5 Top Tips for Choosing Multicultural Toys That Actually Celebrate Diversity
In today’s beautifully diverse world, it’s more important than ever that the toys children play with reflect the richness of different cultures, skin tones and traditions. multicultural toys not only help children feel seen, they also foster empathy, curiosity and open-mindedness. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right ones?
At Roots & Play, we believe representation should be more than a checkbox - it should be part of everyday play.
Here are 5 top tips to help you choose inclusive, multicultural toys that truly make a difference.
1. Look for Toys That Reflect a Range of Skin Tones and Hair Textures
Representation starts with appearance. When choosing dolls, figurines or action heroes, opt for a variety of skin tones and hair types. This allows children of all backgrounds to see themselves reflected in their toys and to understand that beauty and identity come in many forms.
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2. Choose Toys That Celebrate Different Cultures and Traditions
Whether it’s children’s flashcards celebrating cultural food, a puzzle featuring world landmarks or a board game that introduces kids to global languages, the best multicultural toys go beyond appearance. Look for toys that teach children about cultural festivals, foods, music and customs. These open up conversations and promote global awareness from an early age.
3. Prioritise Inclusive Storytelling in Books and Role-Play Sets
Books and imaginative play help children develop empathy and social skills. Make sure the stories they read and the scenarios they act out reflect a wide range of voices and experiences. Seek out books by authors of colour and role-play sets that include diverse family dynamics, professions and community figures.
Example: Doctor kits with professionals of colour or books featuring mixed-heritage families.
4. Support Brands That Champion Diversity Authentically
Not all multicultural toys are created with care. Some are surface-level, while others are designed with real thought and cultural understanding. Choose brands (like Roots & Play!) that are actually founded by diverse people and truly embed inclusion in their values, not just in their marketing. Read product descriptions and brand stories to understand what you're supporting and connect with the brands on social media to see how their business is ran.
5. Think Beyond the Toy Collection - Inclusion Is a Lifestyle
Choosing multicultural toys is a great start but inclusion can be part of everyday life too. Display diverse books in your home, watch family-friendly shows from different cultures and talk openly with children about identity and respect. The more normal diversity becomes in play and conversation, the more prepared children will be to thrive in a global world.
Multicultural toys are more than just a thoughtful purchase, they’re a step toward raising confident, compassionate and culturally aware children. At Roots & Play, we’ve made it our mission to offer toys that celebrate identity, spark curiosity and build a more inclusive future!
