Popular Toy Sparks Creativity in Girls, New Research Proves Its Importance

A new global study from the LEGO Group reveals girls feel intense pressure to be perfect — and parents say this trend continues into adulthood. While creative play for girls is key to their success, the desire doesn’t always come naturally.

What the research says

Did you know? Girls as young as five years old feel that boys are taken more seriously creatively and face unequal societal pressure to be perfect. LEGO’s bi-annual Play Well Report found that globally, 75 per cent of girls (ages five to 12) aspire to enter creative roles when they grow up. However, they reported feeling pressure from society’s messages to be perfect.

“What we say early sets in deep. Biased language reinforces traditional gender roles, limiting girls' creativity and perpetuating systemic inequalities,” says parenting researcher and bestselling author Jennifer Wallace. “It confines them to narrow categories, valuing aesthetics over innovation.”

“This hampers girls' confidence and restricts their opportunities in male-dominated fields. Challenging these biases is essential for fostering an inclusive society where girls can fully explore their creative potential.”

What can encourage young girls to embrace their creative side is through play. In the report, nine in ten parents say play helps their child’s self-expression, boosts their confidence to experiment and builds creative confidence.

In the report, 92% of girls said LEGO’s abundant sets play a major role in empowering them to experiment in the creative space.

LEGO toys we love for girls

LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Adorable Dogs Building Toy Set

Dog lovers enjoy fun playtimes with the cutest breeds in this three-in-one building toy set. With 475 pieces in tow, kiddos can build a beagle, a poodle and a Labrador with posable heads, tails and ears. It includes lively accessories like a food bowl, a dog brush and a leash to add creativity. 

This LEGO set can be rebuilt into a miniature schnauzer, a pug, a husky or a long-haired dachshund. It's a fun way to expand her mind and creativity through topics she may already be enthusiastic about—cuddly puppies.

LEGO City Ice-Cream Shop Building Toy Set

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! Bring a summer vibe to creative play for girls with a buildable ice cream shop. Ideal for ages six and up, this toy set is perfect for sweet treat lovers. Complete with a standing counter, blender, fridge and an outdoor seating area, there are endless play possibilities!

With 296 pieces, expect hours of playtime. Engaging imaginative play that depicts daily life in a fun and exciting way is totally within reach. 

LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Retro Roller Skate Building Kit

Let creative kids aged eight and over experience the 1980s with this retro building set. It features a roller skate toy with four moving pink wheels, a pink stopper, thick yellow laces and a set of colorful pieces for kids to decorate the heel of the boot with their designs.

With 342 pieces on deck, the three-in-one set gives little ones three different build-and-play experiences — kids can build a roller skate toy, a colorful retro mini skateboard with four moving wheels or a retro boom box radio with a small antenna. Get them excited to build, rebuild and build again!

LEGO Friends Stargazing Camping Vehicle Adventure Toy

Kids who love adventure toys have lots to discover with this stargazing camp vehicle. The science building set includes a telescope toy, a four-by-four vehicle with a camping trailer and self-folding tent, two mini-dolls, a dog figure and a hedgehog figure. It inspires kids seven and up to create constellations using the planets and stars to decorate.

Perfect for kids who love science exploration toys, it’s an ideal gift for any special occasion. With 364 pieces, the set comes with accessories to help kids tell friendship stories and build their creativity — literally!

LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Retro Camera Toy

Move over Annie Leibovitz! Inspire imaginative play with this camera-building kit. Ideal for ages eight and up, this iconic toy features a moving lens, buttons on the top to take a photo, an opening back to place film inside and a multicolored strap to carry it. It even includes six stickers for kids to add to the film to represent their photos!

This retro toy set allows kids to enjoy three different build-and-play experiences using the same pieces — including a toy camera, a retro video camera or a retro TV with an antenna. All three models make cool display items for kids to place on their shelves.