Tooth Fairy Trends: Children Receiving $100 Bills and Designer Jewelry
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The New Extreme Parenting Trend
The Tooth Fairy is going above and beyond in her duties, as children around the world are waking up to not only monetary gifts but also lavish presents under their pillows. According to data from Delta Dental, the national average for a tooth fairy gift in the United States has surged from under $2 in 2001 to over $6 in 2023. However, some parents are taking tooth fairy generosity to new heights, with reports of children receiving $100 bills and designer jewelry.
Mark Burhenne, founder of AsktheDentist.com and a former dentist, observed that some children are now receiving extravagant gifts such as “cash, a video game, sometimes an iPhone,” attributing this trend to parents engaging in friendly competition with one another.
Across the pond in the UK, Chidera Nig made headlines for her daughter’s tooth fairy experience. Nig gifted her daughter £60, along with a heartfelt letter, a silver fairy necklace, and a Louis Vuitton bracelet. Reflecting on the decision, Nig explained, “Childhood goes by so fast, and we believe in cherishing every moment, celebrating milestones, and creating long-lasting memories.”
While these lavish gifts may bring joy to children, they also raise concerns about comparisons among peers. Natasha Evans from Cheshire shared her daughter’s experience of receiving three one-pound coins and two chocolate coins from the tooth fairy. However, when her daughter shared the news with classmates, it sparked unintended comparisons. Evans noted, “I didn’t think about how that would unfold.” Moving forward, she plans to stick to giving monetary gifts to avoid similar situations.
The trend of celebrating minor milestones with extravagant gifts extends beyond tooth fairy visits. According to The Wall Street Journal, global searches on Pinterest have surged for “potty-training rewards ideas” by 100%, “end-of-year school party ideas” by 90%, and “my first tooth party” by 40% between September 2021 and August 2023.
As parents continue to celebrate milestones in creative ways, the Tooth Fairy remains a cherished tradition, bringing excitement and joy to children worldwide.
