ML Interest Tag: appeal

Where to Find the Best Candy in LA

by Christina Montoya Fiedler

Los Angeles is known for its wide variety of delicious sweets, making it an ideal destination for candy lovers. From classic candy shops to more modern ones, here are some of the best candy stores in Los Angeles.

The Best Candy Stores in Los Angeles

Compartès Chocolate

Made in Los Angeles, 70-year old gourmet chocolatier Compartès makes their decadent, wildly inventive chocolate bars and truffles from scratch daily, sourced from local farmers markets. Be warned though—choosing a chocolate bar for yourself may be the hardest decision you make for the day—from Matcha Green Tea White Chocolate to Avocado Chocolate, it's almost impossible to choose just one (let alone when they have limited editions like the Donuts & Coffee Milk Chocolate Bar available). For kids? We're pretty sure the Cereal Bowl Chocolate Bar reigns supreme. These bars really feel like a gift as their wrapping is stunning—almost too pretty to unwrap. 

5735 West Adams Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: compartes.com

Fugetsu-Do

Apart from Fugetsu-Do's beautiful confections, it boasts quite possibly the most incredible immigrant origin story of any candy shop in town. The Kito family-run business opened in 1903 and ran until the World War II-era Executive Order sent Japanese-Americans to internment camps in 1942. The Kitos were sent to a camp in Wyoming, where the owner made mochi for his fellow detainees with their donated sugar rations. As soon as they were released, the Kitos returned to their original location on First St. and worked to buy back their shop and baking machinery, sleeping in a temple in the interim. Today, nearly 120 years later, the store is run by his son, 3rd generation master wagashi confectioner Brian Kito!

Fugetsu-Do has a mochi (rice cake candy) or a manju (sweet bean-filled rice cake candy) for every palate: plum-shaped steamed mochi, rainbow-decorated dango, and strawberry-flavored mochi with peanut butter filling, among others. And yes—for the Valentine purists, there is even a chocolate-flavored mochi filled with chocolate ganache!

Good to Know: You can sample the many types of mochi and manju at their Little Tokyo store daily, find them in limited quantities at local markets (Marukai, Mitsuwa, Nijiya, Tokyo Central, Tokyo Fish Market, and Uwajimayaor) or order online from japansuper.com. 

315 E. First St.
Los Angeles
Online: fugetsu-do.com

RELATED: What to See & Do in Little Tokyo

Galco's Soda Pop Stop

Another shop operating in Los Angeles for over 100 years, Galco's Soda Pop Stop had humble beginnings as a Highland Park Italian grocery store. Today, it boasts over 600 types of sodas, beers from around the world, specialty wine and champagne, and of course, something for the little ones—a vintage candy corner! Show your kids your favorite sweets from your childhood and help them discover Pop Rocks, Candy Buttons, Wax Lips, and more. There's even a retro toy corner for the tots!

Good to Know: Don't miss their Soda Creation Station, where your kids can make their very own soda pop—selecting between 100 different syrup options.

5702 York Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: sodapopstop.com

RELATED: Hit Up One of Our Favorite Playgrounds Just a 3-Minute Drive Away

Jack's Candy

Planning on going a little wild, candy-wise? Look no further than Jack's Candy Store. From floor-to-ceiling there are stacks of every candy and treat you can imagine in this downtown warehouse. You can shop by brand, color, and theme, making planning a snap. Grab a piñata while you're there and stock up on sweets and gifts for the next birthday party.

Good to Know: There's a free customer parking lot, so it's a cinch to haul your loot back to the car.

777 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: jackscandy.com

Sockerbit

Sockerbit, located near the Old Farmer's Market and The Grove, is a shop for the gummy-lovers, pure and simple. Sockerbit loosely translates into "sugar cube" in Swedish, which is also the namesake for one of their most popular candies (besides the Swedish fish of course)—a little square of homemade marshmallow that comes in pink or white.

