Canal Toys Photo Creator Instant Camera Review

DISCLOSURE – THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.

Reviewed by Kathy Sanderson

When the Canal Toys Photo Creator Instant Camera arrived at our house, I had high hopes that it would be a fun new gadget for the kids to enjoy. What I didn’t expect was how quickly it would capture their imaginations—and quite literally their hands, as it was immediately snatched from mine before I could even take a proper look at it! Their eyes lit up with excitement as they unboxed it together, chatting away about all the wonderful things they were going to do with it. As a mum, seeing them so thrilled was heart warming, and I thought, “Well, this is off to a good start.”

The camera itself is a clever piece of kit. It can take selfies, capture instant videos, and, most exciting for the kids, print out stickers. One thing to note is that the camera needed charging before we could start using it, but thankfully, it only took 30 minutes to get it up and running. I’ll admit that our first attempt at using it was a bit of a comedy of errors. We didn’t bother reading the instructions thoroughly (because who needs instructions, right?), and as a result, the first few tries were a bit confusing. Buttons were pressed randomly, and there was a bit of a learning curve involved. However, once we took a breath, calmed the kids down, and actually read through the instructions, things started to make sense. Before long, the kids were running off with the camera, leaving me behind to enjoy a rare moment of peace.

And I really do mean peace. The Photo creator kept them so occupied that I barely saw them for the rest of the day. When they did finally emerge, they were covered in stickers. Yes, literally covered in stickers—on their clothes, on their arms, and even their faces. They were so proud of their creations, and I couldn’t help but laugh at their sticker-covered joy.

This camera quickly became the star of the weekend. My children, aged 10, 11, and 14, were all equally fascinated by it, which is a rare thing indeed! Often, there’s a bit of a tussle when it comes to sharing toys, but with this, they seemed happy to take turns and show each other what they’d made. The ability to make and print stickers, especially with the wide variety of templates provided, was an absolute hit. They also had a great time experimenting with the instant video function, although the stickers were definitely the main attraction.

I must say, I was quite impressed with how user-friendly the camera turned out to be once we got the hang of it. The kids picked it up quickly, and even the youngest had no trouble navigating through the different modes and options. It comes with everything you need to get started: three paper rolls, one sticker roll, four markers for colouring, 75 stickers, and a USB cable for charging. It’s a well-thought-out package, providing plenty of opportunities for creativity right out of the box.

One feature I particularly appreciated was how easy the stickers were to remove. My doors got a bit of a makeover, but thankfully, the stickers peeled off without leaving any residue or damaging the surfaces. This was a huge relief, as I had visions of spending hours scraping stickers off furniture and walls. Instead, I could just enjoy the kids’ creativity without any lasting consequences.

As for the long-term appeal, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Often, new toys are played with enthusiastically for a day or two before being forgotten, but that hasn’t been the case here. The camera is still in constant use, and the kids are still finding new ways to have fun with it. Whether it’s making more stickers, capturing fun selfies, or creating short videos, this little camera has staying power. I’ve already had to place an order for more sticker rolls, which is a small price to pay for the hours of entertainment it has provided.

In conclusion, I’d give the Photo creator Instant Camera a solid five out of five. It’s a brilliant bit of kit that has brought a lot of joy to our household. The kids love it, it’s easy to use, and it’s given them endless entertainment. If you’re looking for a fun, creative, and engaging gift for children, I highly recommend this camera. It’s excellent value for money and a toy that has quickly become a firm favourite in our home. The fact that the Photo creator Instant Camera has remained such a hit in our household speaks volumes. In a world where gadgets and toys often have a fleeting appeal, this camera has proven to be an exception. My children have continued to explore its features, and it’s clear that it’s more than just a novelty item. The excitement they have for it hasn’t waned, and it’s become a regular part of their playtime, whether they’re at home, visiting friends, or even during family outings.

What I particularly love about this camera is how it encourages creativity. The ability to customise the stickers with the included markers adds a personal touch that the kids really enjoy. It’s not just about taking a photo and printing it out; they can colour in their creations, add little details, and really make each sticker their own. This has also sparked their interest in photography and design, which is wonderful to see. It’s a toy that not only entertains but also educates and inspires.

As a parent, I also appreciate the build quality of the camera. It’s sturdy enough to withstand the inevitable drops and knocks that come with being handled by kids. The design is retro and charming, with a modern twist that makes it appealing to both children and adults. It’s also compact and portable, which means it’s easy to take along on trips or to friends’ houses without any fuss.

In terms of value for money, the Photo creator Instant Camera is excellent. The fact that it comes with everything needed to get started, including the sticker roll and paper, means there are no hidden costs right out of the box. The additional sticker rolls are reasonably priced, and considering the hours of enjoyment the camera provides, I consider it a worthwhile investment. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, providing not just a toy, but an experience that my children continue to enjoy.

In summary, the Photo creator Instant Camera has been a fantastic addition to our home. It has captured the hearts of my children and provided endless hours of fun and creativity. From its user-friendly design to the joy of printing and customising stickers, it has proven to be a versatile and enduring toy. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and engaging gift for children. It’s a product that delivers on its promises and has brought a lot of happiness to our household.

Five out of five stars from me—this camera is a winner!

CANAL TOYS Photo Creator Retro Instant Camera is available for £69.99 RRP

You can find all stockists here.

Rating: 5/5