Here’s a challenge you can’t pass up: Try and leave empty handed after a visit toHip Chics Boutique in Clemmons. Go on, I dare you. Believe me, it won’t be easy. But I’m guessing most of you already know this since Hip Chics was voted “Favorite Gift Shop” among our readers in the 2011 Choice Awards!

No matter your age (from grown-ups to tweens to toddlers), Hip Chics has something enticing for you. From jewelry, to bags and totes, monogrammed gifts, collegiate and seasonal items, and inventory from local and national designers – your quest to find that perfect gift has never been easier or more fun.

I remember hearing all the buzz when Hip Chics first opened in 2007 and I made my way there shortly thereafter. Well, they had me at “hello” because I just fell for the place. The store is bright and cheery (just like the folks who greet you when you walk in) and their collection of trendy, fashionable and affordable gifts abound! Tucked in every corner of the store is something cute or eye-catching. You can literally spend hours admiring all the unique items. So while it’s a fun place to shop, it’s not always so fun having to make a decision on a gift!

Today, Hip Chics is my seven-year-old’s go-to place for birthday party presents – and that’s just fine with me because we both enjoy an excuse to go back.

My daughter usually does a beeline for all the “peace” products, and we both adore the personalized gift items (from note pads to wine glasses to you name it). We’re also fans of the line of scarves known as Logi B Designs (designer Logan is the teen-age daughter of Hip Chics owner Kristina Prysiazniuk).

When it comes to jewelry, some of our favorite items include the popular collectable bead line, Trollbeads, where every bead has a story and every story has a bead, as well as interchangeable Kameleon JewelPop jewelry. I love Hip Chics new line of personalized, hand-stamped sterling silver pendants. (Perfect Mother’s Day gift ideas – hint that to the hubby!)

Year-round Hip Chics also carries Bagallini bags as well as Scout Bags totes. Other favorite gift ideas for “her” include the popular Mom Agenda, Lindsay Phillips “Switchflops”, frames and Hip Chics’ new line of scented Yankee candles.

And Hip Chics is not just for girls. In fact my four-year-old son found his first wallet (with an adorable airplane design) at Hip Chics along with many other items. The collegiate accessories are a favorite among shoppers and you can find most any school in the Southeast represented. Plus near the holidays, Hip Chics hosts “Men’s Shop Night” – a brilliant idea for those last-minute-shopper husbands.

Hip Chics prides itself on making its customers feel welcome in its store, and carries the same commitment outside the store as well. Owner Prysiazniuk grew up in Clemmons and says, “Having a business in my community means so much to me. My customers are, in some case, people I have known for years. Hip Chics Boutique is focused on giving back to our community. From supporting local events in the area, like the Angels Race, and local charities like Sally’s Angels, to our local schools and churches, we believe that giving back sets us apart from the big box stores. Buying local and supporting local companies only helps enrich the community as a whole,” she said.*

If you haven’t been, it’s worth the trip. But be forewarned: Once you go, you’ll be back again and again. It’s addicting. And I bet you won’t leave empty handed!

Hip Chics Boutique is located at 2668 Lewisville-Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC. Hours of operation are: Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri from 9 am to 6 pm; Thurs from 9 am to 7 pm; and Sat from 10 am to 5 pm. For additional information call 766-8122, or visit their web site or Facebook page. (Be sure to “like” them on Facebook because they update their fans on new arrivals and sales regularly!)

Don’t forget: The Second Annual Clemmons Community Day will be held TODAY from 10:00am to 3:00pm at The Forsyth Broncos Field adjacent to Clemmons Elementary School (6200 Bingham Avenue, Clemmons, NC 27012.)  Hip Chics will have a table at this event (and so will Triad Moms on Main) so come out and see us!

*Interview with Forsyth Woman magazine (November 2009 issue)