42 Best Gender-Neutral Gifts for Tomboys & Kids of Any Gender

August 2024 · 14 minute read

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

Toy companies have come a long way in the quest for gender equality — Target, Wal-Mart, and Toys R Us are easing up on pink-and-blue selections and in October 2021, California became the first state to force retailers to carve out gender-neutral sections by Jan. 1, 2024. After all, with more kids these days identifying as non-binary and research showing that gender norms can be harmful to children’s wellbeing, treating kids like their unique selves is really important.

Best gifts for four-year olds Related story The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Olds to Help Prep for Kindergarten

Best Gender Neutral Gifts for Kids, at a Glance

Best Overall: Hasbro Gaming Game of Life Target Edition, $14.99, was $24.99
Best Light Up Gender Neutral Gift for Kids: Nicayet Star Projector Galaxy Night Light, $34.95
Best Bank Gender Neutral Gift for KidsRefasy Electronic ATM Bank, $21.59, was $25.99
Best Karaoke Machine Gender Neutral Gift for Kids: Lenrue Karaoke Machine, $19.99, was $27.91
Best Smart Watch Gender Neutral Gift for Kids: Berilona Kids Smart Watch, $32.99
Best Robot Toy Gender Neutral Gift for Kids: Remoking Robot Toy, $19.99, was $21.99
Best Dance Toy Gender Neutral Gift for Kids: Qumcou Dance Mat, $39.99
Most Unique Gender Neutral Gift for Kids: Replom Slushie Maker Cup, $14.99, was $24.88
Coziest Gender Neutral Gift for Kids: Bombas Youth Gripper Slipper, $19.20, was $32
Best Playkit Gender Neutral Gift for Kids: LoveEvery The Helper Play Kit, $120

Best gifts for four-year olds Related story The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Olds to Help Prep for Kindergarten

Often, people will label girls who are uninterested in dolls or dresses “tomboys.” However, the term, which originated in the 1800s, has sexist and racist roots: While initially intended to describe a girl who “acts like a spirited boy,” The Atlantic reports that the phrase actually served as a vehicle for white supremacy, as concerned folks used it to encourage women to be active and healthy enough to reproduce so the white race wouldn’t dissipate under an influx of immigrants. Um, what?! Today, the term seems to have reverted to its original definition and is largely used to describe girls who play sports, love science, or enjoy getting their hands dirty. But, uh, girls have always enjoyed these activities, even when they wear skirts.

The point is gender norms are antiquated — period. All children should be able to explore their interests freely in subjects ranging from reading, science, music, and more. And the gifts we’ve chosen will put a smile on anyone’s face. Because children of all genders deserve to have fun.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Target is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

A version of this article was originally published in February 2016. 

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tLTEpKWor6NjsLC5jqmYq52eqbavs46so6Kclai1sMOObXBpa1%2BXsrTAjKCcp5yVp3qvsdStqZqkXZy2p8DSZp2oql2gtqW%2Fjg%3D%3D