God blessed me with three beautiful girls (probably because He knew I couldn't handle grasshopper presents from sweet little boys). Each of my daughters loved pink and purple at some time in their lives. They also loved playing with barbies, Bratz dolls, dollhouse, and make-up dolls. They wanted to play with them and to this day, if the toys are pulled out for our granddaughter (yes, another girl), the big girls will sit and play with the little girl. Because they want to.
With all that being said, I just don't get why people get so up in arms about "gender" toys. I never once felt defined by MY choices in the toys I played with and cannot ever remember feeling offended if someone asked my daughters what Disney princess was their favorite. I just don't get it. Kids are going to be kids and they are going to play with whatever they want to play with...what's the big deal? All too quickly, kids grow up and are faced with many grown-up things. Let them be kids as long as they can be and yes, let them make their own decisions on things they want to play with. And then take a chill pill when someone asks such an offensive question relating to gender toys. Or better yet, play with Barbie. The poor girl needs a little love ... haters are gonna hate.
One of my favorite quotes comes from a toy himself. Woody from Toy Story said it best when he said to Buzz Lightyear "You are a toy! You are a child's plaything!" They are toys, people. That's all.
Alright, let the gender toys fly ... I'm armed with my catcher's mitt and helmet.