SUMMARY

The Moonjar Three-Part Money Box is a tool used by parents, teachers, grandparents and kids to help children learn about money.  The three-part bank provides boxes for saving, spending and sharing.  Along with the three retro-tin moneyboxes, the package comes with a Moonjar Band to keep the money boxes together, a Passbook used to keep track of deposits and withdrawals and a Family Guide.  The Family Guide is a step-by-step guide with advice and ideas to encourage life-long learning about money. 

 

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY RATINGS

EASE OF USE Before even opening the package our reviewers new what to do!  The money box is clearly marked and the instructions use simple terms to make startup easy.  On the outside of the tin it's easy to place magnets with pictures to identify the task at hand (what the money from each tin is to be used for).  The rubber band was a little difficult to get around all the jars once it was off - so parents may need to help kids get it back on.

DURABILITY For the most part, reviewers felt the actual money box was quite durable - the plastic tops were easy to remove and replace; additionally, the slots are big enough for coins or paper money.  Unlike a ceramic piggy bank (who decided kids should have something ceramic in their rooms anyway?), this one was made to last.  The review team's only concern - the Passbook.  They panel felt the Passbook was an afterthought - made of paper similar to that of the check registers we all used to use - they are just not made to last for a five to twelve year old.

VISUAL APPEAL The reviewers loved the looks of this money box!  The primary colors are great for a girl or a boy and the ability to stick photos on the side with a magnet helped to dress it up even more.  The panel thought the thick yellow rubber band may be a little awkward, but it does tie the colors together nicely.

FUNCTIONALITY The Moonjar Three-Part Money Box works great as a kid's bank!  Reviewers did feel, however, that the concept could be so much more with a more prominent on-line component.  The Moonjar website does have recommendations as to how to discuss and allocate allowance with your child, as well as recommended organizations for each of the three categories of saving, spending and sharing - so, if you purchase, be sure to check it out.

COST EFFICIENCY Just a tad bit higher than our panel would have guessed, but all felt that it was a terrific gift.  Our reviewers all agreed "A great life lesson worth the cost."

ORIGINALITY A fresh, feel-good idea rolled off our reviewers tongues.  The panel truly believed this was a new, unique idea that our team would be proud to bring as a gift to a kids birthday party.

OVERALL RATING

Feel free to give without a gift receipt!  This one is so unique that it is unlikely that the kid you're buying for already has one - or that his or her parents have even contemplated looking for one.  Our panel agreed that this would be a great teaching tool, even for a slightly older crowd - and maybe even forcing your teenager to actually speak with you at the dinner table!