Need a few hints for your holiday shopping list?

Clothing, electronics, gift cards and holiday decor are expected to be among the hottest-selling items this holiday season.

So says Dan Butler, a 26-year retail industry veteran who now serves as vice president of merchandising and retail operations for the National Retail Federation, a Washington, D.C.-based trade group.

Butler outlined some of his predictions for retailers' busiest time of year during a media conference call on Friday. Some details of his findings:

--In women's fashion apparel, 3/4-length boots and 3/4-length coats are expected to fly off the shelves, while tailored denim items will be popular for both genders. Diamonds will be big sellers, too. "Many people get engaged over the holiday season," Butler said.

--Wide-screen televisions should fare well as prices have fallen, making them more affordable to more people. Accessories for hand-held devices such as iPods and cell phones are gaining momentum, too.

--Gift card sales will continue to grow, as they're gaining acceptance from gift-givers and recipients. An increasing number of retailers are selling gift cards with personalization options such as music or photos.

--Shoppers also will be spending on festive home decor, such as holiday-themed china, holiday linens and even high-end "collectible" tree ornaments.

The National Retail Federation expects consumers to spend about $448 billion this holiday season, about 4 percent more than last year. That's the slowest growth rate since 2002, when sales ticked up a measly 1.3 percent in the wake of a recession and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Green beauty

A new earth-friendly spa is set to open Saturday in Mount Pleasant.

Viridian Day Spa will offer facial, massage and body treatments such as seaweed baths. It also will stock earth-friendly products such as seaweed-based treatments.

Founded by Laura Kennedy, the business is at 1067 Cliffwood Drive in a former medical building. It was built with eco-friendly touches such as cork and bamboo flooring and counter tops made of recycled glass.

"I wanted to create a healthy environment for employees and guests," Kennedy, a former corporate executive, said of her "green" venture. "Treading lightly on the planet is a natural fit for spas, whose mission is to promote healthy, balanced living."

During Viridian's grand opening Saturday and Sunday, visitors can tour the spa, register for prize drawings and receive a free gift box after booking their first appointment. The Web site is www.viridiandayspa.com.

Anchors away

Ship Shapes Maritime Gallery recently relocated to Aquarium Wharf after three years on Queen Street in downtown Charleston.

The gallery is now at 360 Concord St., Fountain Walk, Suite 103, near the South Carolina Aquarium.

Products include authentic nautical artifacts, model yachts and marine art, including paintings by gallery owners Bill Thomas-Moore and Diane Scher.

Ship Shapes also houses a custom ship model and restoration studio, and serves as headquarters for the Ship Modelers Guild and the Charleston Harbor Society. Other services include free ship-modeling demonstrations, as well as private tutoring and classes in the model shipbuilding craft.

Reach Caroline Fossi at cfossi@postandcourier.com or 937-5524.