Most Popular Children’s Intellectual Property; I Find Less Gender Bias

I came upon a list of top boys' and girls' intellectual property this week*. I studied it carefully and was surprised to find that there was a surprisingly large number of properties enjoyed by both genders.

I analyzed the list in detail and fount that fully one-third were enjoyed by both genders. In fact, five of the top six categories on the girls' side are also found with the boy's favorites.

I find this of note because toys have historically been one of the most gender-segregated product categories. For decades the toy industry has notified girls and boys with what they were allowed to play by color-coding (that ubiquitous use of pink for girls), signage (Boys Toys and Girls Toys), and packaging (boys had long predominated in ads and boxes).

The toy industry has made an effort over the last few years to stop providing gender guidance and let kids choose. I think that maybe why we see such a high percentage of cross-over IP. I also believe that girls, encouraged by parents, are taking back some of the play categories (think construction and video games) that had become boy's domains.

On the next page is the list. I have gone through and color-coded those that are popular with both boys and girls. Also, the IP is ranked in order of popularity by gender. Please share your thoughts.

*I am very particular about providing the source and crediting the author and researcher. I have, however, lost the source and, although I have spent a lot of time searching the Internet, have been unable to recover it. My apologies to whoever the author and publication is.  If recognized please contact me so I can immediatelyi credit the author and publication.