Chicago’s Best Candy Stores: A North Shore Gift Guide
The Best Candy Stores on Chicago’s North Shore
Chicago’s North Shore — the string of lakefront suburbs from Evanston to Lake Forest — is home to some of the best candy stores in the Chicago area. Whether you are looking for gourmet chocolates, nostalgic candy, handmade toffee, or the perfect gift basket, the North Shore has options that rival anything in downtown Chicago.
Here is our guide to the best candy stores on Chicago’s North Shore, starting with our own shop.
Goodies Etc. — Highland Park
Address: 1876 1st Street, Highland Park, IL 60035
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11am–4pm
Phone: (847) 432-0400
Website: goodiesetc.com
Yes, that is us! Goodies Etc. has been a Highland Park staple since 1992. We specialize in gourmet candy gift baskets, candy trays, and our famous English toffee — all handcrafted in-store.
What you will find here: a wall of bulk candy (gummies, chocolates, sours, nuts), pre-made gift baskets ranging from $25 to $350, custom candy trays for any occasion, and seasonal holiday collections. We are known for our Basket of Goodies, English Toffee Boxes, and Signature Assortment Trays.
We also offer gluten-free, nut-free, and kosher baskets, and ship nationwide via UPS.
Windy City Sweets — Lincoln Park (Chicago)
Address: 3308 N. Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 477-6100
Website: windycitysweets.com
Technically in Lincoln Park (just south of the North Shore), Windy City Sweets has been serving Chicago since 1983. They are known for handmade fudge in six varieties, chocolate-covered treats, truffles, and a massive candy bar with over 1,200 specialty items. They also serve ice cream — making it a destination shop.
Best for: chocolate lovers, fudge enthusiasts, and in-store browsing.
Other North Shore Sweet Spots
Downtown Highland Park
Highland Park’s downtown district along Central Avenue and Sheridan Road has several locally-owned shops worth exploring, including bakeries and specialty food stores that carry gourmet chocolates and candy.
Downtown Evanston
Evanston, home to Northwestern University, has a vibrant downtown with local chocolate shops, ice cream parlors, and specialty candy stores. It is worth a visit if you are on the North Shore.
Downtown Lake Forest
The charming downtown Lake Forest area has several boutique shops carrying gourmet foods and confections — perfect for finding unique gifts.
What to Look for in a Candy Store
Not all candy stores are equal. Here is what makes a great one:
- Freshness: Candy should look and taste fresh, not like it has been sitting in bins for months
- Variety: A good candy store offers chocolates, gummies, sours, toffee, nuts, and seasonal items
- Gift options: Pre-made baskets and trays show the store cares about gifting, not just retail
- Customization: The best stores let you build your own basket or tray
- Dietary options: Gluten-free, nut-free, and kosher choices matter for gift-giving
Plan Your North Shore Candy Tour
If you are visiting the North Shore, here is a suggested route:
- Start in Evanston — explore the downtown shops near Northwestern
- Head north to Wilmette and Winnetka — charming downtown areas with local boutiques
- Stop at Goodies Etc. in Highland Park — pick up gift baskets, candy trays, and English toffee
- Continue to Lake Forest — browse the upscale downtown district
All of these communities are along Sheridan Road / US-41, making it an easy north-south drive with plenty of parking.
Shop Goodies Etc. Online
Can not make it to Highland Park? Shop our full collection online with nationwide shipping. We also offer local pickup at our store.
Goodies Etc. — 1876 1st Street, Highland Park, IL 60035 | (847) 432-0400 | goodiesetc.com