10 Gender-Neutral Toys for Kids of All Ages & Their Benefits

Playing with toys is a crucial part of a child’s overall development. It helps the child to learn about the world in which we live. A child should be able to play with a wide range of toys, to hone various skills. However, for generations, there have been stereotypes associated with toys, meaning that there are toys according to the gender of the child.

The decision to choose or decide what toy is fun and should be played with, should lie with the child, and not always with the parents. Now, parents are opting for more gender-neutral toy options for their kids. In this post, we will talk about gender-neutral toys for kids of different age groups ,and also discuss why they are beneficial. Read on to know more!

Benefits of Gender Neutral Toys

Here’s why toys should be gender-neutral, and why you should open your child’s mind towards gender-neutral toys (1):

1. Helps the Child Feel Empowered

Allowing your child to play with a vast variety and range of toys will help him feel more empowered. These kinds of toys help to instil confidence in both boys and girls, as kids can choose what interests they wish to pursue.

2. Helps Promote Experimental Thinking

Playing with gender-neutral toys helps to encourage inquisitiveness in children by increasing their interest in the world around them. This, in turn, can encourage open-minded play and experimental thinking in kids, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) or STEM toys are great options for this (2).

3. Helps Enhance Learning Skills

Some kids are more analytical, and some are more creative thinkers. Every child learns differently, and gender-neutral toys help children in certain core competencies, thus helping them in learning or enhancing their skills.

4. Helps Break Gender Stereotypes

Toys that are not gender-specific help kids in exploring and embracing what interests them. Toys are toys, and they should be perceived as play things by children, but categorising them as ‘girl toys’ or ‘boy toys’ will confuse them. This will not be the case with gender-neutral toys.

5. Promote Inclusivity

Toys that are not tied to gender help create an inclusive environment where all children feel accepted and valued. When boys and girls play with the same types of toys, they learn to interact as equals, fostering respect, empathy, and understanding. This inclusive mindset extends beyond playtime, influencing how they view others in school and society.

6. Encourage Collaboration

Playtime with gender-neutral toys naturally brings children of all genders together, promoting interaction and teamwork. Whether building a structure, solving a puzzle, or engaging in pretend play, children learn to communicate, negotiate, share, and collaborate effectively, skills that are essential for healthy social development.

7. Foster Creativity

Gender-neutral toys, such as building blocks, puzzles, art supplies, and science kits, allow children to engage in open-ended play that stimulates their imagination. Without the limitations of gender-specific expectations, children feel free to explore various storylines, characters, and scenarios, which enhances their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Disadvantages of Gender-Neutral Toys

While gender-neutral toys offer numerous benefits, they are not without drawbacks. Despite the positive intention of promoting inclusivity and breaking stereotypes, these toys can present certain social challenges. Here are a few disadvantages of unisex children toys (3):

1. Market Availability Is Limited

Despite growing awareness, truly gender-neutral toys are still a small segment of the market. Most stores still divide toys by gender, making it harder for parents to find neutral options.

2. Lack of Representation in Popular Brands

Many popular toy brands still design products with strong gender-specific themes. As a result, gender-neutral toys may feel less appealing to children who are influenced by mainstream media and advertising.

3. Misconceptions About the Concept

Some people misunderstand the idea of gender-neutral toys, thinking it means denying gender identity altogether. In reality, it’s about offering choice, but misinterpretations can lead to confusion or backlash.

Best Unisex Toys for Babies and Toddlers

Gone are days when girls were told to play with dolls or kitchen sets, and cars or trucks were reserved for boys only! All thanks to gender-neutral toys, kids can now pick and choose toys according to their preference, and without the restraints of gender stereotypes. Here are some gender-neutral toys for babies or toddlers:

1. Shape Sorter Toys

This is one of the best options as gender-neutral toys for young babies or toddlers.

Image Credit: AI-Generated Image

Why It’s Great 

Shape sorter toys are great for babies to help them learn about shapes, colours, and spaces.

2. Musical Instruments

Whether bought as a single musical instrument, or chosen as a set, musical toys are great for group play, and can be enjoyed with parents and siblings, too.

Image Credit: AI-Generated Image

Why It’s Great 

Kids can learn about how the movement of their hands can result in different sounds and music. They can make plenty of music, and sing and dance along!

3. Toy Telephones

One of the best gender-neutral toys in existence, toy telephones are great for young kids to learn about the tool that helps us connect to other people.

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Why It’s Great 

This toy can greatly help in developing cognitive skills and language skills in kids.

4. Building Blocks

The vibrant colours and shapes of building blocks attract young minds, and make an excellent toy option for both genders.

Image Credit: AI-Generated Image

Why It’s Great 

Blocks are great for encouraging a sense of imagination and creativity in young kids, as they can make their own designs and structures. It is also beneficial in developing hand-eye coordination in kids.

5. Ride-on Toys (Without Pedals)

It is a great option for both outdoor and indoor activities for small children.

Image Credit: AI-Generated Image

Why It’s Great 

These toys help build motor skills, improve the sense of balance, and also strengthen the body.

Best Unisex Toys for Preschoolers and Kids

Here are some gender-neutral toys for preschoolers and kids:

1. Puzzles

There are many age-appropriate puzzles available for young kids.

Why It’s Great

Puzzles are great for encouraging cooperative play and social skills in kids. They are also helpful in building problem-solving skills in kids.

2. Art Supplies

There are so many kinds of art supplies that you can buy for your kid! These include watercolour paints, crayons, markers, colourful chalk, drawing books, etc.

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Why It’s Great

This kind of stuff is great for shaping a child’s imagination and creativity, and also helps in improving fine motor skills.

3. Board Games

There are umpteen options to choose from in board games, and there are plenty that are available according to your kiddo’s age!

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Why It’s Great

Board games are beneficial in improving verbal and communication skills, attention span and focus, social skills and team work, and self-confidence.

4. Craft Kits

There are many gender-neutral craft kits that can be enjoyed by both girls and boys.

Image Credit: AI-Generated Image

Why It’s Great 

Such kits are great for shaping a child’s creative and imaginative streak. Crafting kits also help develop hand-eye coordination, concentration, and attention span in kids.

5. Stamp Sets

Available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, you can buy artistic stamp sets according to your kid’s age.

Why It’s Great

Stamp sets improve dexterity and push creativity in kids, and make for fun and colourful play time!

FAQs

1. Are gender-neutral toys more expensive?

Not necessarily. The price depends on the brand, quality, and type of toy. Some gender-neutral options are affordable and comparable to traditional toys in price.

2. How can parents encourage gender-neutral play?

Parents can encourage gender-neutral play by offering a variety of toys, avoiding labels like “for boys” or “for girls,” and supporting their child’s interests, whether they lean toward traditionally male, female, or neutral toys.

As parents, it is important that you encourage your children to pursue their own interests, which should be independent of their gender as a girl or boy. Opting for gender-neutral toys is a great way of doing so, and it will make your child more confident, open-minded, and empowered!

References/Resources:

1. Humanium – Pink for girls, blue for boys: why toys for children should be free from stereotypes

2. Encyclopedia Britannica – STEM

3. Let Toys Be Toys – Why it matters

Also Read:

Best Homemade Toys for Children
Best Science Gifts And Toys for Children
Toys That Helps to Foster Creativity in Kids
Montessori Toy Options for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers