THIS week I have picked out a varied selection of new products which have caught my eye.

The Metro GustBuster (£29.95 including postage and packing) is the perfect answer for that nightmare of a windy, rainy day when your brolly starts to turn inside out. It is designed to be unflippable, unflappable and unleakable. In fact it is designed to withstand winds up to 60mph, which should just about cover Bolton's inclement weather. It is a huge thing, offering plenty of shelter for two people, and has a two-strap carrying handle. You can order it from 1000 Mile Sportswear on 01923 242233.

Russell Hobbs white two-slice digital toaster (£19.99), pictured left, is stylish enough to complement the most modern kitchen and is designed to give a perfect slice of toast every time. It has a digital display and the option of selecting the correct degree of browning accurately, simply by pressing the browning controls. It has generous size slots to take even the largest bread and self-adjusting bread guides to accommodate the varying widths of bread available today. You know how annoying it is when a tiny crumpet gets stuck, well that problem is easily overcome with the extra lift facility allowing it to be removed more easily. What more could you want? There are numerous other features, too many to list, but my favourite is the removable crumb tray which is a must. Ring 0161 947 3170 for more details.

Soehnle Integrale and Hippo wall scales (£89.99 and £49.99) are perfect if space is limited in the kitchen, or if you simply prefer uncluttered work surfaces. They look ultra stylish, in matt chrome, and are easy to use. Both models are battery operated and they are available by mail order on 01204 598408.

Faber-Castell's aluminium Porsche Design range of pens is the company's latest classy addition and includes a ball pen and mechanical pencil (£45 each). They apparently use technology and materials usually reserved (would you believe it?) for racing cars. The pens and pencils have a futuristic look and are comfortable to use. They are available from The Pen Shop in Manchester and at the Trafford Centre or ring 01732 771771.

Elastoplast Harry Potter plasters (£2.49), pictured left, are a wizard idea and ideal for those minor bumps and scrapes. We all know just how much a plaster can cheer up even the most distressed child, and these are sure to produce a smile. They are made to appeal to Harry Potter fans and feature all the favourite characters. Each pack contains 14 water-resistant plasters in two sizes. They are available in all good chemists and supermarkets.

Aldi's kids' trendy gear and pyjamas are a great buy. Trendy rhinestone trimmed girls' denim jackets (£4.99), jeans (£3.99) and glitter cotton top (£2.45) are ultra-trendy and ultra-reasonable in price too. They are available in blue or black and from sizes two to three and nine to 10. The boys' Oxford jackets (£4.99) and co-ordinating trousers (£3.99) are also available in the same sizes. After all the fun of the day kids will sleep well in Aldi's 100 per cent cotton Monster Inc. character pyjamas (£4.99). Other characters are available and the sizes include three to four, five to six and seven to eight.