I remember walking through the toy store as a kid, and knowing that the pink aisle was off limits for me. It was never actually said aloud, but as far back as I remember I was supposed to stick to the "boy" aisle…the blue stuff.
These days, parents, activists and even toy manufacturers have been looking to push against the blue vs. pink gender norms.
Many people believe that children should be free to like the things they like without society telling them what's appropriate for their gender. Labeling specific toys as "for boys" or "for girls" can severely limit a child's imagination. Why can't a boy play nurse, and why can't a girl pretend to be a cop or firefighter?
Marketing and packaging of toys are evolving, slowly but surely, as companies move away from traditional gender stereotypes. Here are some noteworthy, foreward-thinking companies who are starting to break down the barriers of girls vs. boys.
Please SHARE if you think all toys are for ALL children!
1. Toys"R"Us
The Swedish company Top-Toy runs Toys"R"Us in Northern Europe. They caused a good deal of controversy when they released a catalogue featuring boys playing with traditionally girl toys and vice-versa.
Toys"R"Us UK has also agreed to stop separating boys and girls sections in their stores allowing for action figures to be mingled with the dolls.
2. Easy Bake Oven
14-year-old McKenna Pope's little brother had an interest in cooking. She wanted to buy him an Easy Bake Oven, but she was sad to see that all options on the market were pink or purple and clearly targeted only to girls. She started a petition to get Hasbro to change its marketing and gathered over 40,000 signatures.
The Easy Bake Oven now comes in more neutral colors, and feature boys in the advertisements. Who's to say that the next kid to play with an Easy Bake oven won't become the next big celebrity chef?
3. Baby GoGo
Boys will grow up to be uncles and fathers, so why not let them practice? Baby GoGo specifically includes boys in their advertisements. Many parents choose to purchase dolls for their young boys, believing that it can help the child develop positive parenting behaviors.
4. Ladybird Children's Books
Ladybird Children's books is one of top children's publishing companies in the UK. Their books are staples in most families' homes. They've recently decided to discontinue printing "for boys" or "for girls" on any of their books. They tell The Guardian, "We would hate to be seen to be limiting imaginations in any way and I don’t feel we do that…We feel we have titles which can be enjoyed by both genders, so it makes sense to take the labels off ."
5. Toys to Grow On
This online toy store proudly displays girls modeling toys that might otherwise be marketed specifically for boys – from cop costumes to archery sets!
Informing young girls that these types of toys are ONLY for boys might hinder the development of the next Olympic medalist in archery or head of the F.B.I… And nobody wants that!
6. Corolle
Corolle dolls is a french doll manufacturer (headed by Mattel) that has recently started marketing specifically to a male audience.
7. Magic Cabin
Magic Cabin is an independent toy-seller that intentionally defies gender norms on their website.
8. Harrod's
This large British department store has recently removed its boy and girl sections. All of the toys in this forward-thinking store are mixed together – and we think that's 100% perfect!
Please SHARE if you think ALL toys should be for both boys and girls!