re: Boys and Girls
I have raised a girl, and I have raised a boy. I tried to keep their toys gender non-specific.
By the time they reached ONE year old....my son could/would use anything that half resembled a gun, and use it as such. My daughter would play princess and dress up with my dresses.
I had my own little people blind study control group.
I was amazed...and it taught me a valuable lesson....mostly about the males.
My daughter is still in the Cinderella phase of her life...looking for that elusive Prince Charming.
My son just wants to kick everybody's ass :)....and his toys are getting VERY expensive.