If there was one huge parenting trend that took hold this year, it was the noticeable shift toward more progressive gender-neutral parenting. Parents who go this route try to create environments free from overtly gendered toys and clothes and with neutral names [1] and bedroom decor [2] (i.e. ones that scream blue or pink) in hopes that their children will choose what they like and dislike based on their own preferences and not what is expected of them.
While the parenting style isn't for everyone, it certainly got a conversation going this year. In September, the Miraloma Elementary School in San Francisco introduced a single-stall gender-neutral bathroom [3] for its students. In October, Wisconsin's Madison West High School did away with homecoming king and queen in favor of a neutral homecoming court [4] consisting of the senior class's top 20 students. And who could forget Target's controversial decision [5] to remove gender-based labels from children's toys?
For parents hoping to foster this type of environment, we've rounded up 50 holiday gifts that would be a hit with any kid — regardless of their gender.
Color the Earth Kit
Color the Earth Kit [6] ($20)
Green Science Grow-a-Maze
Green Science Grow-A-Maze [7] ($13)
Livingroom Lanes Bowling Set
Livingroom Lanes Bowling Set [8] ($59)
Little Tikes Basketball Set
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set [9] ($22)
Little Tikes Fish 'n Splash Water Table
Little Tikes Fish 'n Splash Water Table [10] ($55)
North American Bear Alphabet Activity Mat
North American Bear Alphabet Activity Mat [11] ($75)
The Grinch Jumbo Plush Toy
Dr. Seuss The Grinch Jumbo Plush Toy [12] ($135)
Joki Hanging Crows Nest
Joki Hanging Crows Nest [13] ($110)
Fisher-Price Dance and Move BeatBo
Fisher-Price Bright Beats Dance and Move BeatBo [14] ($35)
Dr. Seuss's Second Beginner Book Collection
Dr. Seuss's Second Beginner Book Collection (Hardcover) [15] ($45)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Hardcover) [16] ($26)
Chronicle Books Coloring Book
Chronicle Books MoMA Coloring Book [17] ($17)
Disney Pixar Crafts Book
Disney Pixar Crafts Book [18] ($8)
Hasbro Simon Swipe Game
Hasbro Simon Swipe Game [19] ($20)
Umbra Portable Table Tennis Set
Umbra Portable Table Tennis Set [20] ($40)
Pacific Play Tents Parachute
Pacific Play Tents 10-ft. Parachute [21] ($37)
Kikkerland Jungle Face Masks
Kikkerland Jungle Face Masks [22] ($19)
Disney Toy Story Box Set
Disney Toy Story Trilogy 10-Disc Box Set [23] ($75)
Disney Pixar Inside Out Book
Disney Pixar Inside Out Box of Mixed Emotions Book [24] ($13)
Little Marvels Cinema Set
Moulin Roty Little Marvels Cinema Set [25] ($38)
Craft-Tastic String Art Kit
Ann Williams Craft-Tastic String Art Kit [26] ($18)
My First Camera
Giggle Better Basics My First Camera [27] ($15)
P'kolino Chalk Table and Benches
P'kolino Chalk Table & Benches [28] ($120)
Lil' Symphony Guitar For Kids
The Well Appointed House Lil' Symphony Guitar for Kids [29] ($34)
Kiddopotamus Have It All Ball
Kiddopotamus Have It All Ball [30] ($18)
Elenco Wildlife Globe
Elenco Wildlife Globe [31] ($60)
Melissa & Doug Playful Puppy Pull Toy
Melissa & Doug Playful Puppy Pull Toy [32] ($20)
Boo the Dog Stuffed Animal
Gund Boo the Dog Stuffed Animal [33] ($23)
Merry Christmas Blocks
Merry Christmas Blocks [34] ($26)
Watersite Dominoes
Watersite Dominoes [35] ($27)
Vilac Drum Kit
Vilac Drum Kit [36] ($70)
Red Xylo Roller
Red Xylo Roller [37] ($40)
Step2 Teeter Totter
Step2 Play Up Teeter Totter [38] ($85)
Razor Electric Scooter
Razor E200 Watt Electric Scooter [39] ($184)
Melissa & Doug Felt Pizza Set
Melissa & Doug Felt Pizza Set [40] ($20)
Dot & Bo Retro Bubble Gun
Dot & Bo Retro Bubble Gun [41] ($14)
Walking Trolley
Walking Trolley [42] ($78)
Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox
Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox [43] ($74)
Carson Aim Refractor Telescope
Carson Aim Refractor Telescope [44] ($70)
Guidecraft Floor Easel
Guidecraft Art Equipment Floor Easel [45] ($74)
Discovery Kids Starry Night Toy Lantern
Discovery Kids Starry Night Toy Lantern [46] ($24)
Household Essentials Magna-Tiles Set
Household Essentials Magna-Tiles 37-Piece Set [47] ($60)
Melissa & Doug Grand Piano
Melissa & Doug Grand Piano [48] ($140)
Disney's Star Wars: The Force Awakens BB-8 Droid
Disney's Star Wars: The Force Awakens BB-8 App-Enabled Droid by Sphero [49] ($150)
Plasmart PlasmaCar
Plasmart PlasmaCar [50] ($55)
Alphabet Blocks
Alphabet Blocks [51] ($79)
Leapfrog Scribble & Write
Leapfrog Scribble & Write [52] ($25)
Haba My First Ball Track
Haba My First Ball Track [53] ($100)
Once Kids Cityscape Wooden Blocks
Once Kids Cityscape Wooden Blocks [54] ($95)
Melissa & Doug Toy, Fishing Magnetic Puzzle Game
Melissa & Doug Toy, Fishing Magnetic Puzzle Game [55] ($10)