactive game for kids and adults alike…

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Crafty Mollie of Wild Olive transformed these pen cups from Target’s dollar bin (how glorious is that section, by the way?!) into an educational laundry sorting game for her kids…

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Hippopposites(which is nearly impossible to spell, I might note), is the international debut book from French graphic designer Janik Coat. Adorably modern, Hippopposites introduces opposites and vocabulary in a design-driven fashion (and in the most charming way!). I’m adding this one to my favorite baby books list asap!

Purchase Hippopposites for $15 at Amazon.

Budget-loving mothers, take note. Danish designers Meyer-Lavigne (Kristine Meyer and Sabine Lavigne) recently designed the “think twice” piggy bank, which has just one opening to fill with coins. Thus, to access your savings, you have to break the bank – literally…

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I cannot tell a lie; this is the sweetest pencil sharpener I’ve seen to date.

Purchase for $12 at Animi Causa.