Want more great ways to teach your child about staying healthy? Sign up for ToothFairy Tips, our free quarterly newsletter for parents and caregivers. Looking for some tooth fairy ideas? Turn your Halloween candy wrappers into this cute, upcycled Tooth Fairy Tin. These ideas were inspired by a little boy who asked why the Tooth Fairy hates him, because she never came to his house. Read more about that here.) A visit from the Tooth Fairy doesn’t need to be an expensive one. It can be a creative way to teach kids about how to take care of their smiles, encourage good oral hygiene habits, and have fun with your child while they’re still young enough to believe in someone magical! Then, with each lost tooth your child can leave a note to the Tooth Fairy in the container, and she can leave them a note, or a small gift, coins–whatever fits inside the container. If your child enjoys jokes, she could leave a tooth-related joke each time. Here are a few to get you started.

Your child can receive their own special container from the Tooth Fairy (or they can help make it, if you prefer) for little or no money. You'll only need a bit of creativity. For these examples everything was made from materials we had on hand. We didn't spend a penny. First, it’s a great project to do with your kids. Second, it sets up a fun ritual for when your boy or girl loses a tooth. The tooth goes in the tin; the tin slides under a pillow (so it doesn’t get lost) and then in the morning, the tooth fairy has swapped out that tooth for some cash.First, find a small container. This will be used to leave the tooth for the Tooth Fairy, either under the pillow, on a nightstand or by the bedroom door (if your child doesn't like the idea of the Tooth Fairy coming into their room.) You could even attach a ribbon to hang it from the doorknob, which is a nice visual reminder for the Tooth Fairy to remember to visit. Just be sure not to use anything that will break easily, like glass. Plastic, paper and metal work best. Here is what we found: As a last resort, the Tooth Fairy could bring sugar-free gum or a lollipop–some even come with Xylitol, an ingredient that helps protect teeth! Tie it with a pretty ribbon or switch out the wrapper with pretty foil paper to make it seem extra special. If you don’t have any sugar-free options, this is another opportunity to teach your child about proper oral health. When the Tooth Fairy includes a note to let them know they should always brush after sugary treats, they’re much more likely to listen!