You know you'd like to come up with a new product, but not sure what will sell? Here are 20 suggestions for consumer product categories that are hungry for innovative ideas.

Karen Darby, Founder of price comparison service SimplySwitch.com, was an inspiration at last week's Women Unlimited conference. Dubbed the "lazy entrepreneur" by her friends, she scattered pearls of wisdom like they were going out of fashion.

One insight she paused to push home, "I'd much rather hop on a rising trend and create a business that will grow quickly anyway, than work too hard at something that won't take off."

Which set me thinking and dipping into my bag of research tools to pinpoint a few hot trends you could take advantage of...

* Gadgets and digital products for sports and fitness

* Solutions for weight loss

* Healthy snack products

* Hobby and craft kits and accessories

* Specialist gear for children eg horse riding

* Pet products and information

* Activity toys and accessories

* Home office accessories

* Grow-your-own tools and info

* Baby care products

* Children's travel accessories

* Kitchen gadgets

* Energy-saving and eco gadgets

* Luxury face and body care products

* Specialist hair-care products

* Sleep loss remedies

* Packaging innovations

* Dosing and medicine management solutions

* Mobility aids

* Digital how-to information and learning products

This is not the definitive list by any means, but hopefully some inspiration to get your ideas flowing. 

You might want to read about categories and solutions on the wish lists of:
1) Boots Centre for Innovation 
2) P&G's Connect and Develop listing