However, societal and cultural norms can influence the types of toys marketed to and purchased when it comes to girls versus boys. Historically, toys marketed towards girls have focused on nurturing and domestic activities, while toys marketed towards boys have focused on action and adventure. This can perpetuate gender stereotypes and limit the opportunities for children to explore a diverse range of interests and skills.

At Goshen STEMlab, we believe in creating gender-agnostic toys that help both boys and girls achieve their full potential by applying the best principles of STEAM play.

Do girls and boys need different toys?

Let’s face this upfront. Toys are mostly unisex, but here are some considerations when it comes to toys for girls.

It is well known that children imitate their parents. And while they do, they most naturally imitate the parents of the same gender. Girls like to imitate the mother, and boys the father. When girls predominantly see their mother working in the kitchen and looking after babies, they like to imitate her. It is for this reason that they like to play with dolls and play-kitchen toys (generally speaking). No matter how much we may try to raise girls as equal to boys, in their hearts, they find it fun to play with “girly” toys.

If your little girl is having her friends (who might be predominantly or exclusively girls) over for her birthday, then it makes sense to think of some girl games that a bunch of girls would enjoy.

What toys do girls like?

Here are 5 toy and game ideas for girls. Smartivity has a range of activity kits that would appeal to curious girls. While boys too can play with these toys and games, these toys may appeal more to girls.

1. Dolls and accessories:

   As girls go about playing with their dolls, they would be happy to have varied sets of clothes - formal and casual, western and Indian. If not available in stores, you can hire the help of a local tailor to have them custom-made for your girl’s dolls. Apart from extra dresses for dolls, girls will also appreciate toy beds, toy beauty sets like combs, hair brushes, hair dryers, and the like.

2. Soft Toys:

   Soft toys appeal to people cutting across gender and age. Even adults feel comforted looking at them and holding them. So go ahead, and buy your girl those cute teddies, elephants, pigs, puppies, tortoises, or even a dinosaur! etc.