When the tooth fairies make their nightly rounds, it's often with a shiny coin or a crisp bill in hand. But what if you're looking to add a little more creativity — or a little less cash — to the tradition?
Whether you're trying to avoid the “how much did your Tooth Fairy leave?” conversations or simply want to create a more meaningful moment, there are plenty of imaginative, budget-friendly ways to keep the Tooth Fairy tradition alive and well.
Findings from the 2025 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® conducted earlier this year show the Tooth Fairy is on a budget and the value of a lost tooth has gone down in value – a national decline of 14% from $5.84 to $5.01 per tooth since the previous year. But while money might be a little tighter this year, parents say that a visit from the Tooth Fairy sparks imagination, joy, and better tooth brushing habits for their kids.
Taking that into consideration, here are thoughtful alternatives to leave under your child’s pillow in advance of National Tooth Fairy Day (Aug. 22).
Small toy or trinket: A tiny toy can spark big excitement. Think miniature stuffed animals, small action figures or a “fairy-sized” treasure like a polished stone or charm. It’s a magical surprise that doesn’t require a trip to the bank.
Storybook to encourage reading: Swap coins for a story. A new book, especially one about the Tooth Fairy or healthy smiles, encourages reading and turns the visit into an educational moment. Unsure what to choose? The Tooth Fairies have their own reading list full of fun, tooth-themed recommendations that you can access on Delta Dental of Washington’s Tooth Fairy Experience blog.
Letter from the Tooth Fairy: Nothing feels more magical than a personalized note from the Tooth Fairy herself. Parents can handwrite a letter or request a free, mailed version on our website TheToothFairyExperience.com. These letters can praise good brushing habits or simply celebrate the special milestone.
Glow-in-the-dark surprises: Glow-in-the-dark stars, stickers or tiny toys add a little sparkle and mystery to the Tooth Fairy’s visit. They're fun, inexpensive and sure to light up your child’s imagination.
Travel puzzles or games: Small puzzles or card games are perfect for bedside surprises and offer fun that lasts longer than money. Bonus: They’re easy to find and fit under a pillow.
Coloring books or sticker sheets: A coloring book or themed sticker sheets can provide hours of entertainment. Look for dental- or fairy-themed options to keep the magic going.
Exploring cultural traditions: Not all children place their lost teeth under a pillow. In some cultures, teeth are tossed onto a roof or buried in the garden. Exploring these traditions together can be a great way to teach children about different cultures and expand the meaning of the moment. The Tooth Fairy Experience’s storybook, The Search for the World’s Greatest Smile: A Tooth Fairy Tale, follows the Tooth Fairy around the world as she learns of different traditions. You can access the digital storybook free at TheToothFairyExperience.com.
Tooth keepsake box: Instead of taking the tooth, some tooth fairies leave a keepsake box so children can save their teeth as mementos. It’s a fun, tangible way to mark their growth and spark storytelling in the years ahead. If your child is particularly crafty, leave a coupon under their pillow for a day of crafting their tooth keepsake box. An empty dental floss box works great for this project.
Tooth chart: A printed tooth chart allows children to track which teeth they’ve lost and on what dates. It makes the process interactive and builds excitement for each new milestone.
Bonus idea: a new toothbrush
No matter what the Tooth Fairy leaves, a new toothbrush is always a great addition. It’s a simple way to encourage healthy habits and make the moment feel even more official.
There’s no wrong way to celebrate this childhood rite of passage. Whether you leave money, a book, or a magical glow-in-the-dark surprise, what matters most is creating a memory your child will treasure.
The Tooth Fairy Experience was developed by Delta Dental of Washington in partnership with Arcora Foundation, School Nurse Organization of Washington, and Washington State Dental Association – and is endorsed by the Washington Homeschool Organization. All materials have been dentist-, teacher-, school nurse-, and child-reviewed.
The Tooth Fairy isn’t just a helping hand for educators. For parents looking for fun ways to teach kids about caring for their smiles, The Tooth Fairy Experience website (www.TheToothFairyExperience.com) provides helpful year-round resources, including a dental tips blog, child dental health activity sheets for home use, a quarterly Grin & Grow e-newsletter, Tooth Fairy letters for children, Tooth Fairy hotline with pre-recorded messages, and links to Delta Dental of Washington resources such as help in finding a dentist.
For more information from Delta Dental of Washington, visit its blog at www.deltadentalwa.com/blog and learn more about the Delta Dental of Washington Tooth Fairy’s dental education program at www.TheToothFairyExperience.com.
About Delta Dental of Washington
Founded 70 years ago by Seattle area dentists who set out to revolutionize oral health care, an innovative program was developed to provide longshoremen’s children access to dental care – and the concept of dental benefits was born. Today Delta Dental of Washington, a not-for-profit, is the state’s leading dental benefits provider covering nearly 4 million people statewide and beyond.
Through corporate philanthropy, oral health advocacy, and funding the Arcora Foundation, Delta Dental of Washington plays a vital role in making dental care more equitable and accessible, increasing dental health education with an emphasis on youth, and expanding diversity at all levels within the dental profession. These collective efforts aim to improve oral health care in Washington so all people can enjoy good oral and overall health with no one left behind. Delta Dental of Washington is part of the Delta Dental Plans Association, consisting of 39 independent, affiliated member companies. For more information, visit: www.deltadentalwa.com.
