Comments on: Will your son get a doll for the holidays?

By: wondermom

wondermom — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:33:38 +0000

I’m a tomboy but I have no problem with dolls for boys. Squirt has begged for a “baby” for years and I even bought him a Cabbage Patch Kid but Ex returned it. It was a huge fight between us over and over. We always compromised with stuffed animals although he did have clothes and diapers and stroller and high chair and all that stuff for his animals. I was so looking forward to buying him a doll last Christmas but alas, it was the first year he didn’t ask. He will sometimes ask me “Is that a girl toy?” or “Is that a girl movie” and I tell him absolutely not…there’s no such thing!
wondermom´s last blog ..Mom’s night out redux

By: BigLittleWolf

BigLittleWolf — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:27:18 +0000

Having had boys – whose friends were girls – it was fascinating to see what they wanted as gifts.

Mostly, it was legos, power rangers, occasionally action figures. Lots of build it / science experiment things, and crayons/paper/paints.

But one of my sons REALLY wanted an easy bake oven and a number of kitchen-related toys when he was about 7. So I got him one! And he loved that stuff and played with it for a good two years, along with all the other more typically boy things.

And why not? Why not whatever interests and stimulates them?

There was also plenty of sticks, rocks, pots and pans and imagination. I still think that’s going to be true for most kids. And thank goodness.

Happy holidays!
BigLittleWolf´s last blog ..Metro tickets in my pocket, black cat, mashed potatoes

By: Dr. Leah

Dr. Leah — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:58:25 +0000

C: Thanks for joining the conversation. And reminding us of the many possible points of view on this question.

By: c

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:41:38 +0000

Is this a real question. Do you want your kid to grow up confused ?

By: Lynn

Lynn — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:53:08 +0000

I love your questions, Rachel.

I sent Thanksgiving packages to my sister’s grand kids–books to read with mom and dad (or maybe with grandparents) and socks with critters on them. These are non-gender, and I hope they are also non-dorky.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:45:41 +0000

I have one of each and my mom got my son a doll when he was about 3. I didn’t care but she made a big deal about gender neutral toys. He never touched the doll at all. He just wasn’t interested in it. He has always loved trucks, radio controlled stuff, and Legos.

My 8 year old daughter has decided this year she wants the same stuff her brother is into…Star Wars toys, Transformers, Legos, Nerf Guns, and her new favorite color is blue instead of pink. She’s still a serious girly girl though and loves it when her mom takes her to get her nails done.

I try to put more emphasis on the traditions and experiences than the gifts. For the most part they are happy with whatever they get. We have a big family and 1 more toy or a high priced gift vs. lower price doesn’t make Christmas any more or less special. We also always do Angel Tree and they each help me pick out a gift for that.

By: Shirley Cress Dudley, MA LPC

Shirley Cress Dudley, MA LPC — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:32:13 +0000

Great idea to have non-gender toys.
Don’t get to stressed out over the holidays, everything doesn’t have to be perfect.

By: Fred Campos / FullCustodyDad

Fred Campos / FullCustodyDad — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:25:54 +0000

I have no problem with this. I am kind of beyond gender specific toys. My 10 YO daughter has grown up with Legos, race tracks, building sets and dolls.

My 5 YO son plays with dolls and all of the above. In truth, I tend to buy toys I like–*hehe* and don’t think twice about gender thinking.

However, you’re talking to a dad that let’s his son take ballet. I only truly feel awkward when I have to buy him his ballet shoes and outfits! *hehe*

PS. I only shop one day a year, and do ALL my Christmas shopping on Black Friday (I’m such a guy). There is nothing specific that the kids are asking for (truthfully I just polled them). But then again, that might be a side effect of not owning any TVs–but that’s another story!
Fred Campos / FullCustodyDad´s last blog ..“Does Your Daughter Have Dad Hair?” Book Review

By: Rachel Sarah

Rachel Sarah — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:55:06 +0000

@Cat: Wow, to see the look on your son’s face when he sees 100 balls just for him!

I’m so curious to know if any moms are getting trucks, cars, blocks, tools, etc. for their toddler daughters? (Yes, I was one of those moms…)

By: Cat

Cat — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:34:29 +0000

Dr. Leah- yup, like at the IKEA or McDonald’s ball pit. I can’t think of anything that would make him happier, and I got 100 of them new for $20. Given how excited he’s been to pull ornaments off the tree and throw them (“BALL!”) I think these will hit the spot!
Cat´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday