Watch: This incredible toy ad helps smash gender stereotypes

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

A toy shop has released an advert challenging gender stereotypes in the best way.

The animated ad for the UK’s Smyths Toys Superstores features a cartoon little boy singing an alternate version of Beyoncé hit ‘If I Were a Boy’.

In the clip, he sings about what he would do if he were a toy, from flying like a rocket to building a Lego city.

At one point he is depicted in a regal dress, singing that he could “be the queen of the land”.

At the end of the clip he morphs into a real boy and goes running into the toy store.

Smyths said: “The story documents the journey through the imagination of a charming young boy Oscar who becomes enchanted by the toy store before him, using the lyrics of the Beyonce hit ‘If I Were a Boy’ and changing it to ‘If I Were a Toy’.

“The ad is bursting with the latest and greatest selection of toys which can be found in the Smyths Toys Superstore.”

The clip has won resounding praise online for promoting the gender-blind aspect of play by featuring the boy as a ‘queen’.

One fan said: “This is wonderful. I’m so glad that my little brother is growing up watching this.”

Another viewer tweeted: “I am in love with this advert! I know plenty of little boys who would love to be princesses.”

Rival superstore chain Toys R Us recently dropped the labels “for boys” and “for girls” online – becoming the latest retailer to make the gender-inclusive move.

Pressure group Let Toys Be Toys said: “We’d want to say a big Thank You to Toys R Us UK for bringing in the changes they have so far.

“This shows a real effort being made to be more inclusive to all children and the results will no doubt make a lot of children and parents happy this Christmas.”

Toy retailer Mattel recently made history with a 30-second ad for ‘Moschino Barbie’ – a partnership with the Italian luxury fashion house – which features a little boy playing with a Barbie.

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