So mom would give me a tiny little tote bag, and I'd stuff it full of, I dunno, little plastic toys and whatever, and I'd put on my best enormous bright neon-colored plastic sunglasses and a trucker-style hat with, like, a monster truck logo, and swan around the house like I was some kind of hot shit.

Then my brother and I would pretend we were going on a trip, on the sofa which was our "car", and we'd argue over who got to "drive" and who got to carry the purse.

I don't think the traditional trappings of "femininity" need to be necessarily harmful if little kids play games of pretend with purses and makeup and whatever. It's mostly a bunch of shiny shit that makes them feel like they're imitating adults.

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I was looking for a toy for my little girl and I have to admit I immediately gravitated AWAY from the purse and teapot because they were so pink etc. I really don't like buying stuff like that for her.

Although, I do have to say, at least most of the toys in the range are gender neutral (the piggy bank, pots and pans set, toy cd player, cookie jar and mailbox all seemed to be marketed at either boys OR girls). That is more than you can say for a lot of stuff out there right now.

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I see a choking hazard recall in their future.

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1 year old seems pretty young, though. Kids like makeup soon enough (even boys think it's interesting), do we have to teach them to like makeup and jewelry?

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