Practically everyone is looking toward frugal living in order to deal with the serious issues in our current economy. One entity, however, that is not tightening her belt is the tooth fairy. Should the Tooth Fairy be more frugal or is her generosity in fact related to the recession?
According to Medical News Today, the average price of a tooth left under a pillow has actually increased from 2006 to 2007 by 22 percent. The survey, the Tooth Fairy PollSM was conducted by Securian Dental plans, shows that Tooth Fairy gifts varied widely, from five cents all the way up to $50. There was a large increase in the number of $5 gifts per tooth.
Normally, you might expect that the Tooth Fairy would be hit by the economy along with everyone else. But teeth are literally a growing commodity, so perhaps the supply and demand can off set a decrease in spending. Who knows where these teeth go anyway?
Marty Weiland, an organizational analyst for DeCare Dental (the administrator of Securian Dental), has a more practical explanation. He believes that perhaps the economic downturn is inspiring the purchase of small, comforting items. These small items may be taking the place of the usual larger more expensive toys. Since parents may be cutting back elsewhere, the Tooth Fairy may be increasing her gifts.
One thing I might mention to the Tooth Fairy is that perhaps she can be equally frugal and generous at the same time. That $5 could go a long way, if she ever decides to shop at yard sales and thrift stores. But I can’t judge her too closely. Perhaps her frugal ways is what gives her the ability to be so generous. Or perhaps she is just a very smart investor.
What do you think?
When Toothbrushes Don’t Fit in the Holders
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