For gifts for my grandpup (I have no grandchildren), I like Home Goods. I can always find a unique dog toy, treats, and poop bags there at an excellend price -- better than at PetsMart or Pet Supplies Plus. And they're things that are different from the pet supply stores.
Home goods is also good for hostess-type gifts and items to add to a gift basket. They usually have great deals in their clearance aisles to put together a nice gift. And, in recent years, I've not been able to find better pricing on sheets -- and good quality sheets, at that.
I go to Goodwill for canning jars (but I only buy if they're far better than buying a case elsewhere, since I'd still need to buy lids and check my supply of rings). I also keep an eye out for nice cut glass serving bowls that will work if I need extras if using my china, or if I want to make a nice presentation of a dish at a friend's dinner / party and not worry if I get the dish back.
One of my Goodwill stores will occasionally have a nice variety of pieces that match my everyday dishes (Pfalzgraff) and I'll be able to score replacement pieces or other unique pieces that I don't have. A couple of months back, they had soup bowls with a handle (different from the cereal bowls, more like an oversize regular coffee cup), and I picked up 4. They also had a gravy boat that I didn't have and never knew it existed -- just always used my creamer or a cereal bowl. This particular Goodwill also seems to get in a particular brand of top that I like and they're always New With Tag or in like new condition. When I can buy one like new or NWT for $6.99 vs. $35, I'm OK with that. But I am very particular on condition and label for clothing. Note that Goodwill has also started opening Blue boutiques in some locations and, while smaller, they are stocked with excellent quality name brand items. When I was in Florida last year, I bought 2 pair of Chico's slacks NWT for less than 1/4 of retail.
Depending on what consumable goods I need for the hoidays, I may check Party City first, then compare prices (considering quantity) at my local Aldi and/or Meijer. I'll usually buy Vanity Fair equivalent napkins, but in store brand, but I still go name-brand for Chinette plates. I think, for me, it is more of making sure I have a back-up supply on hand and using that during the holidays.
I've often found that Menards has excellent prices on cleaning supplies and paper goods (foil, cling wrap, etc.), and laundry supplies, especially if I can catch one of their 11% Rebate weeks. They also tend to have good holiday goods, too. And, I've regularly (except last year) been able to find my Christmas cards there.
These days, it take a lot to get me into a Target or WalMart, and I'm no longer a "mall" person either. If I have to go to any of those, I'm in and out, with a clear direction in mind. No window shopping for me.