In an era when parents are not shying away from celebrating their children’s milestones in lavish ways, the tooth fairy tradition hasn’t been left behind.
According to a recent Delta Dental poll, the tooth fairy’s generosity has reached new heights, with the average payout for a lost tooth soaring to $6.23 in 2023, up from $5.36 the previous year, the Wall Street Journal reports. Back in 2005, a tooth got a growing child just $2.
The increase is attributed not only to inflation but also to the evolving nature of gifts, which now often include cash alongside tangible presents such as videogames or even iPhones.
Mark Burhenne, the founder of AsktheDentist.com, said this trend reflects a broader competition among parents to enhance the gifting experience.
“It’s the parents competing,” Mr. Burhenne, who resides in Napa Valley, California, told the Journal.
However, not everyone is on board with this escalating trend.
Catharine Burhenne, co-founder of the same website, takes a different stance, opting for more modest gestures like a personalized note from the tooth fairy crafted with the help of AI technology.
The phenomenon of celebrating “inchstones” – small but significant milestones in a child’s life – has been identified as a top trend by Pinterest for 2024.
Searches on the platform for “potty-training rewards ideas,” “end-of-year school party ideas,” and “my first tooth party” have seen substantial increases, indicating a growing desire among parents to mark these occasions in memorable ways.
Yet, this practice has its critics.
Jenni Pearce, a waitress from Beaufort, S.C., expresses her astonishment and concern over a video shared by a Canadian mother, who gifted her daughter $100 for losing her first tooth.
“Damn!! You’re killing me AND the tooth fairy,” Ms. Pearce told the Journal.
• Washington Times Staff can be reached at 202-636-3000.