I used to mow lawns in order to pay for theater tickets when I was 10... does
that count?
 
Oh yeah shells..
   my first purchased shell was when I was 3.... it was from two quarters I
found on the table at nicola pizza in rehoboth delaware. I didnt know that it
was for a tip. It was Canculus puniceaus or what they called it... a
Strawberry Shell and at the time I was a HUGE fan of strawberry shortcake (the
cartoon charater) so if it had strawberry in the name I wanted it. At the time
it cost more than 50 cents but good ol mommy paid the rest for it.. but let me
believe I paid for it (parents.. *sigh*)   I still have it today (and
considering my record of losing things... its a bloody miracle) ok  enough
 
Sarah Watson