Snatch Up: Look for a timepiece that is both waterproof and shockproof, according to watchmaker Terry Nelson of watchrepair.cc. “This means it has the technology to keep water out of the inside of the watch and is capable of taking a hard fall,” he explains.

Also, make sure the watch you choose has a battery with an “extended life span,” meaning it can last up to eight years. Consider the band, too: Chain links are tough, generally lasting four or five years. As for rubber straps: “They’re so durable,” says Nelson, “that the landfills will still be filled with rubber watches when the world ends!”

Pass Up: Leather and fabric straps: They look lovely, but generally last only a year or so.

Bedsheets

Snatch Up: 100 percent cotton sheets. Choose a set with at least a 200 thread count (thread count refers to the number of vertical and horizontal threads in one square inch of the sheet). “While higher thread counts, like 300, usually mean fibers are closer and tighter and can stand up to wash after wash, some lower-thread-count sheets can still wear really well,” explains 24 Hour Design’s Surmelis.

Another good test: “Put your hand behind the fabric — if you can see your fingers, the sheet is too thin.” Also check: Does the edging look well stitched? If it unravels as you touch it, skip that set, because it won’t last through multiple tumbles in your washer. “Luckily, mass merchandisers like Wal-Mart are creating high thread-count sheets for a much lower cost,” says Surmelis. That means you can get quality bedding without breaking the bank.

Pass Up: “Don’t buy cheap silk or satin sheets,” says Surmelis.

Tote Bag

Snatch Up: Want a tote that will last for the long haul? Make sure the straps are sewn down the length of the bag, says Ellen Goldstein, chairperson of accessory design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. “The closer the strap is sewn to the bag’s bottom, the more stable it is,” she explains. “If it’s too close to the top, it runs the risk of ripping.”

Next, peek inside the tote: Do you see raw seams that might snag if they come in contact with sharp keys? Finally, see what the tote is made of: “The most durable bags are canvas,” notes Goldstein. (Try the L.L.Bean Rugby Stripe Boat and Tote Bag, $22 to $36, llbean.com.)

Pass Up: Models with thin straps, as well as soft leather bags. If you have your heart set on leather, opt for the thick, rigid type (which tends to be cheaper anyway).

Houseplant

Snatch Up: If you don’t have a green thumb, stick with dracaenas and sago palms, both “common houseplants that need little attention to thrive,” notes Virginia Hayes, merchandise manager for plants at Smith & Hawken. Sago palms do need some direct sunlight, though. (Dracaenas tolerate shade but prefer medium light.) What if your home or office is a complete cave? Go with lucky bamboo or tradescantia (also known as flax) — both flourish without much light.

Pass Up: “The thicker the leaf, the less you’ll have to water,” so avoid thin-leaved plants, advises Hayes. “Think of the thin-leaved hydrangea or bonsai — both are high-maintenance,” she notes.

Sofa Fabric

Snatch Up: “The most durable material is microfiber suede,” says Angelo Surmelis, host of HGTV’s 24 Hour Design. “It looks and feels luxurious, like real suede, yet it’s cheaper than leather and will look the same years after your purchase.” Worried about your kids or pets tracking dirt onto it? Mud brushes right off the buttery-soft fabric, he notes, and a simple dry cloth can wipe off most liquid spills (“microfiber deflects stains, so they never get below the sofa’s surface”).

Pass Up: Silk, corduroy and chenille. “These fibers are porous and absorb stains, which means the mess gets into the cushions themselves,” Surmelis says.