Toy Manufacturers Thinking Outside the Box

Traditionally, toy manufacturers have offered kids few options that were outside the box. Most toy offerings fell into strict gender stereotypes, and dolls and action figures had similar skin tones and body types while lacking disabilities. With increased consumer demand and technology providing more manufacturing options, toy manufacturers are increasing diversity in their product lines to better meet the needs of children. Check out these companies that are working to diversify their toy departments.

MakieLab

MakieLab is a British toy manufacturer that uses 3-D printing technology to create a diverse collection of dolls, including models with disability accessories, such as cochlear implants and insulin pumps, and diverse skin tones and body types. Using a 3-D printer for manufacturing makes it easier to run small batches of products, including custom items. They also manufacture disability aids that can be used on dolls and stuffed animals manufactured by other companies.

Lego

Lego goes a long way towards normalizing disability by including a minifig that uses a wheelchair as part of its Fun in the Park set. This male minifig comes in bundles with other minifigs, representing diverse ages and activities, as part of Lego's City line. Including the character as part of a set instead of selling it as a separate item shows kids that those who use wheelchairs are just a normal part of the world.

Mattel

Toy manufacturer Mattel keeps extending its Barbie line to improve its inclusiveness. Fashion dolls with a variety of body shapes, heights and skin tones provide children with toys that more accurately represent the real world — and the kids that play with them. Mattel is also working to provide more diversity in its popular American Girl line. Adding more disability accessories, including a diabetes care kit, to a line that already includes many race options gives parents the opportunity to create custom dolls that closely match their children's needs.

Hasbro

Increasing diversity in the toy aisle goes beyond creating more doll options. Hasbro is working to show that its popular Nerf toys are for children of all genders. The Nerf Rebelle line includes a variety of blasters and bows designed to appeal to girls. There are even dart refill packs in traditionally female colors and prints. Hasbro is also developing a My Little Pony comic line to appeal to boys and is adding boy dolls to its Baby Alive line.

GoldieBlox

GoldieBlox is a toy manufacturer that was founded on the idea of breaking down gender stereotypes. Started by a female engineer, the company offers toys designed to encourage girls in the areas of science, technology and engineering. The company also focuses on diversity and includes a Latina engineer as part of its collection.

Moving into the future, toy manufacturers need to look outside the box to meet the needs of a diverse population that wants toys that don't stereotype and that accurately represent the children who play with them. Short-run manufacturing and 3-D printing provide ways for companies to offer more options to consumers. Toy manufacturers need to keep an eye on their market to ensure they are producing toys that move beyond stereotypes.

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