7922 West 3rd St.
Los Angeles
Online: sockerbit.com

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Munchies

Munchies has the largest selection of Kosher candy in the city, from chocolate and gummies to lollipops and truffles. But whether you keep Kosher or not, you'll want to drop in for their biggest claim to fame: the largest selection of Gimbal's jelly beans this side of San Francisco. Niche, but 100% necessary. 

Good to Know: Don't miss their chocolate dipped bananas covered in almond brittle. 

8859 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: lamunchies.com

RELATED: Need to Nosh on Something More Substantial than Candy? Here’s Our Favorite Jewish Delis in LA (Plus What to Order for Kids)

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This Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe Sneaks in Spinach for Picky Kids

by scott wardell

Mix up your pasta routine while still appealing to your kids’ picky taste buds with this creamy, warm, and comforting Fettuccine Alfredo recipe. Sneak in veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and any other goods you have on hand.

Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe Ingredients

1 package of fettuccine noodles
1/4 c finely chopped onion
1 c fresh sliced mushrooms
1 c spinach leaves
2 tbsp butter
1 c heavy cream
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
2 chicken breasts, cooked (optional)

Method
1. In a large frying pan, saute the onion in butter.

2. Once the onion is tender, add the garlic and mushrooms.

3. Saute until they are all tender.

4. Reduce heat to low/medium heat and slowly stir in heavy cream.

5. Add the salt and parmesan and stir until the parmesan has dissolved.

6. Add pre-cooked spinach if desired (or, cook fresh spinach with 1 tbsp of butter until wilted).

7. If you would like to thicken your alfredo sauce add a few tbsps of flour.

8. Stir until you have achieved your desired thickness.

9. Serve over your noodle of choice and with a white chicken breast on the side (or cut up the chicken and serve it on top).

 

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Review: Up In & Over Energetic Elephant Bouncer

By The Toy Insider

Photo: Bestway

Bestway’s latest bouncer couldn’t make it any easier to create a jumping jungle at home. Not only is the Up In & Over Energetic Elephant Bouncer completely adorable and appealing with its big-eyed, grape-and-aqua elephant graphic, but it’s also designed for maximum convenience with a built-in pump. Just plug in the cord and switch the pump to “on” to inflate it in 2.5 minutes. The bouncer features a crawl-through entrance, a roomy, open top, and mesh sidewalls so parents can keep an eye on kids as they play. The elephant’s ears sway as kids bounce for a cute, added detail.

Read the full review on thetoyinsider.com, and check out the Toy Insider’s full Holiday Gift Guide to see the top picks of the hottest toys this holiday season!

The Toy Insider is the go-to source for product information and the latest news about children's toys, tech, and entertainment. Its team of toy experts publishes two annual gift guides—one for summer and one for holiday—and reviews toys 365 days a year on thetoyinsider.com, a trusted resource for parents. 

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Cuddle up with a Wacky New Plush from Les Déglingos

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Parents around the world know there is something magical about a new plush friend. The whimsical French toy line Les Déglingos, translated into English as “The Wackos” uses corduroy fabric to create a collection of beloved creatures. Now American families can find them at independent toy and specialty retail shops stateside thanks to importer TriAction Toys.

Les Déglingos

Big Simply Hippipos the Hippo in Tube is one of five animal characters that will soothe and enchant your little one. It may be hard to choose one among Flamingo, Ostrich, Tiger or Llama as each plush pal offers its own charm. One thing’s for certain, your child will cherish their new lovey from birth to freshman orientation.

Les Déglingos

“Les Déglingos was founded in early 2007 by Laurent Manceron in France,” explains TriAction Toys’ Chris Cofoni. “Laurent’s idea was to bring very innovative and funky designs to the market, steering away from the common pastel plush toys available at the time. He was the first designer to design plush using corduroy and the material’s success in the plush toy market has been imitated widely since.”

Les Déglingos

If you feel like you may have seen this toy before, it may be from one of its many cameo appearances on many movie sets and the TV series Modern Family.

