21 Diverse And Inclusive Toys That Inspire Confidence, Creativity, and Cultural Awareness

Toys that teach, inspire, and celebrate Black culture.

diverse and inclusive toys

by Hannah Carroll |
Updated on

Diverse and inclusive toys are a fantastic way to promote unity all year round, sparking joy and understanding in every play session. Teaching your child acceptance and inclusivity nurtures compassion and helps raise well-educated, well-rounded kids who thrive in a multicultural world.

Toys are one of the most beneficial ways to teach a child. They are engaging and give parents and children the chance to have open conversations, create role-play situations and normalise differences. Adding diverse Barbie dolls to your family's toy collection, for example, can have enormous benefits for your little one's future and can help shape the person they become.

Little girl playing with diverse toys
©Credit: Kidly

Representation matters, and diversity is not just a passing whim but a fundamental need. Just as we carefully curate our children's wardrobes to reflect their individuality, children also seek characters in books, movies, and toys who mirror their own identities. It's just as important that young minds see diverse faces in their everyday toys as it is to see it reflected in media and storytelling.

The Best Diverse And Inclusive Toys

Best practical diverse and inclusive toy

Rucksack Doll – Princess Ballerina

Best diverse and inclusive Barbie

Barbie Extra Fashion Doll with Afro-Puffs and Shaggy Rainbow Coat

Best diverse and inclusive Ken doll

Ken Fashionistas Doll

Best practical diverse and inclusive soft toy

Kaloo - Tendresse - Naomie

Anti-racism is pro-actively taught in all UK schools, with many schools opting to sign up for a more diverse and anti-racist curriculum. But there is a lot you can do from home. Adding culturally diverse and inclusive toys to your child's toy box will help shape your child into a more understanding and accepting person.

So, if you want to raise compassionate, confident, and globally conscious citizens, adding some diverse and inclusive toys is the first small step. Keep scrolling to shop our top picks.

SHOP: Best Inclusive Toys

Best practical diverse and inclusive toy

Best Diverse Toys: Rucksack Doll – Princess BallerinaCredit: Bibinee Dolls

We are obsessed with this doll rucksack. Not only is it practical, but it has the sweetest ballerina doll that can be attached or played with, keeping little ones busy when you are out and about. This is the perfect size for your child to store all of their essentials when visiting friends or staying at Grannies.

Best diverse and inclusive Barbie

Best Diverse Toys: Barbie Extra Fashion Doll with Afro-Puffs and Shaggy Rainbow CoatCredit: Amazon
Price: £25.08
Alternative retailers
Walmart$25.08View offer

Meet the Barbie Extra Fashion Doll. She embraces her afro hair, styled in gorgeous afro-puffs, and has an impeccable sense of style. We love her look, which exudes confidence and celebrates individuality.

Best diverse and inclusive Ken doll

Best Diverse Toys:  Ken Fashionistas dollCredit: Amazon
Price: £13.88
Alternative retailers
Walmart$14.25View offer
Newegg$16.99View offer

The Ken Fashionistas Doll is a style icon, redefining masculinity with his sleek look and trendy, twisted black hair. He brings charisma and charm to every scene and would be the coolest Ken in the playground.

Best practical diverse and inclusive soft toy

Best Diverse Toys: Kaloo - Tendresse - NaomieCredit: Amazon
Price: £26.99

Kaloo's Naomie doll is an irresistibly soft and cuddly plush toy, perfect for comforting and nurturing little ones with its endearing charm. In her cotton muslin dress, this plush-soft doll comforting for toddlers and is incredibly soft to touch.

Best practical diverse and inclusive action figure

Best Diverse Toys:  Hasbro Marvel Legends Series Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Miles MoralesCredit: Amazon

Rrp: £73.99

Price: £54.69

If your child is a fan of Spiderman, they are probably no stranger to Miles Morales. Miles is the star of the Into the Spider-Verse movies, and the new film was released last year in cinemas. If you haven't seen it, it's currently on Netflix.

Best practical diverse and inclusive puzzle

Little Omo - Face PuzzleCredit: Little Omo
Price: £20.99 (was £28.99)

www.littleomo.com

These wooden puzzles are a playful and educational delight, allowing young minds to piece together faces. We love that the faces have gorgeous ethnic features and afro hairstyles.

