On the helmets- I never used to have a helmet for more than 2 years before it got damaged and it got to the stage that I went and bought a spare helmet to keep in the shed for when I break the one I am wearing at the time---and then replace the broken helmet when I can. Still in that habit except I don't break them-I wear out the lining and padding in about 3 years and the new one will already be in the shed and the worn out one is kept as a spare--Till the new one wears out again.

And Cycling socks--Gotta be cycling specific socks from a good well known brand--They are superb. Never believed it till My LBS gave me a pair of their own socks to wear on a long ride. First 12 hour ride where the feet did not get sweaty and sore and have a hot spot. Don't decry socks for Christmas