Japanese product pioneer Realfleet has added yet another item to its ever-expanding Amadana line - a digital hourglass. Put the chicken in oven, set the timer and watch the digital sand fall like an unwinnable game of Tetris. Where's the fun in pressing a button to start the countdown to your boiled eggs? Simply turn the timer over instead. The 54x54mm display can also be changed to a more conventional digital timer display as required and can stand freely on its 24mm deep base. The MT-123 is available in black or white from Dynamism for $79.

If this really takes off, don't be confused when someone compliments you on your hourglass figure.