Tooth Fairy-ing comes with high expectations as of late. A quick internet search uncovers lots of experts recommending creative but labor-intensive ideas, like shaping a dollar bill into origami and offering receipts from the Tooth Fairy herself.
For many Tooth Fairies, that level of commitment goes beyond what they can commit to, especially when you consider that most children lose 20 baby teeth over their childhood.
Luckily, there’s still a way for busy Tooth Fairies to create magical memories without busting budgets or dousing homes in glitter.
Here are 5 tips to do it:
Decide if the Tooth Fairy is Right for You
If you opt out of Tooth Fairy visits, no sweat — you can still celebrate this dental milestone. You can video call the grandparents and show off that toothless smile; snap a pic for a future photo book; or just high-five your kiddos on growing up.
Skip the Glitter
Seriously, you can do so many fun things with glitter to make it seem like the Tooth Fairy visited. But — you will have glitter everywhere. And you might regret it. Just our advice – you don’t have to take it ;)
Don’t Get Too Elaborate
There are two reasons for this: first, you’ll have to keep it up for each tooth (unless the Tooth Fairy leaves a note saying that big celebrations are only for that special first tooth). And second, your elaborate Tooth Fairy surprise will be hard to explain to your child’s friend who received only a quarter.
Stay Consistent
For sake of ease, decide what gift or money item you want to leave under your child’s pillow and then store 20 of them in a box in your room so that you can find (and remember) what you did for the last tooth. If you choose a dollar, for instance, put 20 one-dollar bills in your room for this purpose.
Have a Backup Plan
If you’re trying to keep the magic of the Tooth Fairy alive, be prepared to answer your children’s questions about her “absence.” For example, leave a note from her with an IOU and an explanation that you “find” for your child. Or grab that dollar bill and leave a note with “Oops! I couldn’t open your window last night.” (Also, and this is important: make sure you and your spouse are on the same page when accounting for fairy’s actions!)
Tooth Fairy-ing doesn’t have to be crazy, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Follow these tips and your life will be so much easier. Signed, an experienced Fairy.