The Cold War played a big role in the production and ideas put forth for new children's toys. Toys for boys like G.I. Joe were created to almost influence boys into growing up as more masculine and tougher men. The toys depicted brave men who's sole purpose was to go to war and fight with no fear and determination. Girls toys Like barbie were meant to basically do the opposite, they prompted girls to be more feminine by essentially creating these dolls to be stay at home moms. They were supposed to be into fashion, cooking, and cleaning. The purpose was to get girls excited about these things and prepare them to be doing the same things when they're older while they're husbands are out providing for the family.
Sources:
https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/MCR/article/view/17705/22251
http://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1016&context=uag
Sources:
https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/MCR/article/view/17705/22251
http://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1016&context=uag