Les Déglingos

This plush line is the perfect gift for baby showers, holidays and birthdays. The decorative “tube” packaging is just as appealing as the plush tucked inside. Artistic drawings of each animal face mimic their unique characters.

Les Déglingos are machine washable in cold/warm water and have no parts that present a choking hazard. Each product is tested to comply with European regulations (EN71), USA regulations (ASTM) and REACH (AZO for colorants in the fabrics). 

Look for these five corduroy pals, each priced at $19.99 and for age newborn+, in specialty stores now. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of TriAction Toys

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Dive into Shark Week with Discovery Channel & Build-A-Bear

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Shark week is coming! Discovery, Inc. just announced its exciting list of merchandising partners for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week 2020 airing Sun. Aug. 9 through Sun. Aug. 16. This year the consumer products program includes new and returning partners including Build-A-Bear.

Build-A-Bear is back for a third year with their Shark Week collection.

Shark Week Build-A-Bear

Great White Shark is available now and will arrive in stores throughout July. This powerful predator is known for its huge size and sharp teeth. This Great White Shark looks extra cool thanks to the official Shark Week logo on its paw pad.

Shark Week Build-A-Bear

Saw Shark is the newest online exclusive from Build-A-Bear. Known for their long, saw-like snouts and barbels that look like a mustache, saw sharks often swim in coastal waters. With plush fins and shiny blue fur, this smiley shark also features the official Shark Week logo on its paw pad. 

You can personalize your sharks outfits, sounds and scents. 

“Every year, we look forward to enhancing our viewers’ love for Shark Week by providing them with an appealing and diverse slate of merchandise,” said Carolann Dunn, Vice President, Consumer Products Licensing, Discovery, Inc. “Our goal is to allow shark lovers to go beyond watching shark-themed programming by wearing or playing with shark-themed products, and this year’s consumer products programming provides the opportunity to do just that.”

For up to date information on Shark Week as well as photos and videos, follow #SharkWeek on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Discovery Channel

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Kraft Is Now Selling Mac and Cheese Topping in a Jar & Goodbye Picky Eating

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Does it seem like your kids could survive entirely on mac and cheese? Now you can bring the flavor they crave to other foods with Kraft’s new Macaroni and Cheese Topping Sauce or Sprinkle.

If your kids love the taste of mac and cheese, then maybe they’ll be willing to eat broccoli covered in cheese flavoring. You can whip the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Topping into a sauce with milk and butter just like you do when you make a box of Kraft’s Macaroni and Cheese. You can also simply sprinkle the stuff over veggies or really anything that sounds like it might be more appealing with a dose of cheddar flavor.

The only tricky part is tracking some down. The 20-ounce shaker of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Topping Sauce or Sprinkle is currently available at east coast based wholesale club, BJ’s for $6.99.

If you don’t live in the region of a BJ’s, you can still score the stuff online on Amazon and eBay, but you’ll have to pay a steeper price. If it gets your picky eater to try some veggies, it just might be worth it.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Amazon

 

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Target Is Selling Lime Green “Elf” Icees & the Holiday Season Just Got Tastier

by Shahrzad Warkentin

There’s nothing sweeter than Buddy the Elf and now you can enjoy a sweet treat inspired by the jolliest Elf in the North Pole while you check off your holiday shopping list at Target.

The store has released limited-edition Elf Icees and while they don’t feature any maple syrup, it still has Buddy’s stamp of approval for spreading holiday cheer and fans seem to love it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4bgIx7gscq/

The icy, cool treat comes in a near green lime color and features a cherry lime flavor. An Icee might not be an obvious holiday season treat, but you can’t deny that appealing color and flavor combo.

As a holiday treat, this flavor probably won’t be around long so be sure to grab one while you can.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Jamie Harrington via Instagram

 

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Today’s Deal: Too Late! This Deal is Over.

by Erin Lem
Partner Content

Santa’s merry elves may be working overtime, but that doesn’t mean you have to. To ease your holiday shopping, we partnered with some of our favorite brands to offer you amazing deals and steals this season on products and gear you actually want (or want to give). From meal delivery to oh-so-cozy clothing and must-have toys, get your shopping done in a flash without breaking the bank.

