It's almost toy season, er, holiday season. OK, whatever. Let's be honest, holiday season and toy season are pretty much the same thing. Whether kids get eight gifts, more or less, it's common for Christmas, Chanukah and other holidays to be when little ones get to unwrap presents and squeal with glee when they get the gift they've been wanting. Last year, we rounded up the toys kids would be after and Amazon has already began to pull together big toy lists as well. Naturally, there are really popular toys every year that stand out: L.O.L. pets, Paw Patrol, Star Wars toys and more. But whether we realize it or not, toys can be super gendered. Regardless of whether or not the goal is to raise a gender neutral child, every parent should be able to raise a child free of gender stereotypes. If kids want to play with pink, blue, "girly" or "boy" toys, no matter what gender they are they should be able to. The good news is that the world is becoming more accommodating.
There are lists for gender neutral names and things like birthday parties and clothes. There's still gender reveal parties, but it's becoming more common for parents to reject stereotypes, and brands are following suit. In 2015, Target announced it was moving away from gender-based signs.
Toys shouldn't be any different. They should just be toys. For parents who feel the same way, it shouldn't be hard to find toys that any kids can play with and not feel pigeonholed. We scoured the internet and found these 20 toys. Some of old-school style toys with a twist, like stuffed animals or dolls. Others are tech-based, while others tap into athletics or STEM. Whatever kind of toy it is, rest assured, any kid can play with it.
Gender Neutral Doll
Mattel recently released a new gender neutral doll to make sure all kids feel represented when they're playing. The kits are customizable, which means a little one can design the doll that feels just right or them. Target sells a few that are totally stylish.
Gender Neutral Doll ($30, Target)
Botzees Robots
Robots are toys that can't be gendered. Any kid will love being able to play with a Botzee robot and learn coding in the process, too. It pairs with a smart device and aims to "enhance focus, concentration, hand-eye coordination, and logic skills through the introduction of new play patterns that leverage artificial intelligence and innovative robotic technology."
Jooki Music Player
Kids love music, too. Give them a kid-safe speaker where they can play "Baby Shark" or the latest Taylor Swift songs. The Jooki speaker can hook up to Spotify, podcasts, audio books, and more.
Jooki Music Player ($200, Jooki)
Big Bag of Science
Kids, regardless of gender, love science. This science kit comes with everything a budding researcher needs, from Insta-Snow powder, Water Gel, Gravity Goo, and more.
Big Bag of Science ($45, Fat Brain Toys)
Animal Whatsitsface
Why have a regular stuffed animal with the same old face when kids can have one with a whole bunch? The Whats Its Face is a great way to teach kids about empathy and reactions.
Animal Whatsitsface ($30, Whatsitsface)
Doctor Kit
When kids are asked what they want to be when they grow up, many times, doctor is what they say. Give them a head start with this doctor's kit that comes with an electronic stethoscope.
Doctor Kit ($30, Amazon)
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Animal Stamp Set
Arts and crafts of all types are fun, but stamps are a special kind of fun. There's something cool about pressing the stamp into ink and watching the tracing appear on paper. This one is all animals.
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Animal Stamp Set ($23, Target)
LeapFrog Scout Chat & Count Emoji Phone
It's 2019 and kids have seen smartphones everywhere, so it's not a surprise that they'd want one of their own. This LeapFrog kid-safe version features numbers and can make pretend calls and voicemails.
LeapFrog Scout Chat & Count Emoji Phone ($15, Kohl's)
Lego Duplo My First All-in-One-Box-of-Fun
Legos are fun for all genders and all ages. The Duplo box comes with a child, dog, and car figurines along with a play "house."
LEGO DUPLO My First All-in-One-Box-of-Fun ($24, Target)
Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber Jungle Gym
Jungle gyms are so simple yet so fun to all children. It's a great way to help them burn off that seemingly endless well of energy. Set this one up in the backyard or big playroom and let kids have at it.
Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber Jungle Gym ($180, Amazon)
Götz Baby Doll
Baby dolls are a staple toy. Stereotypes usually paint them as girls' fun, but anyone can play with them. After all, baby boys need to "train" to be dads, too. This Götz doll is a great one to start with.
Götz Baby Doll ($69, Pottery Barn Kids)
'Toy Story 4' Forky
Forky was a big hit when Toy Story 4 came out. Likely because it is a goofy, whimsical character any kid can giggle at. All in all it's a fork, so there's no reason to stereotype it.
Toy Story 4 Forky ($30, Target)
'Pink Is for Boys' Book
Kids tend to associate colors with genders as they experience more of a gendered society, but this book available from Target unteaches that notion. "Pink Is for Boys invites and encourages girls and boys to enjoy what they love to do, whether it's racing cars and playing baseball, or loving unicorns and dressing up."
Pink Is for Boys Book ($11, Target)
Melissa & Doug Cook's Corner Wooden Kitchen Playset
Boys, girls, any gender really should have the freedom to learn cooking or pretend to cook. This wooden kitchen playset is a popular choice for beginner chefs.
Melissa & Doug Cook's Corner Wooden Kitchen Playset ($94, Kohl's)
Mini Art Case
Art supplies aren't necessarily toys, but they're things kids can play with no matter who they are. Art is universal like that. This case comes with 52 coloring tools, including 16 mini Twistables crayons and eight Silly Scents markers.
Mini Art Case ($20, Target)
Grow N' Glow Terrarium
Plants have a calming effect on humans, so why not give children the same chance to develop a green thumb. They can with this Grow N' Glow Terrarium from Target.
Grow N' Glow Terrarium ($13, Target)
Little Tikes 3-in-1 Sports Zone
If the Women's National Soccer Team has taught Americans anything, it's that sports skills aren't exclusive to one gender. Feed the athletic little ones' abilities early with a 3-in-1 sports zone.
Little Tikes 3-in-1 Sports Zone ($40, Buy Buy Baby)
Hey! Play! Toddler Toy Golf Play Set and Carrier
Regardless of whether he or she likes golf, kids will love hitting a ball with a stick. This kids' version of the game will let them do it.
Hey! Play! Toddler Toy Golf Play Set and Carrier ($26, BuyBuyBaby)
National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Lab
Many millennial parents will remember creating crystals at some point in elementary or middle school. It's an activity that anyone can do and love and now kids can, thanks to the National Geographic Crystal Growing kit.
National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Lab ($40, Amazon)
Fresh Picked Fruit & Veggie Tote
Going to the grocery store or farmers market can be an activity on its own. Let kids do their own shopping with this fresh picked "fruit & veggie tote."
Fresh Picked Fruit & Veggie Tote ($30, Kohl's)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
