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When considering how to avoid buying gender stereotypical gifts, begin by thinking about why you might want to avoid these gifts. Reinforcing gender stereotypes with gifts and toys (e.g. dolls for girls, trucks for boys) may limit a child's developing identity. This can happen in two ways. First, it may encourage children to believe there are items that they are "supposed" to like whether they naturally do or not. Second, it may limit children's exposure to a variety of interests that may be appealing to them.

What types of gifts are gender neutral? Simply think about the interests that all children have in common. If an item is something that could easily appeal to both a boy and a girl, it is gender neutral. Once you begin to consider the possibilities you may be surprised at how many gift options exist.

Board Games - While there are board games that are marketed to specific genders, there are many more that anyone can enjoy. Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, Life, Monopoly, Clue, Twister, Chutes and Ladders, Boggle, and Jenga are just a few.

Educational Games - A good education is important for both boys and girls and there are many tools that can make learning more fun. Leap Frog (www.leapfrog.com) products, such as LeapPad and Turbo Twist, make math and reading fun. They have products geared for many different learning stages.

Books - The success of the Harry Potter series alone is argument enough that both boys and girls can find books that they both like to read. When looking for books, remember to think outside of the fiction shelves as well. Joke books, trivia books, reference books, and other interest-specific non-fiction books can also make good gifts.

Card Games - Both boys and girls can enjoy card games. Uno, Phase 10, Target, Quiddler, and Zigity are some specialized card games worth looking up. For younger kids, Go Fish and Crazy Eights are fun classic games. Or buy a book of card games and a pack of standard cards. Older kids love to play different variations of poker and many card games have educational aspects.

Electronics - MP3 players, cell phones, cameras, stereos, and handheld video games are all electronics that both boys and girls love to own.

These are just a few ideas of the types of gifts that do not promote gender stereotypes. Walk through a toy store or browse categories online and you will find many more options, such as DVDs, CDs, magic tricks, sports equipment, and puzzles. Maybe you will find a gift that will spark a new interest in someone you love.

Learn more about this author, Susan Quilty.
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