Toy-store aisles once inhabited by pink dolls and blue trucks are in the midst of a much-needed makeover. As the world becomes increasingly diverse and inclusive, toy makers are creating products that break down gender stereotypes and cater to children with disabilities. Just a few months after introducing two new Barbies with disabilities in mid-2019, Mattel released its Creatable World line of gender-neutral dolls. Nominated for The Toy Association's 2020 doll of the year award, the toys are completely customizable, allowing kids to endlessly rotate between various hairstyles, outfits, and accessories free of outdated "boy" and "girl" labels.
On the other end of the inclusivity spectrum, toy companies are making strides toward embracing those with visual impairments. Mattel recently released its first Braille deck of Uno cards, and in 2020, Lego will launch a collection of bricks designed to help children learn Braille. This trend will undoubtedly continue proliferating in the new decade as more brands catch on to the importance of encouraging playtime without limits.
