Walking to work this morning through NYC's Chelsea neighborhood, I spotted this sign posted: Missing Stuffed Animals: $200 Reward for a Safe Return!
My first thought was that I should stop walking and start searching. Where’s the Elephant? I could imagine the broken heart that lovingly taped the sign to the bus stop. As any parent, sibling or family friend knows, nothing can ruin a happy day faster than a misplaced security blanket or beloved stuffed animal. (Any doubt? Buy and read the Knuffle Bunny chronicles immediately).
My second thought was…$200?!? That seems like an awful lot for kid’s blanket or toy. Then I recalled my daughter’s friend, Sophie, who is so in love with her doll, Mousey, that her smart mom wisely planned ahead and purchased three of them. She keeps them all in regular rotation so they are equally worn out, but "Sophie is so discerning, she knows which one is her favorite because how the tag is frayed."
So, what is the appropriate "reward" for a found lovey like Mousey? "I’d pay as much for that as you would a pet," says Sophie’s mom. "It restores peace in the family." How much is your kid’s favorite toy or doll worth?
Angela Matusik is iVillage’s Chief Content Executive. Follow her on Twitter @angelamatusik
