I am a mother of two inquisitive children Lila aged 7 and Milo aged 5 years and I have been able to source out the twists and turns of raising children in this digital era. Screen time, never-ending toy trends, and the need to keep up can be overwhelming. So, some focused time and intentional experiences that feel meaningful and real are refreshing.
So a year ago, I intentionally decided to swap out a few of the shiny, quickly obsolete gadgets in our house to excite growth, creativity and connection with one another. Nor has anything had a greater imanding than our Woodemonoluclot woodener-money-bank.
The Struggle to Teach “Value” in a Disposable World
Like many parents, I struggled to teach Lila and Milo the concept of value. They’d ask for the latest toy, lose interest in it by week’s end, and yet still beg for more. “Why can’t they understand that things take time and care?” I’d wonder. Then, one evening, as I watched Milo mindlessly swipe through a tablet and Lila toss a half-built Lego set aside, I realized: They weren’t connecting with physical objects anymore. Everything felt temporary, replaceable—even their own achievements.
That’s when I decided to step back. I wanted tools that didn’t just entertain but taught. Tools that would help them slow down, appreciate effort, and understand that some things are worth saving for. I started researching: wooden toys, handcrafted goods, items with stories. And that’s how I found Woodemon.
Enter the Woodemon Money Bank: More Than Just a Piggy Bank
If you’re unfamiliar with Woodemon, let me start by saying they’re not your average toy company. Their mission—“to create one-of-a-kind growth memories for kids”—resonated deeply with me. But what sold me on their wooden money bank (or “wood money bank,” as Lila calls it) was three things: personalization, purpose, and craftsmanship.
First, personalization. Unlike generic piggy banks, Woodemon’s money banks are custom-made with your child’s name—each letter carved into a separate wooden block, stacked together to form a playful, alphabet-shaped bank. We chose Lila and Milo’s initials (“L” and “M”) for their first banks, but we plan to add more letters as they grow (maybe even spell “DREAM” or “SAVE” someday!). Watching Lila trace her wooden “L” with her finger, whispering, “This is me,” was a moment I’ll never forget. It wasn’t just a bank—it was a piece of her.
Second, purpose. Woodemon created these banks as more than a storage means; these are learning tools. Smooth, natural wood (sustainably grown birch and beech, they said) is easy on little hands, and the slots are just the right fit to hold either coins or dollar bills. Lila and Milo pour their pockets out in their banks each night–grocery-store loose change, a dollar Grandma give them, and even some coins picked up on the street. They no longer ask, anymore, the question, “Can I have that toy?”, but the question, “How many days before I have it saved up?” It has made them learn patience, goal-setting and the pleasures of delayed gratification. A few weeks ago, Lila spent her savings on a book to give to her teacher which, not going to lie, dissolved my heart.
Third, craftsmanship. As a parent, safety is non-negotiable. Woodemon’s banks are crafted with care: edges are sanded six times (so smooth, even Milo’s roughhousing hasn’t left a scratch), and they use non-toxic, eco-friendly paints. When I asked about materials, their team explained they avoid plastics entirely, using only FSC-certified wood and water-based finishes that pass strict U.S. and EU safety tests. For me, that meant peace of mind—no worrying about chemicals or breakage. Plus, the banks are built to last. Unlike plastic toys that crack or fade, these feel like heirlooms. I can already imagine Lila passing hers down to her own kids someday, sharing stories of how it taught her to save.
The Ripple Effect: More Than Just Saving Money
What surprises me most isn’t just how well the money bank works—it’s how it’s shifted our family dynamic. Now, when Lila and Milo want something, we talk about earning it, not just asking. We set small goals together: “If you finish your chores this week, you can add $2 to your bank!” It’s turned chores into a game, and responsibility into pride.
But it’s also sparked curiosity beyond money. Lila, who once groaned at reading, now asks to practice her letters by spelling out “BANK” or “GOAL” with her wooden blocks. Milo, who struggles with fine motor skills, loves stacking the letters and counting the coins—skills he’s proud to show off. And when friends come over? The banks are instant conversation starters. “Cool bank!” they say. “Where’d you get it?” And just like that, Lila and Milo are sharing something meaningful, something theirs.
Final Thoughts: Investing in Moments That Matter
In a world where so much is fast, fleeting, and disposable, the Woodemon money bank has been a reminder that the best “toys” aren’t the loudest or shiniest—they’re the ones that teach, connect, and grow with our kids. It’s not just a bank; it’s a tool for building responsibility, a catalyst for family conversations, and a keepsake that will one day remind my children, “You worked hard for this. You’re capable. You matter.”
As parents, we spend so much time trying to give our kids “the best.” Sometimes, the best is as simple as a wooden bank—crafted with care, personalized with love, and filled with the promise of growth.
— A grateful mom, learning to slow down and savor the journey
