Do boys and girls like different toys? What social, cognitive, and biological factors influence the design and marketing of gender-typed toys, and children’s interest in such toys?  What are the long term implications of gendered toy play, for children’s development and later adult roles? In this book, scholars in developmental psychology, education, and neuroscience examine the fascinating intersection of gender and child play. Contributors consider the innumerable ways in which toys today are gender typed, alongside the expression of gender preferences in early childhood, and they review research showing that children who play with different kinds of toys reap different cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. Through playing with toys, children learn various skills, including lessons about how they should or should not behave. Gender-typed play, therefore, both reflects and solidifies gender stereotypes and constrains children’s later social roles. With theoretically and empirically based play interventions, as well as descriptions of ongoing campaigns aimed at raising public awareness, this volume offers concrete steps researchers, clinicians, parents, and activists can take to help children grow up to realize their full potential, independent of preconceived gender roles and stereotypes. In this unique and important volume, leading experts in the field describe how early play experiences shape gender socialization. Toys seem somehow to be so innocent, yet these chapters convey how powerful toys are in children's development. -- Janet Shibley Hyde, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Gender & Women's Studies, University of Wisconsin–Madison This book proves how necessary it is to step back and allow our children to navigate their own journeys of self-discovery. Parents, educators, and advocates will rejoice at the excellent tools and advice for helping children to explore all types of play, regardless of gender. -- Jess Weiner, CEO of TTJ Consulting and Cultural Changemaker Weisgram and Dinella have gathered a thoughtful collection by top scholars who examine why girls morph into princesses while boys play with cars. Is it marketing or biology that drives toy purchases? And what are the consequences of children's toy choices? The authors open our eyes to the latest science on gender and toy choice and debate whether boys' and girls' toys are forever stuck in blue and pink wrapping and stacked on different shelves. -- Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, Stanley and Debra Lefkowitz Faculty Fellow, Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, and Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, Washington, DC Weisgram and Dinella have gathered a thoughtful collection by top scholars who examine why girls morph into princesses while boys play with cars. Is it marketing or biology that drives toy purchases? And what are the consequences of children's toy choices? The authors open our eyes to the latest science on gender and toy choice and debate whether boys' and girls' toys are forever stuck in blue and pink wrapping and stacked on different shelves. -- Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, Stanley and Debra Lefkowitz Faculty Fellow, Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, and Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, Washington, DC Erica S. Weisgram, PhD , is professor of psychology at University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP). Her research focuses broadly on gender development in children, adolescents, and young adults. Her recent work explores the cognitive construction of stereotypes in preschool children and how cultural stereotypes affect children’s interest in toys. She also examines how gender and gender-related factors (e.g., stereotypes, values, familial roles) affect individuals’ occupational and academic interests with a specific focus on girls’ and women’s interest in math and science occupations. Dr. Weisgram earned her bachelor’s degree at Luther College and her PhD at The University of Texas at Austin. She is the 2016 winner of the UWSP Justus Paul Sabbatical Award and the UWSP Excellence in Teaching Award. Lisa M. Dinella, PhD , is a research scientist who investigates the relations between gender, academic achievement, and career development. Dr. Dinella studies children’s toy play and media exposure, and how gendered experiences shape academic and career pursuits across the lifespan. She is principal investigator of the Gender Development Laboratory at Monmouth University, where she is associate professor of psychology and affiliated faculty member of Gender Studies. Her school-based research endeavors led to her edited book Conducting Science-Based Psychology Research in Schools . Dr. Dinella recently presented on gender disparities in children’s media and toys at The White House in Washington, DC. She drew from her research to provide key recommendations to toy, media, and youth-serving organizations on how to break down gender stereotypes.