Check out the entire 10 days of deals by clicking here. 

Today’s Deal: Too Late! This Deal is Over.

The Scoop:
Make mealtime easier (and more nutritious!) this holiday season. With Nurture Life, you can spend less time shopping, prepping and cooking and more time enjoying all the holidays have to offer. Nurture Life offers freshly prepared meals (never frozen) with an appealing range of kid-pleasing choices. They also accommodate dietary choices and restrictions with all meals clearly labeled: vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free and egg-free.

Scroll to peek some of Nurture Life’s offerings.

Check out the entire 10 days of deals by clicking here. 

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One Family’s Sweet Approach to Handling Halloween Candy

By Jessica Braider

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love the community aspect of it—everyone opening their doors to their neighbors and sharing food. I love how people, young and old, take the time to play and have fun. I love the spookiness of being out at night and the excitement of never knowing when a ghoul or ghost might jump out at you. I love the creativity that can happen with costumes.

But the reality is the Halloween can also be stressful, especially for parents. Between school parties, neighborhood gatherings, and trick-or-treating, the amount of sugar that comes into our homes is staggering. It can be challenging to navigate the onslaught of candy, cookies, and other treats that are offered.

When my kids were first discovering the joys of candy and the abundance of it at Halloween, my reaction was to come down hard and set strict rules. Guess what? It didn’t go so well. There were negotiations, battles, and misery on both sides. It was exhausting and it dragged on and on.

So then I tried the carefree approach, which led to fewer arguments, but not less stress for me. I found myself in a constant internal battle to keep my mouth shut, which was completely unnatural (what can I say, I have opinions…) and also, totally exhausting.

After exploring lots of different approaches from serious candy restriction, to the “Switch Witch,” to candy buy-back options, I started to come up with a new strategy. It took a few years of tweaking, but in the past two years or so we have found our family’s sweet spot (pun intended) when it comes to Halloween treats.

Here is what it looks like:

  1. On Halloween evening I make sure that before we leave for trick or treating all bellies are full of nutritious food. This is good for two reasons: one, less chance of a hunger or exhaustion meltdown, and two, and a fuller belly has less room for candy. Usually, I try to make some sort of thematic meal that will be appealing enough that the kids will eat it in the midst of their Halloween excitement. But I try to make sure that it isn’t too labor-intensive because, reality check, getting kids into costumes and out the door is no easy feat, especially on a school night. (Check out links in my bio for some of our simple family favorites.)
  2. During trick or treating all bets are off. The kids can eat as much candy as they want. (Yes, they usually get a stomachache, but I actually think that is an important life lesson and am ok with it.)
  3. The day after Halloween they can again enjoy as much of their candy as they want (I am usually surprised by how controlled they are after surviving the previous night’s stomachaches). This is also when the sorting and trading happens.
  4. After that, their candy is available for their daily treat, should they want it. This means that they can choose to have 2-to-3 pieces of candy for their daily treat or they can select any other option that is available.

This approach has worked well for our family for a couple of reasons. The first is that the expectations are clear which means there is no need for negotiations. (In my experience as a parent, when the rules are clear and consistent, there isn’t as much room for bargaining.) The other reason I think this approach has been such a success is that we aren’t taking their candy away, just helping them to enjoy it in modest portions. This means that there is never a sense of deprivation that can lead to sneaking, binging, or fights. In fact, since implementing this approach a few years ago my kids seem to always eventually lose interest in the candy and there has always been leftover candy in their pumpkins when the next Halloween comes around (something that never happened in my own childhood!).

 

Jessica Braider is a mother of two playful boys. As the CEO of The Scramble, an online meal planning service committed to helping busy families get easy, and delicious meals on the table, she fulfills her passion for food and her love for working with parents to build happy families.

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