But for much of this century they were essentially a preparation for serious adult roles: baby dolls and toy kitchens for girls, erector sets, toy trucks and train sets for boys.

ECONOMIST: Toys

It's worth noting, too, that regardless of when tween 'tude sets in, boys and girls tend to act out differently.

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Golding took gold in the boys' tennis doubles after he and Czech partner Jiri Vesely triumphed in straight sets.

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The mission was to acquire newly released Lego sets bearing the resemblance of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with whom the boys particularly identify.

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