Department 56 Santa Cam Red Blinking Simulated Camera and Book Set, 3.54 Inch, Multicolor
Quick take
The Department 56 Santa Cam is a festive novelty set: a simulated “camera” with a single red blinking light plus a matching children’s book. It’s a good fit for parents who want a simple way to make Santa-themed conversations feel more interactive at night, but it is not an actual working camera, and the main “action” is limited to a blinking indicator that requires 3 AA batteries (not included).
Pros and cons
Pros
- Novelty set includes both the Santa Cam and a children’s storybook for Christmas tradition time.
- Uses a red blinking light to create the “Santa is watching” effect.
- Designed for easy, casual use around the home (mantel, bedside, or a child’s room).
- Generally well-liked by families with younger kids, with comments highlighting that it is cute and easy to use.
Cons
- Not a working camera, it only simulates the look and light behavior.
- Main visual feature can be subtle in bright rooms, based on buyer comments about when the light is noticeable.
- There are limited but serious reports of unit malfunction (battery prongs or the blinking light not working), so check on arrival if you can.
- Some buyers feel the printed/outer look is more like a sleeve or sticker than a fully “finished” graphic.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is mixed but generally points to the same core reality: the Santa Cam is a simple novelty item rather than a functional device. Several reviews describe it as cute and kid-friendly, emphasizing that kids enjoy it in their rooms and that it is easy to operate. The most mentioned buying-experience themes are (1) the blinking red light being the primary “feature,” (2) how noticeable that blinking is depending on room brightness, and (3) expectations around what you actually get visually (some buyers wanted the design to feel more permanently printed or painted). There is limited evidence of quality issues affecting battery contact or the blinking function, so it’s smart to verify it works when you set it up.
What is the Santa Cam set, exactly?
This is a Christmas-themed novelty “simulated camera” paired with a children’s book. The camera-style piece is meant to look like something Santa uses, and when turned on, it provides a single red blinking indicator light. The included storybook supports the tradition, framing the experience around “The Santa Cam Saves Christmas” and encouraging kids to share what they want for Christmas.
Design and usability: what you can expect day to day
The set is compact, sized at about 5 x 5 x 3.54 inches for the camera piece, and the book is 8 x 8 inches. Day-to-day usability is straightforward: place it where you want Santa’s presence to be part of the routine, then power it with the included battery requirement (3 AA batteries, not included). Buyers who used it in kids’ rooms tend to like that it is easy to keep accessible without complicated setup.
Battery-powered novelty: the practical caveat
The red blinking light runs on 3 AA batteries (not included). This matters for planning, especially if you want it to run throughout the season rather than only during short evening windows. Buyer comments suggest that the blinking is most clearly noticed at night, and it may feel less obvious during the day in brighter rooms.
Pros and cons for different shoppers
Best for
- Parents looking for a low-effort, kid-engaging Christmas tradition.
- Families who prefer a novelty light-and-book experience over any “real” camera functionality.
- Gift-givers shopping for younger children who will enjoy a Santa-themed prop that is simple to understand.
Who should consider a different option
- Shoppers expecting a true camera device (recording, photos, video, or two-way interaction). This set does not provide that.
- Buyers who want a more “premium” look from the outside, with fully finished artwork rather than a sleeve or sticker-style graphic.
- Anyone who cannot easily handle battery setup or would be very inconvenienced by potential unit quirks if the blinking light fails.
Verdict: is it worth it?
The Department 56 Santa Cam set is worth considering if your goal is a simple, Santa-themed novelty for kids, centered on a blinking red indicator and a storybook tradition. The main caveat is expectation management, it is not a working camera and the visual impact depends on lighting and the unit’s battery performance. If you want a lightweight, easy seasonal prop, this is the right direction. If you want something that feels like a fully finished device or more visually dramatic at all times of day, you may want to look at other holiday lighting or storytelling traditions instead.
Price and availability
Price shown can change over time. Check current availability and the latest price here: Buy on Amazon.
FAQ
Is the Santa Cam a real camera?
No. It is a simulated camera novelty, designed to mimic the idea of a camera through appearance and a blinking red light.
What batteries does it use?
The Santa Cam blinking light uses 3 AA batteries (not included).
What’s included in the set?
The set includes the Santa Cam simulated camera piece and a children’s storybook.
Will the blinking light be noticeable during the day?
It may be less noticeable in bright rooms, but buyers report it is easier to see at night.
How big is the camera piece?
It measures about 5 inches long by 5 inches wide by 3.54 inches high.
Specifications
| Product Title | Department 56 Santa Cam Red Blinking Simulated Camera and Book Set, 3.54 Inch, Multicolor |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Simulated Cameras |
| Manufacturer | Department 56 |
| Item Weight | 15.5 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 5 x 3.54 inches |
| Item model number | 6006167 |
| Batteries | 3 AA batteries required. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Number of pieces | 2 |
| Batteries required | Yes |
| Included Components | Book, Simulated Camera |
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