“We understand that girls really want a Lego offering that mirrors what the boys experience but in a way that fulfills their unique desire for remodelling and redesign, combined with realistic themes in community and friendship,” says Lego senior creative director Nanna Ulrich.
According to Australia’s Herald Sun, the changes come after "years of research" into why girls don't really dig the popular building toy.
The question is: will buying into gender stereotypes help entice girls or further pigeonhole them?
“Girls have already been conditioned to want pink and sparkly toys about ponies and princesses," wrote Jezebel's Margaret Hartmann. "…we've reached the point where girls see blocks in primary colours and think they're not for them.”
Health Canada has recalled a Shalom girls' necklace, as it contains lead exceeding the allowable limit. The item (# 76583 UPC # 062823765832) has a white velvet ribbon with a metal clasp and heart-shaped jewel pendant.
Under the Children's Jewellery Regulations of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, it is illegal to import, advertise or sell jewellery items containing more than 600 mg/kg lead to children under the age of 15.
Even at low levels, lead is very toxic to children who may ingest lead by chewing or sucking swallow jewellery containing lead. Exposure to lead can have serious health effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma or even death.
Although neither Health Canada nor CTG Brands Inc. received any reports of incidents or illnesses, when tested the metal pendant contained 50% lead, well above legal limits.
Customers should immediately remove the necklace from children and dispose of it. They should contact their municipality for instructions on how to safely dispose of items containing lead.
For further information, customers may contact Customer Service, CTG Brands Inc. at 1-905-761-3330.
Between May 2007 and December 2011, an estimated 7,865 recalled necklaces were sold at various dollar and discount stores across Canada.
According to the report by CBC News, the homeowner placed the five-foot ornament on their lawn a few weeks ago, for his wife's birthday. It went missing some time around Nov. 22.
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