Use your head.

• Position: What's New? Holiday Gifts Galore - Bicycle helmets - Product/Service Evaluation

Sometimes, even world leaders need a reminder to use their head. Earlier this year when George Bush fell off a scooter, Bell Sports, Santa Cruz, Calif., sent the President and the First Family a set of safety helmets for biking, skating, blading, and riding scooters.

Since many states mandate helmets for kids 16 and under, some 69% of children now regularly wear a helmet, while only 18% of adults do so, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The use of a bicycle helmet has been proven effective at reducing the risk of brain injury by up to 88%. Since more bicycles are sold in December than any other month--after all, is there a better Christmas or Hanukkah present than a brand-new bike?--parents also would be wise to invest in safety for their cruising offspring.

Long known for its quality headgear--the company designed the first lightweight ventilated bike helmet in 1985--Bell offers value packs based on popular themes and play patterns, which make great gifts for boys and girls from toddler--age up to 14.

For our oldest, the Glitter Girl ($19.99) proved perfect in pink. The helmet itself features top and back vents for more efficient cooling, a rear...