ADVERTISEMENT

What do you look for when you’re choosing a product? Let’s say the product is something essential but banal, for example, a toothbrush. Do you want it to work how it’s supposed to and be comfortable to use? Obviously. Do you want it to be a color you like? Sure. Admittedly not relevant to how it works, but you do see it several times a day, after all. Do you want it to make you feel like a real man or a woman?

Probably not what most of us think of while we’re brushing our teeth every morning, but apparently, advertisers say yes. Here are some products that we don’t think anyone asked for gendered versions of, as found by people on Twitter.

#1

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

themouseyouknow Report

Add photo comments
POST
kaisu-reinikainen avatar
Kaisu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you want to make pink binoculars for people who like pink, that's fine! But gendering binoculars is so unnecessary and stupid

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

fomae2 Report

Add photo comments
POST
sonja-szabrotska avatar
Sonja
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

well, the women's one is usually narrower, but has more space in the...breast area. at least the mine one has.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Nobody is saying that selling things in a variety of designs is bad—people have different likes and dislikes and we would be bored if everything only came in brown. But is it any wonder why so many girls end up resenting pink and floral patterns when that’s the one look that advertisements and toy packaging tell them they should be choosing, while boys are encouraged to play with toys in red, green, black, and pretty much every other color?

For adults, who have had their whole lives to get to know their own preferences, it seems shallow and infantilizing. And when design comes at the expense of functionality, like pink glue or more fragile razors, it goes from uncomfortable to insulting.

#4

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

themouseyouknow Report

Add photo comments
POST
tygrys2 avatar
Miłka Chromińska
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finally a product for me, I've had enough of using men's shampoo, apricots have delicate hair you know. We need specially formulated shampoos :D

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

themouseyouknow Report

Add photo comments
POST
sonja-szabrotska avatar
Sonja
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

well, sometimes it is better to sort is this way. it is because of herbs inside. better than call it "tea-against-menstruation-pain", or "tea-for-those-who-has-prostate-gland-troubles". this is a better version, i think

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

themouseyouknow Report

Add photo comments
POST
stonewoodoo avatar
Falcon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if it's a play on words. Hand and Man. Still makes little sense tho unless it actually explodes...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Then there’s the opposite phenomenon, when marketers think things should be designated “for men” because apparently it’s not manly in the first place to use soap, eat bread, or have a cup of tea (chili in tea... I didn't know there was something effeminate about drinking things that taste good and don’t hurt.)

#7

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

themouseyouknow Report

Add photo comments
POST
edsouza avatar
Ed Souza
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can only imagine the outrage if they made this for women... still funny, I would buy this one as a gag gift.

pjames82_1 avatar
kkittywidget avatar
Karen Klinck
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of a cartoon of Han Solo with a bowl and spoon, and Chewbacca standing behind him holding a bag labelled 'human chow'. It's a gag gift, showing up (like all the other stuff you don't need) at Christmas.

Load More Replies...
locode avatar
Geoffrey Holland
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is the guy shown using a spoon? Obviously he should be eating out of it just with his mouth.

noahkerr avatar
A Water Bottle
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stand up for men’s rights! Men can’t be discriminated! But actually, how triggered would some people get if this said women?

kkittywidget avatar
Karen Klinck
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, we have our little 'Gotchas'. And remember, please, that this was almost certainly designed by a man, and approved by a man; most heads of Production and Marketing are still male. When you have to pay 50 cents to a dollar extra because they colored a basic product blue, with no other changes (like basic razors), come whine to me. Or get a set of hot pink wrenches...

Load More Replies...
exylladybandit avatar
Jacquie Gariano
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For the many days men are in the Dog House, or that eat like dogs (pigs)

chrissprucefield avatar
Chris Sprucefield
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is actually degrading and offensive to men, comparing them to dogs... Seriously? And no, I'm not declaring myself "woke"...

kkittywidget avatar
Karen Klinck
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, I bought a guy a bowl shaped like a pig, with a spoon shaped like a shovel!

sink_venice avatar
Sinkvenice
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Christ on a bicycle. IT'S A HUMAN DOG BOWL! I swear these people wake up in the morning and say to themselves, "Now, what do I want to be offended by today? I know! Be an SJW and get offended by a gender specific and I repeat, A HUMAN DOG BOWL!

noelbenavente avatar
Noel Benavente
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i'm sooo macho that i eat my cereal from a dog's plate... grrrr!!!

rpjohns avatar
Russell Johns
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they had one of these for persons who hated men but it was bigger

greytoes_99 avatar
katboxjanitor
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is an old saying "Men are dogs"....only some of them are.

chrismayer1971 avatar
Christopher Mayer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With guys being in the doghouse so often, I can't say I'm really surprised...

tarryn_louise avatar
Tarryn Louise
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perfect for when I am volatile pissed at my man but still decide to cook his dinner :D

lesburleson avatar
Leslie Burleson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is meant to be funny. If you don't find it funny , you don't in fact have to buy one

aevilbeast avatar
Kevin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a pretty sturdy bowl that will never get knocked over...Could do without the dog connection though...

