Hi,
we live in the Boston area - and for the littles, I find a good winter coat, hat, mittens and snow pants and boots essential. You never know - as the other poster mentioned, could be a terrible winter with lots of snow, could be mild - but best to be prepared!
I usually purchase a 3 in one coat from the Children's Place - I can usually find them on sale and can get a coupon. I like the boots from either LL Bean or Land's End. Hats and gloves can come from anywhere I can find that match the coat and that I have a coupon for. Last year I got DD's from Kohl's (thin, but fine for waiting at the bus stop) and a pair from Land's End (thicker and heavier - good for extended outdoor play). Down will be good and warm, the 3 in one you can get more use out of - don't sweat it, either will keep the kids warm.
I tend to layer the kids in really cold weather - fleece pants, long sleeve tops with a fleece top over them (thin, for indoor wear, not a jacket).
My son seems to run warmer than my daughter, his cheeks pink up when he wears a fleece; you will have to see how your kids run. Kohls is great for that - nice coordinating outfits, they usually have sales and coupons.
Just purchase what you need before Christmas - so many people purchase that stuff for Christmas that if you don't get it by then, it is GONE. You will only be able to get bathing suits in January! The nice think about Lands End and LL Bean and Kohls is that they have really good return policies. Lands End and LL Bean will be more expensive up front but they also have really good customer service people who might be able to help you.
Good Luck!
