Best Candy Stores Around Seattle, Bellevue and the Eastside

Top-shelf candy stores for your sweetest kids

These days, we may constantly be on the lookout for healthy treats and low-sugar choices for our little ones. But whether it’s the rainbow of bright colors, the shiny wrappers or the mouthwatering flavors, there is just something delightfully magical about a sweet piece of candy. That magic enraptures kiddos and even entices many grown-ups.

We’ve taken on the tough job of scouring the local sugar scene: from picking up a special treat to rare treasures, from handmade confections to gorgeous candy art. A visit to any one of these scrumptious shops is bound to tempt your whole crew’s sweet tooth, widen eyes with excitement and bring out the inner kid-in-a-candy-store in all of us.

Up first: Lolli and Pops

Lolli and Pops

With its cream, pastel and gold decor, plus a giant gold gummy bear greeting visitors, pretty Lolli and Pops stores set themselves apart with a sophisticated take on the candy concept. With locations inside local shopping centers, Alderwood Mall, Bellevue Square, and Southcenter Mall, the shop makes for a perfect shopping stop with tweens or teens, bound to bring out squeals of delight and Instagramming frenzy. Think adorable, color-coordinated wrappers and gourmet flavors to photo-worthy treats like marzipan fruits and pearl-scattered strawberry bark.

Younger kids will go ga-ga for the gummy bear bar with dozens of flavors, giant lollies and tubs of cotton candy. Grown-ups, don’t leave without a couple of gorgeous French macarons and an artisanal chocolate — or better, a dozen.

Play pit stop: Bellevue Square is neighbor to the incredible Inspiration Playground at DowntownPark, with hours of accessible fun to burn off that sugar high. Check out Safari Play Space inside Southcenter Mall, and at Alderwood, visit Funtastic Playtorium for active play, rain or shine.

Up next: The Confectionery

The Confectionery

Under its striped-awning storefront at University Village since 1967, The Confectionery is nothing short of a Seattle institution. The whimsical red, white and pink interior brings to mind sweet shops of the olden days, with glass jars filled with every kind of candy — over 100 varieties of gummies and 50 flavors of Jelly Bellies! These colorful jars line the bright bubblegum-hued walls. Nearly 300 types of chocolates, from truffles to caramels, toffees and brittle, fill powder-pink cases, and even the red-speckled floor is made to resemble crushed candy. And don’t worry about policing little fingers: in keeping with the old-school feel, the staff will pack up the candies for you — all kiddos need to do is peek over the counter and point!

Play pit stop: In the center of the open-air shopping complex, U-Village’s kids’ area offers a gated, green-turfed, sparkling clean paradise of play equipment and ride-ons. Have the tots burn off some steam while you catch a much-needed coffee break. Find fun parks such as Montlake Playfield and Cowen Park within a couple of miles of U-Village.

Up next: Candy Tyme

Candy Tyme

A family company that opened in 1994, Candy Tyme offers the highest quality and most complete line of bulk candy found anywhere on the West Coast. Inside you will find over 200 shiny acrylic bins containing every sweet imaginable including chocolates, Jelly Belly candies, gummies, licorice and sugar-free options. And feel free to put chocolate in the same bag as gummies; the candy is self-serve and all sold at one price.

Candy Tyme has multiple locations in Oregon and Washington, including Westlake Center and Southcenter Mall. Make sure to check their website for deals and coupons.

Play pit stop: After you are done filling your bags, let the kids bounce off the walls for a while at the Safari Play Space inside Southcenter Mall.

Up next: Island Treats

Island Treats

Located on Mercer Island, Island Treats offers a variety of locally made deliciousness. Stop by Tuesday through Saturday and check out the seasonal treats, chocolates and a selection of gummies and other goodies (including malt balls and sours). You can also purchase a box of “candy for a cause” and help support the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation (through February 2024).

Play pit stop: Head to Mercerdale Park and let the kids run off their sugar buzz on the incredible Mercer Island Express train climber. Check out ParentMap’s neighborhood guide for other fun families activities and destinations on Mercer Island. 

Up next: Old Fashioned Candy Store and Sweetie’s Candy

Old Fashioned Candy Store and Sweetie’s Candy

Pike Place Market has not one, but two shops to satisfy your sweet tooth. The Old Fashioned Candy Store offers one of the largest variety of sweet treats in the Market. Feast your eyes on taffy, hard candies, chocolates, flavored toothpicks, and even Slushies; this candy store has something for just about everyone. Some of the candies date back to the 1950s. Stop by and find your childhood favorites today.

Still looking for more treats? Stop by Sweetie’s Candy, located at Pike Place Market since 1997. This small-but-mighty shop offers gums, liquid candy, gummy candy, hard candy, chocolate and gifts. Yummy! 

Play pit stop: Pike Place market has tons of fun for families! Check out ParentMap’s perfect itinerary for a memorable family day at the Market.

Up next: Mad Candy Seattle

Mad Candy Seattle

Mad Candy Seattle opened in the summer of 2023 in Seattle’s Madrona neighborhood. This cute, old-fashioned candy shop has a little bit of everything. Stop by and shop for individual sweet treats or order a beautiful gift basket and have it delivered to someone special. 

Play pit stop: Head to nearby Madrona park for trails and a beach play area. 

Up next: Sweet Mickey’s

Sweet Mickey’s

Located along trendy Ballard Avenue, cozy Sweet Mickey’s has the welcoming feel of a neighborhood hangout. Named after owner Randy Brinker’s Southern grandmother, the quaint mint-striped space keeps the fuss factor low and the spotlight on the candy. There’s an impressive array of licorice — a nod to the ‘hood’s Scandinavian roots — nostalgic penny candy, saltwater taffy, artisan caramels and decadent house-made fudge. (Parents, don’t miss the dark chocolate sea salt caramel version).

Play pit stop: Burn off that sugar at newer Ballard playgrounds Gilman Playground or Webster Park; one of these makes for a perfect pairing with a tasty treat.

Editor’s note: This article was first published several years ago and was most recently update in January 2024.