The “No Gender December” concept made national headlines yesterday when Greens Senator Larissa Waters urged parents not to buy gifts along gendered lines for their children. 

Cementing strong stereotypes at such an early age could impact career aspirations and deepen gender inequality, “which feeds into very serious problems such as domestic violence and the gender pay gap”, Senator Waters said.

The claim sparked backlash from politicians and tabloids, who urged the Greens to use “common sense” and end their “war on Barbie”. 

Some locals agreed, saying the campaign to target innocent children’s toys was “rubbish”.

In a Northern Daily Leader Facebook callout yesterday, Robynne Mehrton said it was “political correctness gone mad”, while grandfather John Sydenham said it was “stupid”. 

“I will buy presents for my grandchildren based on gender because they are different genders,” Mr Sydenham wrote. 

But local parent Tasha Dawson said purchasing gifts based on gender didn’t make sense in her family; her 14-year-old daughter Britney describes herself as a “girly girl” who loves clothes and make-up, completely at odds with 11-year-old Amber, who adores Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 

Mrs Dawson said her daughters’ personal choices trumped gender expectations when it came to gifts. 

“There are no gender-based toys or activities in this household,” Mrs Dawson said. 

“One year both girls got Tonka trucks, because that’s what they wanted. The first comment we heard was: ‘But they’re girls.’

“It doesn’t matter that they’re girls – that’s what they like.”

Britney said she never felt pressured to embrace dress-ups when she was younger. 

“It’s just who I am,” she said. 

Amber still likes to wear pink and purple clothing, but her preference for Transformers was “always a topic of conversation” with other parents, Mrs Dawson said.

Tamworth Poppins Playhouse director Kellie Durant said the centre encouraged non-gender-specific play. 

“I am very against blue for boys and pink for girls,” Miss Durant said. 

“Boys are welcome to play with dolls, and girls are welcome to play with trucks. It’s a great way for children to play.”