A Greens senator has endorsed a grassroots project linking gender-marketed children’s toys to serious social issues in later life, such as domestic violence and poor self-esteem.

Larissa Waters has backed Play Unlimited’s “No Gender December” campaign, which calls on parents to boycott Christmas presents that reinforce gender stereotypes.

In the firing line are Barbie dolls for girls and toy trucks for boys, products Senator Waters said perpetuated negative social constructions.

“While the starkly separate aisles of pink and blue might seem harmless, especially to well-meaning rellies and friends, setting such strong gender stereotypes at early ages can have long-term impacts, including influencing self-perception and career aspirations,” she said.

“Out-dated stereotypes about girls and boys and men and women, perpetuate gender inequality, which feeds into very serious problems such as domestic violence and the gender pay gap.”

Do you think gender-marketed children's toys reinforce negative stereotypes? Yes 1703 No 9441

“While such serious problems seem so far removed from choosing children’s toys, it’s important that we think about this issue, especially when so many children’s toys are being bought.”

Senator Larissa Waters has supported calls to boycott gendered-marketed toys, such as Barbies. (Supplied) (Supplied)

No Gender December asks parents to take a pledge to avoid gender stereotypes when shopping for children’s Christmas gifts and to sign a petition calling for the end of gendered marketing of toys.

“With an increasing focus on the damaging effects of gender stereotypes, it’s important for legislators to appreciate the impacts at an early age being made by the marketing of toys,” Play Unlimited co-founder Thea Hughes said.