7 Toys You Should Not Buy for Your Little Girl ...

Jasmine

There are certain toys you should not buy for your little girl. Some send out the wrong message while others are just completely inappropriate. It's quite shocking that some manufacturers promote and sell certain play toys. Take a look at some of these toys you should not buy for your daughter and tell me what you think.

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1. Toys That Are Too Suggestive

Remember the uproar over Bratz Dolls, and worse, their baby-counterparts, all of whom wore short-short skirts and loads of eye makeup? Moms were outraged, calling them "hooker dolls" and boycotting the brand. The issue? They seemed to sexualize children, and toys like this are clearly sending the wrong message, and way too early at that. That's why these sorts of dolls are landing them at the tip-top of my list of toys you should not buy your daughter.

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The backlash didn't stop at just Bratz Dolls. Similar outcry has been echoed with other toys that flaunt unrealistic body proportions and mature clothing styles. It's crucial to think about the values these toys are impressing upon young minds. Are we telling our little girls that this is what's expected of them as they grow up? Certainly not the ideal message. Opt for dolls that promote a healthy self-image, inspiring creativity and intelligence over superficiality and sexiness. It's all about empowering our girls to be smart, strong, and self-assured.

2. Toys That Promote Outdated Gender Roles

Your little girls would probably enjoy a tiny toy vacuum or their own little feather duster, but to some parents, they help encourage what they feel are outdated gender role stereotypes. A solution? If you do buy her one of these types of toys, let her follow Daddy around, shadowing him while he tidies up.

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3. Toys That Are Dangerous

Toys are recalled by their manufacturers all the time, and usually it's because they're somehow dangerous - tiny parts, lead paint, you name it. A few years back, it was Polly Pocket dolls with tiny magnets that could be swallowed and then wreak havoc on the child's digestive system. So please, before you buy, thoroughly examine the toy for potential defects or danger.

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Toys are not always as innocent as they seem. In fact, many toys have been recalled due to safety concerns, such as small parts or lead paint. For example, Polly Pocket dolls were recalled due to tiny magnets that could be swallowed. It is important for parents to thoroughly examine toys before purchasing them for their children. This includes checking for potential defects or dangers that could harm their child. Always stay informed and aware of any recalls or safety concerns related to popular toys.

4. Prank Toys for Adults

Remember the "Pole-Dancer" doll? She was meant to look like a child's toy, but was actually a prank gift meant for adults. Especially if you tend to do shopping at garage sales and swaps, be on the lookout for these gag gifts - your little girl might not think anything's amiss, but you probably don't want her playing with a pole-dancing "exotic dancer" doll.

5. Toys That Are "Girl" Versions of Boys' Toys

Some parents are livid about this - why do the LEGO brick toys have to have a "girl" version? While some girls might like playing with the LEGO Friends collection, others wonder what the big deal is about pink and purple bricks with flower and other "feminine" extra parts. This choice might be best left up to your little girl - does she want the newly-announced girl chemist LEGO set, or the Lemonade-Stand LEGO Friends set?

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6. Toys That Feature Violence

Some parents are okay with toys and video games that feature extreme violence and even misogyny (think the Grand Theft Auto series), but others are much less inclined to allow their little girls (and boys!) to play with them. It's always a good idea to watch movies and play video games before you let your child see them. And toy guns aren't necessarily "bad," but be sure you're careful to let your child know they're never to be pointed at another child, even in play!

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In addition to violence, some parents may also be concerned about toys that promote harmful gender stereotypes. These can include dolls with unrealistic body proportions or toys that only feature female characters as caregivers or princesses. It's important for parents to research and consider the messages these toys may be sending to their children. Additionally, toys that promote excessive consumerism or materialism, such as expensive designer dolls or gadgets, may also be avoided by some parents. Ultimately, it's up to each individual parent to decide what toys align with their values and beliefs for their child's development.

7. Toys That Encourage Self-infliction

Tattoos are not a taboo. Well, at least to me they're not, since I do have a few. However, crafts set and dolls like the tattoo Barbie are introducing young girls to this fad just a little too soon. I think we should give our girls time to grow up and just enjoy being young. An interest in tattoos or piercings will come with time.

Children's toys should be innocently educational with a little fun on the side, but some do have a hidden agenda. Sometimes you have to reconsider the toys you want to expose your daughter to every time you visit a toy store. With that said, are you familiar with any of these types of toys? Would you buy any of them for your daughter?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I loved the Bratz dolls, had the entire collection and not once did the dolls make me want to wear make-up or dress in tiny skirts. It really comes down to the upbringing and parents clearly establishing that those are toys, only meant to be played with, not copied.

I'm 13 and I still like Barbies and LEGO Friends. I think they're fun. :-) And I never overanalyzed my toys - I liked "girl" toys, just like boys typically like "boy" toys. The other toys in the shops didn't appeal to me; I liked pink and purple, haha!! But yes I could never stand Bratz, or Monster High dolls. Blech!

I'm in high school and I still love to play with my STAR WARS Legos just fine😋

I have to say that I disagree with some of these points. I seriously doubt that playing with a pink toy will have much influence on how you become when you grow up. Kids don't overanalyze the toys they play with.

True.... I hated those bratz!

Barbie is not bad. she had every career and let's any kid role play. what about Ken is he bad too? to each her own. parents assign gender roles not toys. I had pink and purple toys and dolls growing up and my fav color is blue.

yep.i do agree.

I was never allowed to have the rubber toy snakes! It was because my parents were afraid I might see a real snake and try to pick it up!

great post. very enlightening.

I grew up with the bratz dolls before the baby ones and I never had a problem about all the drama with it I work in a make up store but don't wear every product under the sun I do basic mascara blush and a little powder. I feel comfortable in jeans and a tee shirt not short skirts and a crop tops like half the 12 year olds out there these days. If anything I guess kids are easily influenced now.

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