Best practical diverse and inclusive toy for tweens

Best Diverse Toys: Disney Princess Moana Styling HeadCredit: Argos

Who doesn't love Moana? The brave princess who sails the sea to save her whole island - now that is a princess we can get down with. The Disney Princess Moana Styling Head helps unleash your child's inner hairstylist so they can gain confidence practising different hairstyles.

Best practical diverse and inclusive musical toy

Best Diverse Toys: Children's djembe drum bongo hand-paintedCredit: Amazon

Hand-painted djembe and bongo drums beautifully embrace African culture, showcasing intricate designs that reflect the rich heritage and artistic traditions of the continent.

These vibrant instruments also celebrate multiculturalism, serving as a bridge between diverse communities and fostering a deeper appreciation for global cultural expressions.

Playing with djembe drum bongos sparks rhythmic creativity and fosters cultural appreciation, rhythm coordination, and endless fun for kids.

Best Diverse Toys: Marvel F3677 Legends Series Black Panther Wakanda Forever Okoye 6-inch Action ToyCredit: Amazon
Price: £11.75
Alternative retailers
Walmart$11.74View offer

Okoye is a fierce and loyal warrior and the head of the Dora Milaje, making her an iconic character in the Black Panther franchise. This collectable figure includes multiple accessories for dynamic posing and display, making it a must-have for kids, Marvel fans and collectors alike.

Best Diverse Toys: I Never Forget a Face Memory and Matching GameCredit: Amazon
Price: £17.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$19.99View offer
JCPenney$24.99View offer

I Never Forget a Face Memory and Matching Game is an engaging and entertaining way for kids to boost their memory skills while having fun matching a diverse mix of faces. Perfect for the whole family, we love this game that helps to keep kids off their tablets.

Best practical diverse and inclusive for toddlers

Best Diverse Toys: My Friend Cody musical doll 28cmCredit: Argos

If your toddler is a fan of Cocomelon, then you will be no stranger to Cody. The show's main character is JJ, but Cody can often be seen in episodes. This Cody doll combines cuddliness with musical delight.

Best educational, practical diverse and inclusive toy

Best Diverse Toys: Alphabet paper flashcards set of 26Credit: Selfridges
Price: £12.99 (was £16.99)

www.littleomo.com

Flash cards can be a bit boring and generic, but we cannot get enough of these Little Omo cards. These beautifully illustrated cards feature characters from the African and Caribbean cultures. Making them a unique take on the more common flashcards, and they are educational - a win-win.

Best practical diverse and inclusive play figures

Best Diverse Toys: Fisher-Price Little People Figure Set for Toddler and Preschool Pretend PlayCredit: Amazon
Price: £34.86

Designed for little hands, the Fisher-Price Little People Figure Set is perfect for your little ones. We love that this set includes a variety of ethnicities.

Best diverse and inclusive doll

Best Diverse Toys: Doll EviCredit: Kidly
Price: £15.50 (was £19)

www.kidly.co.uk

This sweet, machine-washable little doll is the perfect companion for all of your little one's adventures. It is suitable from birth and comes in a gorgeous presentation box.

Best unique diverse and inclusive toy

Best Diverse Toys: Creatable World Credit: Amazon

Rrp: £50.28

Price: £40.43
Alternative retailers
Walmart$52.11View offer

Creatable World fashion dolls are so fully customisable that they don't come with a name or gender, so your child can make them whoever they want them to be - perfect for children trying to find their own path.

Best diverse and inclusive toy for the whole family

Jamaica Map PuzzleCredit: John Lewis

In this 100-piece jigsaw puzzle, each region of the Caribbean is represented with a variety of landmarks, monuments and attractions. It will provide endless fun and discussion topics that can be used as a fun way for children and adults to learn.

Best diverse and inclusive colouring book

Best Diverse Toys: I Am: Empowering African American Coloring Book for Boys with Positive AffirmationsCredit: Amazon
Price: £9.99

This positive affirmation colouring book is filled with pictures of beautiful illustrations. This positive affirmation colouring book is perfect for building confidence in little boys (and girls).

Best diverse and inclusive stories

Best Diverse Toys: Black British TalesCredit: Tonies
Price: £13.49 (was £14.99)

tonies.com

CJ is eight years old, and she loves learning. Join her and her family to explore some amazing Black British Tales, from Mary Seacole to the Windrush Generation. We love that your child can play with the figure when it is not on top of the Tonie box telling stories.

