How much does the tooth fairy cost in 2025?

Losing a tooth is a big milestone in any child’s life—it means a visit from the tooth fairy is on the horizon! But if this is the first time you’re figuring out what the tooth fairy usually pays for a tooth, you might be surprised. In 2025, the average tooth fairy payout is $5.01. But, most families don’t necessarily pay the average amount, and what you decide your tooth fairy amount will be depends on your budget, your region, and whether it’s a first tooth (which often gets a small premium). Below, you’ll find the latest data, ideas to keep the magic high and the cost reasonable, and an easy script for talking about money with your kid.

Tooth fairy inflation in 2025: The numbers

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Is “tooth fairy inflation” real? Sort of. For years, average payouts tended to move in the same direction as the broader economy. But 2024 to 2025 broke the pattern: While the S&P 500 climbed, the tooth fairy tightened her purse a bit. Translation: Families are normalizing after a few high-inflation years. Here are some of the numbers to know:

• Average per tooth (national): $5.01. That’s a 14% dip from $5.84 last year—the second straight annual decline after 2023’s record high of $6.23.

• First tooth premium: $6.24 on average (down 12% from $7.09 last year).

• By region: The South leads at $5.71. The West averages $5.69 after a sharp drop from 2024’s unusually high $8.54. The Northeast comes in at $4.59, and the Midwest trails at $3.46.

A quick way to sanity-check your number

If $5.01 feels oddly specific, treat it as a reference point, not a rule. A good range many parents use in 2025:

• Everyday tooth: $1–$5

• First tooth: $3–$10 (small premium)

• Whole-mouth windfalls: Optional. Some families give a small bonus for the last baby tooth; others skip it.

More than money: Making the moment magical

You don’t have to raise the payout to raise the magic when the tooth fairy visits. Try some of these whimsical ideas the next time the tooth fairy is called to action. 

• A tiny, hand-written note (or a mini “receipt”) from the tooth fairy.

• Biodegradable glitter as “fairy dust.” A pinch on the windowsill does the trick.

• A small treat like a bookmark, tooth-themed sticker, or a new toothbrush.

• A memory add-on: Put the tooth in a little envelope and jot the date, making it a keepsake for you and a story for them.

From a pillow surprise to a money lesson

That crumpled bill or shiny coin under the pillow can also kickstart an age-appropriate conversation about money. Instead of letting it vanish in the toy aisle, you might introduce topics like goal-setting, patience, and generosity.

If you want to take the lesson further, tools like Greenlight’s debit card for kids give kids hands-on experience making money choices under a parent’s guidance. Even a few dollars from the tooth fairy can plant the seeds for smart lifelong money habits.

The magic lasts longer than the money

Whether the tooth fairy leaves $1, $5, or a tiny trinket, it’s about the wonder of the moment. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to discuss money and build good habits. A little consistency (and a sprinkle of creativity) goes a long way.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.