Many of the parents I know report that despite their best efforts, their kids display a powerful innate tendency towards gendered behaviour. So I guess engineering toys "for girls" might be met with greater enthusiasm, even if they're basically the same as boys' toys.
It seems to me that there is a slightly problematic relationship between "toys for girls" and the "anti-pinkification" movement though.
My equally scientific observation is that the tendency comes from the parents. However, it doesn't matter from the perspective of a toy maker, there is a market to be filled, and they seem to go after it.
As JoeBoy said, little girls and boys will fiercely defend their perceived gender. I remember being a young girl and my parents expecting me to play with my brother's legos: not going to happen. Then an aunt sent some swedish blocks, which no-one else had, and it was acceptable for me to share and play with these with my brother. I wasn't self-aware at the time to know why (and still can't recall!).
Edit: see children's toys from the victorian era: boys have rocking horses and hoops, which would now be considered girl's toys. Social expectations, anyone?
Oh, don't give in! That's your role as parent. Do you let your kids eat sugar for breakfast? Fight them for what you know is best, they'll thank you for it. Sneak in some broccoli as it were.
Note: those BIC pens to me seem like a marketing joke: someone at BIC was clever enough to see a way to make money by taking advantage of the deep-set insecurities of grown women.
I wonder the same thing. I have 2 girls (8 and 6) and I kind of cringe when I see these types of learning toys 'for girls'. Slap some Disney colors on them and they suddenly become attractive to girls? My personal experience is that they will play with interesting toys regardless of coloration. Mine have many of the same toys that I grew up with and will play imaginative games with them for hours given the opportunity.
Instead of creating/perpetuating a separate toy market for girls, I'd love to see more efforts to bring girls together (along with boys) to participate in activities that include these those toys...STEAM clubs, etc.
It seems to me that there is a slightly problematic relationship between "toys for girls" and the "anti-pinkification" movement though.