For a very long time indeed, they were the preserve of SAS units, terrorists, Formula One drivers, and of young children with dramatically over-protective parents who didn't care all that much about how their poor child actually looked (my life was hell in that playground at times, Dad - hell, I tell you). Now however, balaclavas are slowly creeping back in, to the extent that even gamers are being targeted.

Take, for example, the Pac-Man Plush-Head helmet. On sale in "limited numbers" at the ClubNAMCO shop, an adult version of this garish headpiece will set you back $29.99 (£15 / €22), while a matching one for your no-doubt-thrilled-to-bits child comes in at $24.99 (£12 / €18).

OK, so they’re not the most chic or refined accessories you’ll purchase this year, but man, they do look warm. And so very, very yellow. Of course, they’re also a fitting tribute to one of videogaming’s first and finest heroes, but pay attention, Namco: we beg - nay, demand - a similar headpiece based on Katamari Damacy’s Prince. Get to it!