This diary is probably not what you think. My son, 6, just lost his first baby tooth. It's been a few decades since I lost my last tooth and I was wondering what the Tooth Fairy was giving for teeth these days.
I've tried to factor in rising oil and other commodity prices, the crazy movements in the stock market and, above all, the falling dollar, but I still don't know what he should get.
Back in the 20th Century (the late 70's - another period of rising inflation and gas problems) the rate was a dime, I think, although by the time the tooth fairy stopped visiting, I was getting at least 2 quarters and maybe even a dollar.
Our neighbor says the going rate is 2 bucks (and kids do talk and compare their hauls) but this seems a bit high (at least to me, not my wife who is NOT materialistic in any way - she's standing over me as I write this). She says, "you can't buy anything for a dollar unless you want some cheap piece of lead coated crap from China." On the other hand, our son is not going to buy anything with his loot since he just dumps every cent he gets into his piggy-bank because he wants to save for college (he's going to need A LOT of teeth).
What do you folks think? Does anyone give something other than money? And no, a note from the Tooth Fairy stating that a generous donation to the Obama campaign has been made is not acceptable.
Update:
Thanks for all the suggestions. We decided to give him a 1 dollar coin and the following e-mail was sent to him by the Tooth Fairy:
Dear M,
Thanks for your tooth. I left you a special 1 dollar coin under your pillow. In case you were wondering why I need teeth, it is because I am building a life sized replica of the Roman Colosseum made from baby teeth. Thanks to you, I was able to finish the 2nd level of the stadium. Perhaps by the time your little brother has lost his last baby tooth, I will be close to finishing. Once it is done, I plan to stage pretend gladiator battles between molars and bicuspids.
Also, I donate 1 dollar for every baby tooth to a good cause of your choice. Talk to your mommy and daddy and they can help you decide what to choose. Once you decide, send me an e-mail.
Your friend,
The Tooth Fairy