Buying name brand winter coats, gloves and boots (Columbia/North Face) over generic store brand (Target/Walmart). They hold up so much better and are warmer and more waterproof when stated. The generic stuff is not as warm. We are -20 pretty regularly in the winter here and you need stuff that works. I usually size up a couple sizes for my kids' coats and they are still in great condition after a few years of wear.

I have heard a lot of people say those brands have gone downhill and the quality is not there... and to buy Patagonia or some such thing. To that I say I am just a regular person trying to clothe a family and I cannot drop money like that.