More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day. While the big brands are nice, scoring chocolate from a local shop seems extra special. Maybe it's just me, but I'd prefer my sweets come from a small business. The gifts they offer are usually more unique, or can be customized, which makes for a more thoughtful present. If you haven't gotten sweets for your sweet yet, head out to one of these New Jersey candy shops right now! If you're already set, don't forget - you'll find great deals tomorrow!

1. Van Holten's Chocolates, Brick/Seaside Heights

You'll find a sizable selection of fudge, chocolates, truffles, salt water taffy, cookies, cakes and classic candies. You can also find molded chocolates to fit every event or occasion, including sports themed kits, musical instruments, and more.

2. Mrs. Hanna Krause Candy, Paramus/Toms River

A family business since 1929, Mrs. Hanna Krause offers some of the finest chocolates around. Valentine's Day gifts start at under $5, including the 2 oz. box pictured. I highly recommend the chocolate-covered Oreos to sweeten up any occasion.

3. Aunt Charlotte's Candies, Merchantville

Another fantastic family business, you can tour the candy factory and see where the magic happens. This shop offers a massive selection of sweets including the famous chocolate "boxes." Why put your chocolates in cardboard when you can put them in chocolate?

4. Black River Candy Shoppe, Chester

This charming old-fashioned candy shop offers over 250 different types of chocolate bars! You can also find specialty Pennsylvania Dutch candies here.

5. Candylicious, Randolph

You can find chocolate-covered everything at this sweet shop! They also offer cotton candy, candy birthday parties and candy buffets for special events.

6. Giambri's Candy, Clemonton

This Philadelphia-area favorite is well-known for its porous lemon and lime sticks and wide selection of spectacular chocolate-covered pretzels.

7. Shrivers, Ocean City

A boardwalk staple since 1898, this sweet shop is famous for its salt water taffy and fudge. Both treats should not be missed.

8. The Fudge Shoppe, Flemington

This Jersey shop was recently named one of the best fudge shops in America by The Daily Meal. Offering much more than just fudge, you can build your own gift baskets.

9. Nutty Over Sweets, Sparta

This Sparta spots hosts candy parties and offers chocolates, sweets and nuts by the pound.

10. Conrad's Confectionary, Westwood

Conrad's has been featured on both Martha Stewart and The Chew! Enjoy homemade candies and ice cream.

11. Suzi's Sweet Shoppe, Middletown

Gifts, baskets, chocolates, fudge and more! They go all out for holidays, offering a large selection of themed treats.

12. Sweitzer Candy, Lakewood

This very fancy shop offers chocolates, nuts, candies and a selection of baked goods.

13. Chocolate Parfait, Newton

A truffle-filled chocolate shoe sounds spectacular, no? You can also find chocolate caramel apples, fudge, ice cream and old-fashioned candies.

14. Lee Sims Chocolates, Jersey City

Great for individual gifts, they also cater to corporate clients. You can customize almost anything, and the chocolate pyramids are award-winning.

Of course, there are candy shops all over the state. Share your favorite New Jersey candy shop in the comments. Happy Valentine's Day!