Say no to screen time with these must-have kids’ toys bound inspire imagination

Over the past few weeks, we tried a selection of products from the Canal Toys range, and together they created a really fun mix of creativity, independence, and imaginative play

If you’re looking for a tech range that keeps kids entertained without tipping fully into passive screen time, the Creator Collection from Canal Toys is genuinely worth a look. Finding toys that strike the balance between “exciting enough to hold their attention” and “actually encouraging creativity” can feel surprisingly difficult, especially when so much children’s tech is designed around endless scrolling, tapping, or gaming. That’s exactly why this collection stood out.

What makes the range interesting is that it leans into the things kids already love about technology – interaction, independence, customisation, and instant fun – but wraps it up in something much more hands-on.

Rather than simply putting a screen in front of them, the Creator Collection encourages kids to make things, personalise them, experiment, and get genuinely involved in the process. It feels more like guided creative play than traditional “tech time,” which, as a parent, is always a welcome win.

Let’s get into it.

Secret Creator Video Diary

The Secret Creator Video Diary feels like the updated version of the classic diary but designed for a generation that loves videos and creating content. Instead of simply writing thoughts down, kids can record messages, memories and little daily updates in a way that feels much more exciting to them.

What stood out most as a parent is how personal it feels. Children love having something that feels completely theirs, and the “secret” element makes it feel special and private. Whether they’re talking about school, recording funny moments, sharing ideas or just chatting to the camera, it encourages confidence and self-expression in a really natural way.

It also feels refreshingly creative compared to passive screen time. Rather than endlessly watching videos, they’re making something themselves, which is always a win.

The novelty factor is definitely strong too – if your child loves pretend vlogging, storytelling or watching creators online, this will likely become a favourite very quickly.

Parent verdict: A really fun, confidence-boosting gadget that encourages creativity, storytelling and independent play, especially great for kids who love being in front of the camera.

Available from Amazon from £37.49.

Photo Creator 3 in 1 Instant Camera

This was probably the standout product in the range. The instant camera aspect gives children immediate results, which means they stay engaged instead of losing interest.

Kids love photographing absolutely everything – pets, siblings, random garden discoveries — and being able to print or personalise images adds another layer of fun. It has that “mini content creator” appeal without handing over a smartphone.

As a parent, I liked that it encourages memory-making and creativity.

Parent verdict: Brilliant for creative kids and one of the easiest ways to keep them occupied at parties, holidays or weekends. Also perfect for kids fond of scrapbooking.

Available from Amazon from £54.99.

Pad Creator Instant Pad Tablet

The Pad Creator Instant Pad sits somewhere between a toy and a creative tool. It feels modern enough to excite kids but still encourages drawing, designing and making things rather than endless entertainment.

This worked particularly well for quieter moments – rainy afternoons, travel, or winding down after school. It feels much more purposeful than simply handing over a tablet for videos.

That said, younger children may need a little help getting started, but once they understand it, they quickly become absorbed.

Parent verdict: A great middle ground for parents wanting “creative tech” instead of more gaming.

Available from Amazon from £68.39.

Video Walkie Talkies

These were such a pleasant surprise. Instead of kids disappearing into separate devices, they actually got outside and played together.

The video feature makes them feel extra exciting compared to traditional walkie talkies, and suddenly the garden turned into a secret mission headquarters. Lots of role play, lots of running around, exactly the kind of play parents usually wish happened more often.

They’re especially good for siblings or playdates.

Parent verdict: Excellent for imaginative play and genuinely encourages active fun.

Available from Amazon from £29.99.

Mini Cam

The Mini Cam feels like the “starter creator gadget” of the bunch. Children love having something that feels like their own little camera, and it’s surprisingly entertaining seeing the world through their eyes.

It’s simple enough not to be frustrating but fun enough to keep them interested. Expect lots of funny close-ups of pets, feet and random household objects!

Parent verdict: Cute, fun and ideal for budding little photographers.

Available from Amazon from £12.99.

Overall roundup

What stands out most about this whole range is that it feels designed around creativity and independence, rather than pure screen time. Each product taps into something kids naturally love – taking photos, journalling their secrets, making videos, role play or drawing – but in a way that still feels playful and imaginative.

Not every item will suit every child, but together they make a really fun collection, especially for kids who love being creative or feel inspired by making content, taking pictures or storytelling.

The biggest win? Kids feel like they’re using “cool tech,” while parents still get the feeling they’re playing creatively rather than just staring at a screen.