Thursday, June 3, 2010

Toys for girls... Terrible!

What on earth am I going to buy Peggy for her first birthday and Christmas? Yes, yes, it is a while away yet, but Phil and I usually lay-by everything during the EOFY sales so that we can it all off slowly... Having babies born in November and January, either side of Christmas, can get a little costly if you are not prepared.

I already have a few books put away, and I bought them each a set of those wooden Russian dolls that fit one inside the other... Can't recall the technical name. Oti's are soldiers, Peggy's are fairly run-of-the-mill. I also came across these cool wooden fairytale masks. I got one each of those - Goldilocks on one side, Baby (?) Bear on the other, and a Red Riding Hood/Wolf one too. I think we'll have fun with those for years to come.

We are looking at getting a trampoline for the two of them, as well as an IKEA kitchen. We'll get them both some Duplo to add to the growing mountain... It is without a doubt the most used and appreciated item in this house. But then what? Otis has a range of possibilities at his disposal - a remote control car, a gardening set, power tools, a scooter, water pistols... The section of the toy stores aimed at females is pink upon pink upon Barbie upon doll upon Barbie upon doll.

I don't have an issue with dolls per se - I think they are great. They promote nurturing behaviour and allow for plenty of imaginative play. Otis has a few and loves them, and I am proud of the fact that we have supported him in taking an interest in them. But Peggy already has so many! She was inundated with them at birth, and they look set to keep coming.

There is very little else marketed at girls,and I find it so disappointing. Luckily Peggy has all of Otis' toys to enjoy. And I will be going out of my way to find something of the non-doll variety to give to her when she turns 1. I would love some tips... If anybody is out there reading this, please advise me!

We will probably purchase a trike for her... I haven't looked at what is available for that age group yet, but I hope that the girly ones are actually functional and don't require the user to ride side-saddle!! I wouldn't be at all surprised. Girly toys don't appear to encourage active play.

On a more positive note, Otis and I have discovered a most excellent book - Jobs People Do, published by Usborne Books. It is brilliant. Lovely to look at, with photos of Fimo figurines going about their daily work. Lots of beautifully detailed explanations of uniforms and equipment. Endearing storylines, and plenty of non-stereotypical casting of women in roles that are traditionally masculine - there is Doctor Daisy, Vet Vicky, and a couple of female firefighters. There is also a plethora of races represented. And a male nurse!! I am just so impressed by this book, and Otis never tires of it. I recommend for toddlers two and up.