Raising kids and Gender Norms...need some advice

For those of you who have kids or want kids, what are your views on gendered clothing/toys in the very early stages of life? I always wanted to leave the sex of my child a surprise so that people wouldn't get me a bunch of pink and blue stuff and "boy" and "girl" toys. I'd like my kid to be able to pick whatever toys they want. My partner doesn't agree and thinks that people want to buy gifts so let them buy gifts for the baby based on gender if they want, and that gendered toys are harmless. He thinks that raising them to be independent and critical thinkers is enough. I, on the other hand, think that early exposure does matter. For example if I have a boy I'd like him to have dolls if he wants them and if I have a girl I want her to have construction toys and blocks to play with. These things facilitate skill development, but when my friends have had kids it seems like they all get into a trend of buying toys by gender. I want a well-rounded kid, and while I'm not planning on having one for another two years, I'm thinking about it now. What are your experiences with this issue?