STAR WARS TOYS AREN’T JUST FOR THE BOYS

Carrie Fisher, the actress behind the Princess Leia character in the “Star Wars” franchise, recently turned to Twitter to support fans who are protesting the lack of Leia merchandise available in the wide inventory of “Star Wars” toys currently gracing shelves. And for good reason – Disney, which purchased Lucasfilm, LTD, in 2012, currently has no plans to manufacture Leia dolls or action figures.

Really, Disney? This is an iconic character who started off as a princess and went on to become a politician, Jedi Knight and a general. Who wouldn’t want to add her to their action figure collection?!

What’s more, Leia isn’t the only female character conspicuously missing from “Star Wars” merch. In November, fans started the Twitter hashtag #WheresRey after noticing that Rey, a new female character played by Daisy Ridley, isn’t included in an early version of a “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” toy set.

John Hasbro, president of the Hasbro Brands unit that makes the set, feels this backlash is misguided, insisting that Rey is “very well represented” in other Hasbro toy lines. “The franchise is every day becoming more inclusive of both genders. It’s really picking a needle in a haystack,” said Hasbro.

But is there actually merit to this backlash? According to Forbes contributor Monika Bartyzel, Disney already has a firm grip on the female market through its line of Disney princesses, so its marketing efforts for the “Star Wars” franchise has been narrowed to solely target the male demographic.

Ahem. Will all the female “Star Wars” fans please stand up?

“STAR WARS” ISN’T JUST FOR BOYS

Listen, Disney, you’ve got this gendered toys thing all wrong. Princess toys aren’t just for little girls, and “Star Wars” toys aren’t just for little boys. Research shows that dividing toys into gender categories encourages kids of both genders to develop attributes that might not be the ones you actually want to foster. Namely, princess toys lead girls to believe that attractiveness and appearance should be their main focus, while typical toys for boys emphasize violence and aggression.

That’s not to say that any of these toys are bad. The important takeaway from this research is that it’s the gender-typing that has a negative impact on kids. Seriously, let kids play with the toys they like.

And “Star Wars” fans of all backgrounds are showing Disney there’s a high demand for strong female characters. What Rey merchandise is out there is selling out so quickly, stores are struggling to keep them on the shelves.

GET “STAR WARS” TOYS FOR THE WOMEN OF “STAR WARS”

“Star Wars” may have a history of throwing in token women, but that seems to be changing with the emergence of characters like Rey and Captain Phasma. To celebrate the women of “Star Wars,” we’ve compiled a list of some of the merch you can pick up ahead of the premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” on December 18. We’re betting the girls AND boys in your life will really enjoy them.

REY MERCHANDISE

There’s a pretty healthy selection of Rey merch out there, and most of it is flying off the shelves. Some of the apparel is labeled “for girls,” but I used to wear my brother’s hand-me-downs (like Batman pajamas), and I was never seriously scarred. In fact, I really liked them.

Shop now for Rey “Star Wars” merchandise

• Rey Costume for Kids – $49.95
• Disney Infinity: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Play Set (3.0 Edition) – Pre-order – $34.99
• Rey’s Speeder Playset by LEGO – $24.95
• Rey and BB-8 Elite Series Die Cast Action Figures – 6-inch – $24.95
• Rey Gold Graphic T-shirt (women’s cut) – $24.95
• Rey Sleep Set – $19.95
• Rey and BB-8 Photo T-shirt – $18.95
• Rey Sublimated Art Tee – $16.95
• Rey Vintage Graphic T-shirt for Kids – $16.95
• “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Figure Play Set (six figures, including Rey) – $14.95
• Rey’s Speeder Die Cast Vehicle – $9.95

CAPTAIN PHASMA MERCHANDISE

Captain Phasma toys, apparel and merchandise seem to be sorely lacking, but there are a few items worth adding to your collection.

Shop now for Captain Phasma “Star Wars” merchandise

• Captain Phasma Costume Collection for Kids – $24.95 to $59.95
• Captain Phasma Elite Series Die Cast Action Figure – 7 1/4-inch – $24.95
• Captain Phasma Voice Changing Mask – $24.95
• Captain Phasma Space Fantasy Tee Shirt – $18.95
• “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Figure Play Set (includes Captain Phasma) – $14.95

PRINCESS LEIA MERCHANDISE

As noted earlier, you won’t find any Leia action figures, but you will find some other Princess Leia merchandise that will help you show off your Leia fandom.

Shop now for Princess Leia merchandise

• Disney Infinity: Star Wars Saga Starter Pack Bundle for PS4 (3.0 Edition) (includes Leia) – $114
• Princess Leia Costume for Adults – $64.95
• Princess Leia Costume for Kids – $44.95
• Princess Leia Bangle by Alex and Ani – $39.95
• Princess Leia as Senator iPhone 6 Case – $39.95
• Disney Infinity: Star Wars Rise Against the Empire Play Set (3.0 Edition) (includes Leia) – $34.99
• Princess Leia Tee for Adults – $24.95
• “Vader’s Little Princess” Book – $14.95
• Princess Leia Mug – $9

We’ve also curated the best deals on all “Star Wars” toys and merchandise so you can express your fandom for your favorite characters — wherever they fall (or don’t fall) on the gender binary.