9 Preschool Toys to Celebrate Diversity + Inclusivity
One way to ensure your little ones embrace others that are different from themselves, is to add toys and books to your playroom that celebrate diversity.
Believe it or not, according to HealthyChildren.org, a baby’s brain can notice race-based differences as early as 6-months old. By ages 2-4 years-old, children can internalize racial bias and by age 12, many children become set in their beliefs. This gives us as parents, under a decade to ensure our kids grow into kind, inclusive and compassionate adults.
We pulled together a few of our favorite toys to help you as parents to celebrate diversity, show your children that they too are represented in the world around them and help us all work towards an anti-racist society.
Have a great toy for us to add to the list? Please email storks@monicaandandy.com.
My Family Builders 32-Piece Magnetic Set, $49.95
This interactive set lets children explore various family dynamics by constructing multiracial little people who resemble the community around them. Age: 2-7
Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella Dolls, $22
Preschoolers will love playing Stella's magnetic pacifier and learning how to dress their baby. She's light weight and cuddly ... a perfect "first" doll for any child. Dolls are offered in a variety of skin tones.
Lakeshore Feels Real Newborn Dolls, $49.99
These super-authentic dolls have the look and feel of real newborns -- a great gift for a little one who is about to become a big brother or sister! Dolls come in 4 ethnicities.
Crayola Multicultural Crayons, $5.96
Encourage a conversation about skin color with your little one by offering them Crayola's multicultural crayons. In it, you'll find 8 different colors that represent different skin tones. Age: 4+
Melissa & Doug Children of the World Puzzle, $13.95
The floor puzzle includes 48 extra-thick cardboard pieces that are easy for children to put together and features children from all over the world. Age: 36 months - 7 years
Barefoot Books Children of the World Memory Game, $7
This memory game utilizes adorable children from all over the world-to encourage memory and matching skills. Age: 4+
Children around the World Wooden Figurines, $32.95
Sized perfectly for small hands, this wooden set assists the emotional development, creativity, and language. Diversity among the figures shows children just how different we all are. Age: 2+
Learning Resources New Sprouts Stir Fry Set, $14.98
Spark imaginative play and expose your little ones to food from around the world with Learning Resource’s play food sets. This Stir Fry set is just one of many types of food they offer. Make sure to check out the sushi set too! Age: 18 months - 4 years
My Family Builders Diversity Wall Stickers, $8.99
These super cute wall stickers are removable and reusable and can be stuck on just about anything including windows, lunch boxes, water bottles and more. Age: 3+