Best retro diverse and inclusive toy

Best Diverse Toys: Bratz 573449EUC Sasha 20 Special Edition Original Fashion DollCredit: Amazon
Price: £24.99
Alternative retailers
Target$19.99View offer
Walmart$31.49View offer

Want to feel old? The Bratz are turning 20! This 'retro' toy is a special edition fashion doll. Sasha is fierce and comes with two matching outfits.

Best Diverse Toys: Crayola Colours of the World Crayons SetCredit: Argos

Crayola Colors of the World Crayons contain 24 specially formulated colours representing people worldwide. These colouring crayons are perfect for creating diverse drawings.

Best diverse and inclusive bundle

Best Diverse Toys:  Thundergirl BundleCredit : Sheni and Teni

Black History Month is a fantastic time to support black-owned businesses. Sheni and Teni were founded by Fola Williams, a mother of two, when she felt there weren't enough books and toys celebrating African culture. This bundle toy includes a handmade plush and colourfully illustrated boo. Arla, also known as Thundergirl, is a helpful and kind superhero.

Understanding The Importance Of Diverse Toys

Diverse toys play a crucial role in shaping children's values, perceptions, and social attitudes. They can contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society and help children grow into empathetic, open-minded, and culturally aware individuals.

We spoke to Caprice Fox, a queer mother of one and Early Years EDI consultant, and Stephanie Mensah, the co-founder of Bibinee dolls, to get a better understanding of the importance of diversity in toys and why parents should consider introducing more diversity into their children's toy collections. The demand for diverse toys is growing after all. Research by toy brand Rainbow High from MGA Entertainment revealed that 79 per cent of parents said that diversity is important to them.

Why is diversity in toys important, and how does it impact a child's development?

Exposure to a variety of races, genders, abilities, and backgrounds in toys encourages children to appreciate diversity, reduces stereotypes, and boosts self-esteem for underrepresented groups.

Caprice explains to us how a diverse range of toys can help educate young children. She says, 'A tool I encourage parents, carers and anyone working with small children is role play. When role-playing with diverse toys, we can tackle stereotypes and prejudice and promote social skills in little ones! Diverse toys are a great way of developing and nurturing children's self-esteem by allowing them to see themselves and others in a positive light.'

How can a lack of diversity in toys affect a child's self-esteem and identity formation?

A very specific and well-known example is the ‘Doll Test’, conducted by psychologists in America in the 1940s. Black dolls and white dolls were placed in front of black children, and the majority of the children preferred the white dolls. This study concluded that prejudice, discrimination and a lack of positive representation damaged the self-esteem of black children and led to a feeling of inferiority.

As a toy maker, Stephanie explains why this study is important. 'Although many decades have passed since this study was first conducted and great strides have been made, there is still a long way to go. Black and brown children are still teased and bullied because of their differences, from how they look, dress and even the food they eat.

'Having toys that they love and that look like them, as well as loved ones that boost their self-pride with positive actions and affirmations, can help them overcome such negativity. We now know that positive self-identification in a child’s formative years leads to higher levels of self-confidence, self-worth and mental wellness, and we are happy to be part of the change that society needs to see.'

How a lack of diversity in toys can affect a child's self-esteem and identity formation?

A lack of diversity in toys can limit a child's self-esteem and identity formation by failing to provide representation. Caprice explains, 'A lack of diversity in toys can lead to children from marginalized communities feeling excluded and undervalued. When children don't see toys that represent them, they may develop a negative self-image, affecting their self-esteem. It can also reinforce stereotypes. For example, only seeing black dolls who are portrayed as sports personas can lead to limited perceptions of their own growth and potential.'

The impact of media and popular culture on children's toy preferences and the representation of diversity

But it's not just toys; children are heavily influenced by what they see on TV, social media and what they experience in their environment.

'It's vital for marketers and brands to promote diversity and inclusion because they have the attention of our children, but it is equally important for parents to purchase diverse toys for their children. This will actively help to promote diversity and influence popular culture,' explains Stephanie.

This article contains expert advice from Caprice Fox and Stephanie Mensah.

Caprice Fox is a queer mother of one and an Early Years EDI consultant with a passion for supporting underrepresented groups and ensuring settings are being actively anti-racist in their practice.

Stephanie Mensah is the co-founder of Bibinee Dolls. Stephanie is a mum of three living in South London. Stephanie runs Bibinee Dolls with her partner. They created Bibinee Dolls and continually struggled to find soft plush dolls for children in their early years that represented their own children.

Hannah Carroll is a Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product writer for Grazia, specialising in product testing and reviews. With three children, Hannah loves testing the latest industry products on her own family.

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