Find your 'hidden' inner child

This is the fifth installment in a bi-weekly feature on specialty stores in the Boston area. This week, the Dailylooks at candy stores.

To walk into Hidden Sweets in Harvard Square is to transport yourself back in time. It's not just a metaphor; when you enter the candy store and novelty gift shop, you revert to being that kid in the candy store.

Hidden Sweets sells all sorts of candies by the pound and by the package, as well as cards, some toys, novelty gifts, and Boston and Harvard specific souvenirs. It's just about the most frivolous store that you could imagine, and it's absolutely fabulous.

It's perfect for one-stop shopping. Say your sister is having trouble getting into college: you can compile her a care package containing a consolation card, a Harvard t-shirt, and a half a pound of chocolate without ever leaving the store. You can also buy fashionable accessories such as purses and scarves (which are surprisingly cute for novelty store merchandise). You can also stock up on clever coffee mugs and coffee table figurines.

The two locations are conveniently located just around the block from one another. The smaller of the two is located on Church Street next to the Harvard Square Loews Theater. Although it is decidedly cramped inside and lacks much of the gift merchandise that the larger store carries, the location of the store right next to the movie theater is ideal. Two of the walls of the store are lined with bulk candy bins, and you can run in and pick a bag of your favorite sweets while your friends are waiting in line for movie tickets. (Just don't let the Loews employees catch you smuggling in the tasty contraband.)

If you're claustrophobic, or your inner shopper hungers for more than just jelly beans and root beer barrels, circle the block and pay a visit to the Brattle Street location of the store. This location boasts two floors, and sells not only candy but all sorts of other knick-knacks, gifts, and souvenirs.

Though the gifts are amusing, the real reason to go to Hidden Sweets is the candy. For the most part, Hidden Sweets' selection of sugary treats is extensive. Bulk candy is definitely the best way to go, because you can pick and choose your poisons. They've got about a bazillion kinds of Jelly Bellies. Mix chocolate covered Oreos, licorice of all flavors, and tootsie rolls with those little gummy coke bottles for a scrumptious assortment; the selection puts Jumbo Express' candy selection to shame. Try the chocolate covered gummy bears -- they're the stuff diabetic dreams are made of.

For actual diabetics, Atkins converts, or pre-dental students, there is a very good assortment of sugar free candy. You can buy bulk chocolates, caramels, and fruit chews, as well as packaged suckers, jelly beans, and chocolates.

The packaged candy selection is great, too. If you've got a nostalgic kind of sweet tooth, you can find candy dots, Boston Baked Beans, and Necco wafers. If you're shopping for gag gifts, the store conveniently carries such classics as "Gummy Boobs" and "Peppermint Peckers."

There are a few caveats in the Hidden Sweets experience. Their candy is a little pricey. A pound sells for $8.95, compared to $5.99 at Jumbo Express. The vast array of options with which you are presented makes the price difference worth it though.

Hidden Sweets is open relatively late, until 9:00 p.m. during the week and 10:00 p.m. on weekends. Hours are extended during the summer. Next time you have a craving that Jumbo just can't satisfy, hit up Harvard Square and Hidden Sweets. Your inner child will thank you.