The Swedish Candy Gift Guide: Holiday Gifts from Our Shops in Boston and Hull

Every year around this time, our shops start to fill with people holding a little list. A coworker who has everything. A grandmother who grew up with Swedish licorice. A teenager who only eats sour candy. We love helping with that list.

Why Swedish Candy Makes Such a Good Gift

Swedish candy is a little different from what most people grew up with in the US. Many of our sweets are made with natural colors and flavors, the textures are soft and chewy, and the flavors go from gentle fruit to properly sour to deep salty licorice. It feels personal, a bit unexpected, and it is easy to share. A bag of candy gets opened at the table and passed around, which is maybe the nicest thing a gift can do.

Gift Ideas by Who You're Shopping For

For the friend who loves to choose: a pick-and-mix gift bag

Pick-and-mix, or lösgodis, is how Swedes eat candy, and it is the heart of both our shops. You can fill a bag with a little of everything, or build it around one person's taste. Browse our Swedish pick-and-mix candy online and we will pack it fresh for you. Tip from us: if you are not sure, mix a few sweet favorites with a handful of sour candy. It almost always lands.

For the one who follows candy trends: BUBS

If someone on your list has seen BUBS on social media, this one is easy. These foamy, fruity, often sour sweets from Sweden are what many people ask for first when they walk in. Our BUBS Swedish candy collection has the skulls, the fizzy ovals and the shapes people come looking for.

For the adventurous one: salty licorice (salmiak)

Salmiak is the candy that starts conversations. It is salty, a little sharp, and for many Scandinavians it tastes like home. For a curious friend, it makes a fun gift, and for anyone with Nordic roots, it can be quite emotional. Explore our licorice and salmiak, from mild sweet licorice for beginners to the stronger ones for true fans.

For the chocolate lover: Maria's handmade chocolate

Alongside the candy, Maria makes chocolate by hand using Valrhona and Callebaut chocolate. It is the gift for the person who appreciates something made slowly and with care. Pair a box from our chocolate collection with a small bag of Swedish candy, and you have a gift that feels both special and fun.

For someone avoiding gelatin

Plenty of our customers prefer sweets without gelatin, whether for dietary, religious or personal reasons. We keep a separate gelatin-free candy selection so you can shop with confidence. Please always check the ingredients on each product, and ask us in the shop if you have any questions.

For the person you can never shop for: a gift card

When in doubt, let them choose. A Nantasket Sweets gift card works online, and it gives them the joy of filling their own bag.

Gift Ideas by Size

We have kept this simple, so you can match the gift to the moment.

• Little thank-yous: a small pick-and-mix bag or a few BUBS for a neighbor, teacher or mail carrier.
• Stocking stuffers: small bags of sour or sweet candy, salmiak for the brave, or a single chocolate treat.
• A proper present: a filled gift box or a pairing of candy and Maria's handmade chocolate.
• The big one: a custom gift basket built around the person, or a gift basket for a family or a whole office.

A Little Swedish Christmas Tradition

In Sweden, candy is a big part of the holidays. On Christmas Eve, families gather around the TV, and bowls of candy and chocolate are passed around the room. Many of us grew up with a little bag of lösgodis on Saturdays too, a tradition called lördagsgodis. When we fill a gift bag for you, that is the feeling we are trying to wrap up: cozy, shared and a little nostalgic.

How to Build a Gift They'll Love

After years behind the counter, we have learned a few small things that make a candy gift feel thoughtful.

• Think about texture. Some people love soft foam candy, others want something chewy or crunchy. A mix of textures keeps every handful interesting.
• Balance the flavors. Pair sweet with sour, and add one or two chocolate pieces to round it out.
• Add one surprise. A single piece of salty licorice or a fun shape they have never tried gives them something to talk about.
• Write a note. A few handwritten words turn a bag of candy into a real gift. Ask us and we will gladly include one.

Stocking Stuffers Everyone Loves

Stockings are where Swedish candy really shines. Small bags of colorful gummies, a few foam strawberries, some sour skulls and one surprise piece of salty licorice make a stocking feel full and a little bit magical. Children love the shapes and colors, and grown-ups tend to love the licorice.

Custom Gift Baskets

If you want a gift that looks as good as it tastes, our gift baskets are a lovely choice. Tell us who it is for and what they enjoy, and we will put it together for you with Make My Gift Basket. We can lean sour, sweet, chocolate or a mix, and we are always happy to add a personal note.

Corporate and Event Gifts

For clients, teams and holiday parties, Swedish candy is a warm gift that people happily open and share. We put together gift boxes, favor bags and candy tables for offices and events. See our gift baskets, events and corporate gifts, and reach out early in the season if you need a larger order so we can plan it with you.

How to Order and Shipping

You can order everything in this guide from our online shop, and we ship within the US. Shipping options and any free shipping offers are shown on the site and at checkout. For a closer look at how ordering works, read our guide on where to buy authentic Swedish candy online in the US. Our one gentle tip for the holidays: order a little earlier than you think, so your candy arrives in time and you can relax.

Visit Our Shops in Boston and Hull

Nothing beats picking candy in person. Come see us at our Beacon Hill shop at 115 Charles Street, Boston, an easy stop while you do your holiday walk through the neighborhood. Or visit our Hull shop at 165 Nantasket Avenue, just steps from Nantasket Beach, where it all started in 2020. Both shops can help you build a gift on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good Swedish candy gift?

A pick-and-mix bag is the most popular Swedish candy gift. For a bigger present, a custom gift basket with candy and handmade chocolate is a lovely choice.

Where can I buy Swedish candy gifts in Boston?

Nantasket Sweets By Swedes sells Swedish candy gifts at 115 Charles Street in Beacon Hill, Boston, and at 165 Nantasket Avenue in Hull, MA.

Can I order a Swedish candy gift basket online?

Yes. Nantasket Sweets By Swedes makes custom Swedish candy gift baskets and ships them within the US from its online shop.

Do you have gelatin-free Swedish candy?

Yes. Nantasket Sweets has a dedicated gelatin-free candy collection online. Always check each product's ingredients.

Do you offer corporate candy gifts?

Yes. Nantasket Sweets makes Swedish candy gift boxes, favor bags and candy tables for companies, clients and holiday events.