Are Girl Legos Necessary?

By Meg Hodson

Legos have been a regular toy in our house for many years.  One of my daughters favorite toys as a toddler was a huge tub of Lego Duplo blocks that we would build into airplanes, robots, houses, and more.  They came in a variety of colors, nothing predominantly pastel or primary.  

I will be honest, the first "advanced"  Legos that entered our home were for my 2nd born, my son.  My daughter would engage in play with him occasionally, but it's not like she asked for her own.  My son entered the Lego universe when all the licensed Legos were almost all you could find:  Star Wars this, Batman that. Maybe this is why he was the only recipient of Legos.  Maybe my daughter just didn't show a preference for that toy.  I can't be certain.

So, when I was reading a recent article on this topic of "girl Legos" (which, to be fair, Legos newest line of products certainly have a feminine flair but are called "Friends"), I took interest.  My daughter, who recently celebrated her 10th birthday, is WILD about the "Friends" Legos!  She got the Dolphin Cruiser and she couldn't be happier.  And the best part?  Her brothers, who are equally addicted to their Legos, want to play with her, too.  In fact, I know my first son would like to dismantle the entire cruise ship and reassemble it.

I was a little troubled with the article on a few levels.  When I hear sweeping statements about surveys and research that showed something to be "discovered", I proceed with caution.  I've never been a fan of surveys definitively proving something.  For example, Legos and their research revealed that:

"Construction had never worked for girls, for whatever reason."  

Well, I will be the first to refute that claim.  My daughter has readily played with Lincoln Logs, puzzles, wooden blocks, and other similar building toys.  Considering Legos' focus in recent years has been licensed products that are predominantly geared toward boys, should they be surprised at the lack of enthusiasm of girls?  Conversely, though, I think my sons would be equally happy playing with something like Olivia's House.  I see this and can only think of fond memories when all three of them would play with my daughter's dollhouse together.  They don't care if it's aimed at girls.  Houses are cool!

I'm not here to argue that boys and girls are the same or want to play with the same toys.  But the same can be said among both groups.  Preferences can be different from girl to girl and from boy to boy.  Not every little girl in the world wants a Barbie nor does every little boy love Superman.  While I am happy that my daughter embraces the "Friends" line and my son must own every Batman set, I find it a little sad that there aren't more huge tubs to buy of just Legos in every color of the rainbow.