Tooth Fairy Rates: How Much Does the Tooth Fairy Give in the UK?
Written by
Cara Bradley
5 min read
Updated: 06/03/2026
Many of us fondly recall our first encounter with the tooth fairy.
I was one of the last in my class to start losing my baby teeth, and was so envious when friends swanned into school, a shiny 50p in one hand and a personalised letter from their very own tooth fairy in the other.
I’d wobble my teeth relentlessly, willing them to fall out. In fact, when I was 6, I was moved away from my friends in class for being too chatty. At parents’ evening that night, my teacher laughed as she told my Mum, ‘I moved her next to the boys because I thought that would stop her from chatting. I turned around 5 minutes later, and she was showing the boys her wobbly teeth!’.
A visit from the tooth fairy is an exciting occasion, and much of the anticipation is fuelled by the prospect of receiving a little monetary token.
How much does the tooth fairy give in the UK? Little Loans investigates, as well as shares some alternatives if the tooth fairy is feeling the financial strain.
What’s the going rate for the tooth fairy?
‘How much is the tooth fairy now?’ and ‘How much does the tooth fairy give per tooth?’ are common queries - amongst both children and adults!
According to NatWest, the average amount of money left by the tooth fairy is £4.21 per tooth. However, this figure varies depending on where you live. In Scotland and Greater London, lucky children can expect between £4.51 and £5 per tooth, while data released by MoneySuperMarket found kids in the South-West received between 51p and £1.
How much money should the tooth fairy give?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. The amount of money you choose to give your child for their teeth should be decided based on your financial situation.
It’s also worth remembering that, despite tradition, the tooth fairy is not obligated to leave money. You should never feel under pressure to leave any amount of money that you can’t afford.
‘But my friends get more money from the tooth fairy!’
It’s natural that your child may discuss their tooth fairy encounter with friends – and this could lead to comparisons over money.
You may have faced similar conversations during other events, such as Christmas and Easter. The ‘comparison’ chats can be tricky to navigate as a parent, especially where money is concerned.
We’ve listed some phrases that you may find useful to use in such situations.
- ‘Each family chooses to spend their money in different ways. We spend money on the things that are meaningful to us.’
- ‘Different families have different amounts of money. It’s important to remember that money isn’t everything.’
- Acknowledge their disappointment while gently encouraging them to refocus on the things they do have: ‘It’s understandable to feel disappointed, but there are probably things you have that your friend doesn’t. For example, your friend might not have a pet/a weekly dance class/trips to local football matches.’
Where possible, step away from the urge to badmouth other families and their financial decisions (‘They waste their money on rubbish!’ / ‘Their kids are spoilt!’), and while it’s important to be transparent about money, avoid discussing financial stress with children.
How to incorporate the tooth fairy into teaching your child about money
Explain that different tooth fairies visit different homes, and each of them has their own budget. You could expand on this by making up a story about the tooth fairy’s monthly budget, which serves a double purpose in introducing the concept of money management.
Try the activity below.
- Explain that the tooth fairy has a monthly budget that she must stick to.
- Share how much the tooth fairy earns per month.
- List some of the expenses that a tooth fairy might face, such as rent for her tree trunk home, a weekly shop at the local allotment, and the hiring of a firefly to light her home on dark nights.
- Encourage your child to help you add up each of the tooth fairy’s expenses and then subtract the total from her income.
- Explain that the money the tooth fairy has left after paying her necessary costs is her disposable income, and can be shared out to children who have lost teeth.
Tooth fairy alternatives: things to do instead of giving money
£1 here and there could be manageable, but if you have multiple children and those tiny gnashers start falling out in close procession, the tooth fairy may start to feel the financial strain. When your household budget is squeezed, every penny counts.
If money is tight, there are things you could do as an alternative to leaving cash.
- Leave a note
A note from a tooth fairy is a common tradition in many households and adds a magical, personal touch. Create your own tooth fairy character and spark your child’s imagination. - IOU
If you’re short of money, a mysterious IOU left by your child’s tooth fairy could bridge the gap until you have access to cash or feel more financially stable. - Go on a fairy-themed free day out
Plan a free day out at your local green space. Younger children will relish the opportunity to embark on a fairy hunt. - Chocolate coins
Omit real money for chocolate money instead.
‘The happiest childhood memories are, quite literally, priceless…’
I’d like to refer back to the personal story I shared at the start of the guide.
After months of wobbling and waiting, I finally lost my first tooth. Needless to say, I was ecstatic!
The morning after my first tooth fell out, it wasn’t the money under my pillow that thrilled me the most – it was the note that appeared alongside it.
Congratulations on losing your first tooth!
With love from,
Valencia
I poured over that note for weeks, swept up in the enchantment of it.
It’s recollections like this that remind me that the happiest of childhood memories are, quite literally, priceless.
Are you worried about money?
Financial worries can feel isolating and daunting, and they can quickly take over our lives. It’s important to remember that help is available.
There are a number of charities and organisations that offer free, confidential advice to anyone struggling with money or debt concerns. We’ve listed several of these charities below.
