USB CD Rock mini LED - Radio/CD/MP3 Jukebox

Reasons to buy The nostalgic retro design works really well with the additional modern attributes, such as the flashing led lights and USB port for playing mp3s from a memory stick. The best feature is the see-through front-loading CD player, which spins round and lights up the track display. The sound quality is excellent.

Reasons not to The MW/FM radio can be tuned by rotating a plastic wheel, an aspect that remains dated when there are so many DAB radios around.

Price £119.99

Verdict The juxtaposition of a retro-style jukebox with modern day elements will make this the focal point of any room. Would be better with DAB, other than that it’s superb.

www.digiteltechnology.co.uk

Party Penguin Sno Cone Maker

Reasons to buy A great way of saving cash on your lolly-loving kids. The only ingredients required are ice and squash. Easy to make; just poor a few ice cubes into the penguin’s head, turn the handle to crush the ice and then add the flavouring. If you like slush puppies this is for you.

Reasons not to A lot of strength is required to keep it still whilst crushing the ice. The design feels cheap and flimsy. If your boisterous son gets hold of it it's bye-bye ice crank.

Price £12.99

Verdict Marvellous for momentarily amusing small children at a one-off summer party.

www.smythstoys.com

X2 Segway

Reasons to buy With its intuitive self-balancing technology it takes 20 seconds to master a Segway. Tilt yourself onto your toes to accelerate forward, apply pressure on each side of the handles to move in the desired direction and lean back to stop. It really is that simple and immediately feels safe and natural to ride.

Reasons not to The first disembarkation can be awkward if you have no one around to steady you. You may experience achy calf muscles and an odd imbalanced sensation when walking afterwards. An expensive toy if you only want to race friends.

Price £4,895

Verdict You'll find yourself developing a "Segway smile" the moment you get the knack of riding one. A really enjoyable way to travel and ideal for people with lots of land.

www.southernsegway.com

Hot dog rotisserie

Reasons to buy Cooks four hot dog sausages and warms two baguettes in about five minutes. Bear in mind that it doesn't heat up unless the timer is set - otherwise you'll be waiting a very long time for your bangers. Can cook ‘real’ sausages too.

Reasons not to The detachable drip tray can't cope with fat from thick juicy sausages, so you'll end up spilling it everywhere as you take it out. The ‘non-stick’ rollers do in fact get sticky and are fiddly to clean.

Price £24.99

Verdict A great way of enhancing the cinematic feel whilst watching a film with friends.

www.menkind.co.uk

Homer Simpson Floating Bath Radio

Reasons to buy If you’re an avid Simpson fan and have often wondered what music sounds like whilst played underwater - this is the way to find out. Press Homer's beer button for precise automatic tuning and then submerge your ears in a hot bath. Completely waterproof with adequate sound quality.

Reasons not to The sound becomes muffled when the speakers in Homer's legs enter the water. The dial is impossible to turn with wet hands. Works best when dry, which defeats the purpose of a floating radio.

Price £17.99

Verdict A novelty gift that's riddled with glitches.

www.paramountzone.com

Heelys Glitter Black Pink Shoes

Reasons to buy Excellent quality trainers with wheels on the bottom for keeping up with the fast pace of modern day life. Easy to walk normally and very comfortable to wear. If you enjoy skate boarding or roller blading you’ll love these.

Reasons not to If walking on your heel feels slightly awkward you will find these incredibly hard to use. The natural reaction when feeling off balance is to put your foot flat on the ground, hindering any chance of skating forward. It will take a lot of time and patience to get a good skating motion going.

Price £49.95

Verdict A great idea but very impractical for anyone with a slight phobia of falling over. Definitely one for the younger generation.

www.flywalk.co.uk