The best gender neutral toys for girls and boys - from slime and fidget sets to wooden puzzles and board games

Play is important for all children - and it doesn’t have to be gendered.
Out Of The Box Doodle Draw Mega SetOut Of The Box Doodle Draw Mega Set
Out Of The Box Doodle Draw Mega Set

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There is increasing discussion about the role of gender in our society, such as the gender credit gap, and that has led parents to look for gender-neutral toys for their children.

All toys are gender neutral at heart, and it’s up to any child to decide which toy they want to play with regardless of it’s colour.

It’s undeniable, however, that some toys are marketed in a very specific and stereotypical way - pink for girls and blue for boys.

Here are are top picks for the best toys which haven’t been marketed that way.

We’re confident that can be enjoyed by boys and girls of all ages - whether they are fans of fidget kits or like getting messy with foam.

If you’re thinking of buying any of these toys for Christmas though be advised to buy quickly as we have been warned their may be a Christmas toy shortage.

If you’re thinking ahead to the festive season, take a look at these fantastic festive pyjamas for all the family, and to spruce up the little one’s bedroom in the meantime and keep them cosy all through winter take a look at these cosy bedding sets for kids.

Inspire your little artist with the this fun and interactive drawing tool.

It is the ideal way to encourage kids to be creative by drawing and colouring.

The set comes with two drawing boards, pen and unique shapes in different colours all aimed at getting children to be artistic and have fun.

It is also portable so it’s ideal for taking anywhere, whether that’s family days out in the car, to friends’ houses or on holidays.

Suitable for children aged three plus.

Kids will love singing along to the Blue’s Clues & You! theme song with the Blue’s Clues & You! Light-Up Microphone.

Press the Blue icon on the microphone to activate lights and music. Portable and fun, this 16cm / 6.63 inches tall microphone features the iconic cast of Blue’s Clues and You!

Bring home the Blue’s Clues & You! Light-Up Microphone and the rest of the Blue’s Clues & You! toys to help your little clue-finder use their mind, take a step at a time, and do anything that they want to do.

Kids can sculpt, squish and shape with this playset.

Ideal for sensory play, this set promises hours of squishy fun.

Kids can use the equipment provided to create a variety of different slime activities, including stretchy slime, gooey eyeball slime, mouldable characters and more.

Suitable for ages 6 to 10 years.

Bring hours of fun to playtime with this fidget toy.

Kids will love throwing this ball, squishing it, bouncing it and squeezing it: the opportunities are endless.

Available in a range of bright colours, this ball is a must-have for holidays, parties and sleepovers for all little fidget fans.

Please be aware that styles vary.

Suitable for children aged 3 and over.

Foam Alive is a soft, fluffy foam that magically brings to life.

It flows through your fingers and can be squeezed into shape, then watch as it magically dissolves.

Children will have hours of fun with this, moulding it in to a range of shapes and then watching in awe as it disappears before their eyes.

Please be aware that styles and colours vary.

Suitable for children ages 5 to 10 years.

This delightful wooden puzzle includes 6 character illustrated removable puzzle pieces with pegs and a wooden base board with speaker. One by one, children can enjoy placing the characters in their correct puzzle slot to hear what they have to say. Characters include Duggee, Happy, role, Betty, Norrie and tag. This toy develops their hand eye co-ordination, encourages problem solving and introduces auditory processing skills too. The puzzle is made from responsibly sourced materials and are certified by the FSC.

Kids can have lots of fun with this fantastic fidget toy box, the must-have gift for fidgety little fingers.

This set is packed full of super addictive games and gadgets that are also perfect for the whole family to play with.

From a popping fidget games, to an infinity cube, plus much more, this is the perfect way to keep their brain focused and their hands busy.

The original modelling game that all children - and all the family - will love.

All you have to do is grab your clay and model what you see on the card. It might sound easy but it’s not when you’re scrabbling to outdo your opponent.

Rapidough is the game that never ages: even if you’ve seen a card before you’ll never make the same model twice.

But with five hundred word cards in all, it will take a while to see the same card again and there’s scope for teams as big as you like too.

Children won’t find a cooler pet than Fifi the flossing sloth from Pets Alive.

Promoting exercise and coordination, this robotic toy can do the iconic dance to three epic songs along with a cheeky wiggle and cute eye blinks.

Let them compete with Fifi to see who’s got the best floss-like moves. It will keep them entertained and active for hours.

Suitable for children from 3 years.