Ahh, the tooth fairy: That magical little sprite who flits into slumbering children’s rooms to replace lost teeth with money. The tooth fairy swap is a strange, whimsical, and adorable custom, and for many parents, it’s a bittersweet tradition that signifies the end of their child’s babyhood. For kids, in turn, it’s an exciting big-kid milestone (plus, you know, money).
So first of all, get your story straight. If your child has a loose tooth, they may inquire about the tooth fairy. They’re probably aware of the general idea, but they may ask why this fairy wants children’s discarded baby teeth. Which is fair! Rituals associated with the loss of baby teeth have been around forever, but the tooth fairy itself (herself?) is more recent: The first written account in the U.S. dates to the 1920s. You may want to get your details straight; some legends include a fairy palace made of teeth (weird), some involve giving lost teeth to new babies, and some tie the whole thing to dental hygiene, increasing payment for healthy teeth, and leaving notes encouraging good habits. Whatever your angle, have it prepared.
Next up: Payment, storage, and more. Yes, it can feel complicated — but it’s not. If you’re staring down a wiggly tooth, we have some cute ideas for cash, tactics, and even special containers for your kiddo’s first tooth fairy visit. These tips are special but also simple. Because we don’t need to make this harder than we have to. After all, the Elf on the Shelf will be back before you know it (yikes).
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The Log Book
Your child can keep track of each lost tooth — plus write notes to the tooth fairy — with this adorable keepsake log book. Order it before you need it!
The Payment
Let’s get to the important part: tooth compensation. Anywhere from a quarter to $5 is common. Once you decide what will be found under the pillow (a gold dollar coin or two-dollar bill works for us) you can get to the other details. If you need special coinage or bills, stock up at the bank so that you’re prepared, should a tooth pop out. Or go a step further with a special tooth fairy coin. For the very first tooth, it’s customary that the fairy leaves a bit more.
The Presentation
Once you’ve got your coins or bills, why not jazz them up? Spray glitter makes the money look magical. If you’re in a pinch, hairspray dusted with loose glitter works too. You can leave a note (don’t forget that fairies have tiny, flowery script!) or add details like footprints. Or a glitter trail like Kim Kardashian. “The tooth fairy made a mess but she always leaves a $2,” Kardashian wrote in an Instagram Story of a shimmery path to a $2 bill peeking out from 6-year-old daughter North’s pillow.
The Receipt
And hey, if you want to be really adorable, you can leave a glitter-covered tooth receipt. That’s basically proof the Tooth Fairy exists, right? Or at least proof that she’s running a responsible business. Yeah.
The Night-Of Container
You’ll need something to put the tiny tooth in so that it doesn’t slip away forever. A small pillow works well, like these felt toadstool creations. The pouch holds the tooth, and the colorful shape is easy for the tooth fairy to find when “she” is rooting around in the dark. You can also fashion your own special tooth case using any small receptacle, such as a pill box or jewelry pouch. Some parents set the swap somewhere more accessible, like in a bag hanging from a bedpost, for instance, or on a nightstand. Others keep it old-school and have their kiddo place the tooth container under their pillow.
The Custom Container
Cute and customizable, your little one will rest assured knowing the tooth fairy will easily find their precious tooth in this box — and they’ll be able to find whatever money or treat is left in its place!
The Do-Not-Disturb Door Hanger
Worried about waking a light sleeper? Bypass the whole under-the-pillow part with this cute and clever door hanger set. The Tooth Fairy can retrieve the tooth and leave a treat without ever even entering a kid’s room.
The Glow-Getter
If you do plan on foraging under the pillow, make it easier on yourself (er, we mean, the Tooth Fairy) with this cute glow-in-the-dark tooth holder.
The Long-Term Storage: Keepsake Box
A keepsake wooden box is a perfect option for those who want all the teeth for posterity. Many parents simply toss those pearly whites, so don’t feel guilty if you choose the trash can over a personalized box.
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