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November 20, 2014

Brothers and sisters should be easy to choose Christmas presents for. In theory, they are the people most similar to you and, whatever you like, they will probably prefer as well.

Obviously, that is not how it works.

He has grown out of it now but, for years, this blogger’s brother liked nothing better than tinkering with his train set and perfecting the model villages which the trains passed through.

On the other hand, I thought that it would be much more entertaining if my toy Godzilla were to go on the rampage and lay waste to his model villages.

It has taken twenty years for him to get over that but we are talking again now.

Clay target shooting

These days, I suspect that my brother would enjoy a clay pigeon shooting session. Especially if I was there with him and he shot better than me. Sibling rivalry may mellow with age but it never goes away completely.

On the 5pm Christmas gift page, there are two shooting experiences on offer.

Adventure 001 shooting

Adventure 001 are offering a clay pigeon shooting experience at Cumbernauld Shooting School for £39 per person.

As well as equipment hire and expert tuition, the offer includes a minimum of 32 clays/cartridges.

Over at the Central Scotland Shooting School, near Falkirk, the offer comes in three versions. £29 per person buys 30 shells and targets; £39 buys 40 shells and targets while £45 buys 50.

Naturally, gun hire and tuition is included.

Music lessons

Singing lessons

The music lessons on offer at Glasgow Music Studios could be another smart idea for sibling pressies.

The £49 offer is for one person to have three one hour music lessons from professional music teachers.

The choice of lessons includes piano, guitar, drums and singing.

Obviously, if your brother or sister lives with anyone else then it’s only polite to check with their co-habitees before investing in drum lessons.

It might also be wise to think carefully how you are going to present the gift.

Most aspiring musicians would welcome music lessons delivered with a note reading ‘I thought you would enjoy these’.

If they are accompanied by a note which says ‘Please, please, for the sake of mercy, take these singing lessons’ then you will likely get a very different reaction.

Winter tanning

Twisted Sister tanning

A spot of pampering is always appreciated by sisters. The spray tan and Shellac treatment package on offer at Twisted Sister in the Glasgow’s Merchant City looks particularly apt for this time of year.

The £18 offer features a full body spray tan using swish new He-Shi products. These give a natural, flawless tan within minutes – always welcome in chilly January.

Massage and facial

Likely to be just as welcome is the pamper package on offer from Beauty at the Terrace in Bridge of Weir.

This recently opened salon is offering a relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage plus an individually tailored, 30 minute facial for £19.

A pick-me-up pamper is the perfect mood booster for the new year.

Massage Beauty Terrace

Private dining

If you really want to promote harmony among your siblings then you should give them all the same thing by inviting them, and the rest of the family, to a private dining experience at Edinburgh’s Hotel du Vin.

Running Sunday to Thursday, the £290 Deal is for eight people to enjoy a three course meal in the Chef’s Table private dining room.

As well as a glass of Prosecco on arrival, the deal includes a half bottle of house wine per person to accompany your meal.

HdV dessert