Back in the day, Boston used to be the candy capital of America. No wonder its streets are lined with some of the best candy stores around. With everything from retro candies you loved as a kid to hand-crafted chocolates just in time for Valentine’s Day, these spots will make you feel like a kid in a candy store. Here’s where to find treats for your little sweets.
IT’SUGAR
This cheeky candy store located in Faneuil Hall, stocks two floors worth of boxed, bulk and novelty candy items. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Oversized boxes of everyday favorites like Starburst, Nerds and Skittles line the walls alongside specialty items (some NSFW) you won’t find anywhere else.
Faneuil Hall
4 S. Market St., 1st Floor
Boston, MA
857-415-6815
Online: itsugar.com
Quincy’s Place
Another Faneuil Hall candy shop, Quincy’s Place is located in the basement. Not only will families find wall-to-wall candy—enough to make you consider moving up your dentist appointment—but they’ll also find ice cream. Whether you stick with a colorful lollipop or grab a cone of mint chocolate chip, it’s easy to get your sugar fix on at Quincy’s Place.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
254 S. Market St.
Boston, MA
617-723-3635
Sugarfina
Although Sugarfina has a reputation as a candy store for grown-ups (vodka gummy bears anyone?), the luxe store lines its shelves with many kid-friendly candies as well. We love the candy concierge and sampling services as well as the DIY bentos you can fill with whatever suits your fancy. And while it’s definitely a great spot to shop for Valentine’s sweets, they’ve also got some tasty chocolates to help families celebrate the Year of the Tiger, too.
Prudential Center
800 Boylston St., # 147
Boston, MA
857-327-8550
Online: sugarfina.com
A Chocolate Dream
There’s just something about this family-owned shop that just celebrated its 26th year. Maybe it’s the adorbs candy carrying cases they can personalize for kids or the custom candy baskets that are made in-house or maybe it’s the inventive candy pizzas (yep, it’s a thing) that set this store apart. Whatever it is, you’ll find candy and other irresistible items your kids “need” at this sweet shop in Belmont.
68 Leonard St.
Belmont, MA
617-484-4119
Online: achocolatedream.com
Beacon Hill Chocolates
If you’re on the lookout for truly inventive and eye-catching chocolates, you’ve got to check out this shop on Charles Street. Owner Paula Barth travels the globe in search of the finest, rarest confections to fill the store’s display case. We’re sure your kids will want at least two of the intriguing, colorful confections they spy, so plan to eat one and keep one for later when you visit.
91 Charles St.
Boston, MA
617-725-1900
Online: beaconhillchocolates.com
Natalie’s Candy Jar
Sure it’s in an airport, but it’s hard to miss the giant lollipops that beckon weary travelers flying in and out of Logan Airport. Stop in to fill a bag with any of over 400 varieties or traditional or throwback candies you don’t see everyday. We’re talking sours, gummies, jellies and more (including sugar-free treats) your kids will find hard to resist.
Boston Logan Airport
Terminal C
1 Harborside Dr.
Boston, MA
Online: nataliescandy.com
Au Chocolat
While Au Chocolat’s Neuhaus chocolates from Belgium are what draw folks to this store in the Financial District, it’s the stuffed Oreos and assortment of family faves, like gummy bears and Jelly Bellies that will capture your kiddo’s heart. We’re fans of the spicy chocolate drops for parents and a standard crème filled for the kids.
35 High St.
Boston, MA
617-737-1197
Online: treats.net
—Allison Sutcliffe
feature image: Alex via pexels
RELATED STORIES:
The Scoop on Our Favorite Boston Ice Cream Shops
11 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Little Loves
16 Boston Meal Delivery Services to Save Your Busy Weeknights
