With Hannukkah upon us and Christmas right around the corner, we received a plea from a reader to tackle gifts for girls.
Jessica writes:
Hi,
I’m an Aunt to a 6 year old, a 3 1/2 year old, and a 2 year old.
I’d LOVE to see Jezebel do a gift guide for girls. What toys wont demean them or oppress them further? What toys might let them work sides of their brain that often “girls” toys ignore? While still being sensitive to the fact that girls often WANT gendered toys.
Thanks!
The reality is that these girls might want high heels, makeup and pink, princessy stuff. And their parents very well may comply. No problem with that! But as an Aunt, you can think outside the box. And there are some options out there.
One idea: When I was a kid I had a toy microscope, and loved taking random things — bugs, hair, Band-Aids, thread — and looking at them close-up. Kids don’t even think of this as “science.” It’s just cool. There’s one for $40 at Amazon. For younger kids, there are jumbo magnifying glasses for $5. And we’ve written tons about Goldie Blox. I’ll add a few more ideas in the comments. Got good suggestions? Offer ’em up below. Please include photo, price and link.