Sometimes when I walk through the toy aisles, I want to shout “Why is everything so separated by gender?!” Even when toys aren’t labeled “for boys” or “for girls,” color coding often gives kids the message that a particular toy is or is not for them. Luckily, there are still lots of great gifts and toys that celebrate powerful girls and gentle boys, or that are gender neutral. Use our feminist kids gift guide to find toys, games, books, and more for kids ages 2 to 12 that bust gender stereotypes.
Celebrating Powerful Girls and Gentle Boys: a Feminist Kids Gift Guide
Disclosure: For your convenience, this post includes affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I received complimentary copies of I am Confident, Brave, and Beautiful and the Outdoor Sports Sticker Adventure book from Hopscotch girls. All opinions about their products are my own. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
Toys and Gifts for Feminist Kids: Toddlers and Preschoolers
Little Feminist Memory Match Game and board book set
This empowering (and adorable) matching game celebrates trailblazers that feminist kids should know about, including Maya Angelou, Sally Ride, Cleopatra, and Gloria Steinem. You’ll also want to grab the board book set that teach children more about these powerful women. Each of the four books has a different theme: artists, activists, leaders, and pioneers. (Books recommended for ages 2 – 6, game for ages 3 – 6) For tweens, check out the Little Feminist 500 piece Family Puzzle.
Related Post: Best Montessori Toys for 5 and 6 Year Olds
Terra Kids Beaker Magnifier
Feminist kids know that bugs are super interesting, no matter what your gender! Gently catch the bugs you want to examine in the clear plastic container. Kids can then see the bugs magnified using two different lenses before releasing the bugs back into nature. (Recommended for ages 3 – 6)
Dump Truck Disco Singalong Book + Animated CD
Dump Truck Daisy and her construction crew friends have a secret mission: to build a fabulous playground by sunrise! I love that the there are just as many girl names as boy names on the construction crew, and the names also come from a variety of cultures. My 6 year old is particularly obsessed with the pages with the finished playground pieces. (Bonus: there are kids of many different physical abilities and races playing on the playground.) (Book recommended for ages 2 – 6)
Related Post: Best diverse singalong books for preschoolers and kindergartners
Get Well Doctor’s Kit Play Set
From Dr. Anna on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to Doc McStuffins, feminist kids can fortunately see lots of examples of women doctors in their world. Let your future doctor take care of family members or stuffed animals with this complete doctor’s set. Pair it with the book Daniel Visits the Doctor for a fun gift set. (Recommended for ages 3 – 6)
Snug Up Ollie doll from Haba Toys
I’m a believer that every toddler should have at least one doll to play with. Dolls are a great way for kids to practice nurturing and social and emotional skills. Ollie has a soft body that’s perfect for young toddlers through preschool age. (Recommended for ages 1 – 4)
Related Post: 19 children’s books that defy gender stereotypes
Garden Tools Set for Preschoolers
As a Montessori parent, I love items like this that are not actually toys. This is a real child-sized outdoor garden tools set that your little one can use to dig, rake, and hoe in the family garden. (Recommended for ages 2 – 5 years)
Free to Be You and Me book and CD
I’m so glad that this classic book was updated for today’s kids! Feminist kids are free to break gender stereotypes so that they can be whoever they want to be, and Marlo Thomas and Friends’ songs, poems, and stories encourage them to do just that. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)
Related Post: 12 LGBTQ Affirming Picture Books for Kids
Barefoot Books Build a Story Cards
Our son loves creating stories with these flexible card set. There are four different sets: Community Helpers
All feature diverse children who challenge gender stereotypes. Each card set can be purchased separately as well. (Recommended for ages 3 – 8)
Young Carpenter’s Tool Belt
Little builders will love having their own leather tool belt which includes a loop for holding a child sized hammer. I know the idea of real tools with scare some adults, but I can attest that with adult supervision kids can use tools safely, especially when they’re sized for small hands! The tool belt includes pockets that can be used to hold nails or other small items. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)
Related Post: Best Educational Toys for 3 and 4 year olds under $35
Veterinarian Role Play costume set
This set of veterinarian scrubs and tools from Melissa and Doug will inspire all kinds of pet-related play, and includes an adorable plush dog. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)
Related Post: Gift guide of the best picture books for every interest
Toys and Gifts for Feminist Kids: Elementary Age
Green Kids Crafts discovery boxes
Green Kids Crafts boxes combine the fun of arts and crafts with the discovery of science and engineering! You can choose between 3, 6, and 12 month subscriptions so that your child gets new projects each month, or you can pick individual boxes with themes such environmental activism, mad scientist, animal science, or introduction to electricity. Items in the boxes are made from quality, eco-friendly, made in the U.S.A. materials.
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls
Crowdfunding hit Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls includes 100 illustrated, one page short stories about amazing girls and women from history. You’ll likely recognize some of them, such as Julia Child, Malala Yousafzai, or Michelle Obama. But there will be many others that are lesser known heroines who both you and your children will be glad to meet! (Recommended for ages 5 – 9)
Related Post: 12 Fairy tales for young feminists
Barefoot Books’ Solar System glow in the dark book + 200 piece solar system puzzle
Explore the solar system with this interactive, glow-in-the-dark guide that helps older elementary children understand astronomy, physics, and chemistry. For a fun gift, pair it with this 200 piece solar system puzzle. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12.)
Feminist Icon Cross-Stitch Book
Know a child who loves to cross-stitch or wants to learn? This book includes 30 designs celebrating feminist heroes including Sojourner Truth, Rosie the Riveter, and Beyoncé. The book also includes a bio on each woman, and instructions on the cross-stitch skills needed to complete the designs. (Recommended for ages 8+)
A Kids Book About Feminism
A Kids Book About provides an incredible array of books for kids ages 5+ on important and sensitive topics, from feminism to mental health to racism to compassion and empathy.
Build Your Own Pinball Machine from Little Passports
In addition to offer fun geography and science subscription boxes for kids, Little Passports now offers stand alone STEM projects, including this pinball machine making kit. (Recommended for ages 9+)
2 responses to “Feminist Kids Gift Guide: Toys for Strong and Gentle Kids of All Genders”
Great post! And so timely with the holidays coming. Thanks, Rebekah!
So glad you liked it Heather!