Last Updated on May 10, 2021 by Danielle
Both Lego and Mattel are trying to be more inclusive with their toys.
Mattel, the maker of Barbie, and Lego, the world’s biggest toy company, unveiled expansions to their existing product lines with the introduction of three new body types and disabled figures. It is encouraging to see both companies lead the charge toward a more inclusive direction.
Mattel announced it is expanding its Fashionista line of Barbies to include three new body types – tall, curvy, and petite. These new dolls will be available in seven different skin tones, twenty-four hair styles, 22 eye colors, and flat feet. The new dolls represent a doll line that is more reflective of the world girls live in. The variety in body type, skin tones, and style allows girls to discover the doll that speaks uniquely to themselves.
With Barbie being one of the top toys for girls, Mattel has stated that they have a responsibility to girls and parents to reflect a broader view of beauty. This is a very different take on a doll that has received much criticism for having unrealistic proportions and failing to live up to parent’s expectations of the doll being a role model. Mattel is hoping this new stance will bring a resurgence to Barbie sales and return the iconic doll to its former glory days.
Similarly, Lego announced a Lego figure in a wheelchair at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. This new Lego figure will be available in June. The idea surfaced due to last year’s #ToyLikeMe equality campaign. Additionally, there are rumors about a figure with a guide dog in the works. People who have been urging Lego to expand its range of figures to positively represent disabled persons will be delighted by this news.
Now we’ll have to see how the market responds to these new inclusive toys from Mattel and Lego. Will they be popular toys for christmas 2021? And will other toy companies follow suit?
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