Of Toys and Men

Bennett's favorite toy in the world really isn't a toy, it's books.  His second favorite toy in the world isn't a toy either, it's kitchenware.  He loves to go into the kitchen, grab a pot and a spoon and have at it.  He isn't so much mimicking the act of cooking, but collecting trinkets for his pot from around the house and banging things together.  He also has a new-found affection for the salt and pepper shaker, the glass salt and pepper shaker.  Thankfully, they are industrial-strength and have yet to break, but the salt and pepper itself is causing quite a mess.  Genius mommy that I am, I set out to find Bennett a toy kitchen set.  I figured it's better he bang up the play pots rather than dragging around our adult culinary equipment.  

I ventured to Target to solve my little dilemma, as I often do.  I was thrilled to find a toy kitchen set that included a salt and pepper shaker.  But it was pink.  There was also a blender, pots and pans, spoons, dishes and even a grocery cart (or as they say here in the South, a buggy).  But even with several options to choose from, they were all pink or pastel.  I know I am not the first parent to promote busting gender stereotypes, so I cannot understand why the buyers at Target and the Chinese corporations that manufacture these plastic bits could not keep an open mind too.

Bennett's dad is rather progressive himself.  After all, he is responsible for most of the meals in our family.  But even he has (so far) vetoed baby dolls.  I didn't want to press my luck and fill our already plastic-filled house with pastels.  But  I have to stand up for my sons right to chose to be present in the kitchen.  Target just won't be making it easy on me.  Any advice for this open-minded momma?