Though the Tooth Fairy is pretty ubiquitous as a mythical figure in the U.S., it's certainly not a universally practiced tradition. For instance, in some Asian cultures, parents bury their children's teeth next to a tree, symbolizing the hope that the new tooth will come in as strong as the roots. In some Hispanic American cultures, a rodent named Ratón Pérez is believed to scurry under children's pillows for their teeth, replacing it with a gift.
All of which to say, there's no rule saying you have to follow the Tooth Fairy tradition of leaving money under your child's pillow. If, for whatever reason, you want to switch things up to celebrate the occasion of losing a tooth, here are some alternatives you can try to make this moment more memorable.
Award your child a certificate
Children thrive on the joy of recognition for their achievements. Instead of simply leaving them a crisp, green dollar bill under their pillow, why not celebrate this milestone with a personalized certificate? Whether you choose from the many templates available online or create one of your own, this tangible symbol of their accomplishment can be proudly displayed in their room, reminding them of this special moment.
Use the tooth fairy's own currency
Instead of giving your children actual cash for their teeth, why not use these gold coins directly from the tooth fairy herself? They come in packs of 12, so not only can you use them to commemorate the moment, but they offer many other uses. Use them as a reward for no cavities on their latest dental visit, and have your child save them up for a big reward. Not only are you teaching them good habits, but they're also getting an introduction on saving money.
Have them look in a book
If your child is a bookworm, they will not be disappointed with getting more books. Board books fit nicely underneath a pillow, and there are plenty of age-appropriate books available about the winged collector of incisors that will expand their minds and improve their reading skills. It sure beats watching this movie (or this one).
Make a scrapbook
Unleash your child's creative side by turning their lost tooth into a craft. They can create a scrapbook page with their tooth in a plastic bag and post pictures before and after it comes out. If art isn't your child's thing, there are plenty of cool keepsake boxes and holders that can keep their baby chompers safe.
Go out for ice cream or sweets
Sometimes, wiggling a tooth doesn't do the trick. We've had to yank out my oldest son's baby teeth once or twice at his request, making his mouth sore. What better way to ease the pain than going out for a cool ice cream cone or a sweet treat? However, if you're concerned that sugar could damage your child's dental health, a popular sugar-free candy called Zollipops claims it's good for teeth.
Try trinkets instead of cash
Depending on your child's age, that money under their pillow probably won't be spent anytime soon. If you want to make a lost tooth more of an (inexpensive) occasion, then head to a dollar store or the front of your local Target and pick up some trinkets, like a toy car, notebook, or a small bottle of bubbles. The morning will be both memorable and affordable.
Take them on an outing
Quality time with your children can be hard to come by, so you can use this milestone to carve out some moments for a one-on-one activity with your toothless kiddo. You can do plenty of things together that won't break the bank, such as going for a bike ride, having a picnic in the park, or playing a board game. They probably won't mind what you do as long as you're spending some quality time with them.
Give them a new toothbrush
Like most children their age, my kids don't like brushing their teeth. However, they love getting new toothbrushes, especially ones with their favorite characters on them. So, if your child has outgrown PJ Masks and loves Super Mario, reinforce their fandom while promoting good hygiene with a new toothbrush. A new toothbrush can make brushing more exciting and enjoyable for your child, which may (fingers crossed) save you money on dental bills in the long run.
Throw the tooth a party
What should you do when a baby tooth is emancipated from your child's mouth? You should celebrate! Kids love to throw a party, and you can help them commemorate the moment by putting up decorations and getting dressed up, baking a cake in the shape of a molar, or playing some teeth-themed party games.