In a turning point for how toys are marketed, Hasbro announced a gender-neutral update to its Easy Bake Oven line. The new device would come in a silver and black finish rather than the familiar pink and white, signaling a deliberate shift in branding. The company explained the redesign was aimed at broadening appeal beyond girls and toward a wider mix of children who enjoy baking, tinkering, and creative play. Industry observers note that packaging colors and product styling can shape children’s expectations about who should play with a given toy, so this change was positioned as a practical move to reflect real-world interests rather than reinforce outdated stereotypes. Hasbro’s decision fits into a larger movement within consumer product design that seeks to reduce gendered cues and offer more inclusive options, especially in the fast-changing world of kids’ toys. The announcement reportedly prompted media coverage and discussions about how to balance tradition with evolving ideas about gender roles in parenting and childhood play. (Source: Hasbro press release, 2013)
Central to the story is McKenna Pope, a 13-year-old whose brother loved cooking but felt the Easy Bake Oven was off limits because it was pitched for girls. Frustrated by this barrier, McKenna launched a petition and posted a video asking whether that is the message we want to send to our youth. The appeal drew support from renowned chefs and public figures who urged inclusive design, helping spur Hasbro to reveal a black and silver Easy Bake Oven for Fall 2013. (Source: coverage from major outlets, 2013)
McKenna’s campaign is seen as a milestone in discussions about gender equality in children’s products. The redesign signaled that consumer voices could influence corporate decision-making when it comes to color cues and branding in toys, inviting both boys and girls to imagine themselves in culinary play. Advocates argued that such changes widen the appeal of crafts and cooking to a broader audience, while critics noted the challenge of balancing tradition with progressive marketing. The story contributed to broader conversations about inclusive marketing, parental choice, and the responsibility brands have to reflect diverse interests in the products they offer. (Source: industry analysis, 2013-2014)
It is worth noting that the episode remains a reference point in debates about gender-neutral toys and design. By combining a young activist’s persistence with a mainstream brand’s willingness to adjust, the story became a case study in how culture and commerce intersect in play. The effort underscored that gender does not dictate what a child can imagine or pursue, and it highlighted the importance of listening to customer voices in shaping product lines that welcome all kids to create, experiment, and dream. (Source: commentary, 2013-2014)