I find this really interesting. DS4.
When he was little, we made sure that he had a variety of toys - as well as blocks and trains, he had a kitchen, dolls etc.
We kept his hair shoulder length for ages (not because of any particular gender statement, but because it was freaking gorgeous!) Clothes wise, he wore a lot of Bonds and JL, always very colourful. He chose a pair of silver sparkly shoes age 2.5, which we bought for him.
Books and tv shows very gender neutral.
But at nearly 4, he's interested in dinosaurs, trains, trucks, fireman Sam and paw patrol. He asked to cut his hair over the summer (which we did). His clothes are a lot more boyish now he chooses to an extent.
I find it fascinating!
What we have going for us is his dad is very hands on. He knows his dad wipes his bum as well as mum! Dad cooks. Dad does bath and bed etc. Both mum and dad work (well, I study at the moment, but we call it work.)
We gently correct him if he says things like "fireman penny." He told me the other day that only girls wash their hands after the toilet 🤨 so that was corrected!
But there is definitely a "boys do this, girls do this" mindset. And at this age it's not surprising as they're trying to get to grips with the world around them. They categorise things - everyone does. But you can see how easily it would continue.
He said he would like a dolls house the other day, and I found myself looking at lego house kits, to somehow make it more... acceptable? And had to give myself a shake.
Interesting to see other people finding themselves in the same situation.