toddhollfelder avatar
Todd Hollfelder
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are we sure it's not a novelty thing you buy for a present at Spencer's Gifts?? That thing would reside in the back of my cupboard where nobody could see, or reach, it!

onelungas avatar
Kostas
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

man as an opposite to a dog not an opposite to a woman you morons

dysamoria-accounts avatar
Jace
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because ... um.... men are dogs...? Is that the message here?

nemisis98 avatar
Shawn
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It should say Bachelor for his bachelor chow ya know.

ejwey avatar
ej wey
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh but this one is just funny, right lady's?? Because men are all dogs right

support_55 avatar
SciFi Vortex
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Any guy that would buy this would be insulting himself. But there's a lot of dummies out there. lol :)

vanities avatar
Vanities
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OOOOHHHHH The misandry!!!! Snowflake women would be upset if this went the other way.

gracemarraffa avatar
Grace Marraffa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are littteraly calling the man a dog. That is so mean if there was a woman version, you would be calling the woman a female dog, AKA a bit*h

gerberryful avatar
gracefullikeagazelle
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're a hard worker and how do I know that? Look how hard you're working at being offended. Go lie down b***h.

Load More Replies...
kjorn avatar
Kjorn
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i find it funny but it can exist for woman too. so basically a man is a dog? i'm find with the joke, i'd like to have one but can we say woman are b***h too? because if we can't this is not fair

ljdia avatar
jem3 avatar
Lingon
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Dogs are loving, cute, dependable and are gladl to make the bed, men are not. It's a cat bowl.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

To be fair, some products are gendered because of average shape and size measurements or nutritional requirements based on sex. Even in those cases, though, what do we get out of labeling them “for men” or “for women” before said sizing or nutritional benefits? That just confuses and embarrasses people whose needs fall outside of those averages, because our proportions and chemistry vary a lot even within the biological categories of male and female. Further polarizing products by putting nuts and bolts or flowers and glitter on the package adds another uncomfortable layer by conflating our personalities and likes with those physical parameters.

#10

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

themouseyouknow Report

Add photo comments
POST
james_fox1984 avatar
I’m Foxxy and I know it 😉
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one doesn’t specifically say any gender. There is nothing wrong with having a choice of pink plane or blue plane. Some people (whether girl or boy like pink and others like blue).

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#12

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

mizumomochi Report

Add photo comments
POST
siobhanac_c_ avatar
Ana B.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just an unrelated reminder that when they say "flushable", that doesn't mean you should flush them. You CAN, but it's not considered a good idea.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

The American Marketing Association has observed that younger consumers are beginning to scoff at advertising that leans on gender, and recommends that brands focus on advertising “what a product is for rather than whom it is for.”

They say that brands could learn more about their consumer base’s habits and do better business by removing gendered marketing that could sway consumers away from products not traditionally associated with their gender, and embracing marketing that presents their products in a positive light for any consumer.

#13

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

inkyfollies Report

Add photo comments
POST
gracebusby23 avatar
sunshine_20
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, this isn't gendered, this is just two different types of products, with different characters/design.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

themouseyouknow Report

Add photo comments
POST
lawrence_dillard avatar
Terd Fergison
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The bible is one of the most misogynistic books on the planet. It states that a women who has a female child is twice as unclean as a woman that has a male child. It says that if a woman is raped and they are found, the rapist must pay the father some shekels and they must be married. I don't know many women that want to marry their rapist. Just a sickening, disgusting anti-woman book. Evil garbage filth.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

themouseyouknow Report

Add photo comments
POST
johanemoller avatar
Johane Moller
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isn't really gendered it's colored. Only if you assign blue to boys and pink to girls can you say it's really gendered. As it doesn't say 'for boys' or 'for girls' on the packaging. I would've probably liked this as a child.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#18

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

jakeoftales Report

Add photo comments
POST
kaisu-reinikainen avatar
Kaisu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now this kind of gendering of products is problematic. Just making a blue and pink product isn't gendering, but this is just really icky and not the way boys and girls should be taught to think about themselves.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

CrimsonG_Shep Report

Add photo comments
POST
avitalpilpel avatar
Avital Pilpel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, let's just say it's probably because "I went through a whole box of tissues during that movie" means something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT for men and women.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

icecoldreddie Report

Add photo comments
POST
james_fox1984 avatar
I’m Foxxy and I know it 😉
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cards against humanity brought out the “for her” set as a jab at the “pink tax”. Maybe have a read up on it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

RuinTaughtMe Report

Add photo comments
POST
kaisu-reinikainen avatar
Kaisu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, I don't really think this is gendered...? Some kids like to play with the rockets and planes while others like to play with the astronauts. I think it's really cool that there's a female astronaut doll and nowhere does it say that it's for girls or that the other one is for boys

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#30

Unnecessarily-Gendered-Products-Thread

themouseyouknow Report

Add photo comments
POST
dirkdaring99 avatar
Dirk Daring
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every person who has never found their name printed on a souvenir is really ticked at Eetu right now.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 46 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.