The online retailer I visited was Walmart.
Regarding the "gendering" of toys and activities available to children, there are some noticeable trends based on the products listed in the "boys" and "girls" sections of the Walmart website.
In the "boys" section, some examples include a virtual reality headset, a dinosaur action figure, and a mountain bike. These items seem to cater to common stereotypes of boys' interests, such as technology, action and adventure, and outdoor physical activities.
On the other hand, in the "girls" section, examples include the same virtual reality headset, a cruiser bike, a Barbie DreamHouse playset, and a kinetic sand playset. While the virtual reality headset and bike can be seen as gender-neutral, the Barbie playset and kinetic sand playset conform to traditional gender norms, suggesting that girls might be more interested in dolls, home-making scenarios, and creative play.
Comparing this to my own childhood, the range of toys available today seems to be more diverse. However, traditional gender norms still appear to have a significant influence. For instance, the presence of dolls and home-oriented playsets in the girls' section is reminiscent of past eras when girls were primarily encouraged to engage in domestic play as preparation for future roles as homemakers.
Assumptions about sexuality play a significant role in how others enforce gender norms on children. These assumptions can often be traced back to societal beliefs and norms about what is considered "appropriate" behavior for different genders. For instance, boys might be discouraged from playing with dolls because it's seen as a feminine activity and thus might be associated with being gay. Similarly, girls might be discouraged from playing with trucks or construction toys because these are seen as masculine activities.
Such assumptions can limit children's exploration and expression of their identities, and also reinforce the idea that certain interests, behaviors, and roles are inherently tied to one's gender. This could potentially limit children's opportunities and choices, both in play and in later life.