Are you looking for that all important gift for someone special, stressed about what to buy the person who has everything or want to treat your loved one to a special gift?

So often we find ourselves struggling to know what to buy that someone who ‘has everything’ and spend hours trawling the high street in search of that special gift. Something that has not already been bought in previous years, something that is a little bit different and something special and original.

Whether you are looking for a Christmas gift, a birthday present, a ‘thank you’ for someone, a mothers or fathers day gift or an anniversary surprise, why not book a self catering break or holiday away in the UK.

A recent survey of 2057 adults by YouGov revealed that 35% of people are not planning to take a holiday of five days or more in 2012 so maybe it is the perfect time to give your nearest and dearest a holiday or short break away as a gift. You may also find that it is not as expensive as you think. Take a look at our Last Minute Cottages where you will find a huge selection of last minute getaways with something to suite all budgets. There are some incredibly cheap short breaks currently available, for example £145 for three nights for two in Cornwall (under £25 per person, per night and with the use of a hot tub!) and £199 for four nights for four people in the Yorkshire Dales (less than £12.50 per person, per night!).

There are plenty of wonderful places to visit throughout the UK too, and what could be nicer than to receive a relaxing break away in a cosy romantic holiday cottage; a family holiday by the sea; a city break in a stylish apartment; or a weekend in a log cabin by a lake. A UK break is also relatively hassle free as there are no flights to book and many holiday cottages are dog friendly, so no kennels or pet sitters to arrange.

Booking holiday accommodation independently gives you direct contact with the cottage owner who will often go out of their way to ensure your surprise gift is well received. Maybe you would like champagne or flowers arranged ready for arrival; a fire made up ready for lighting; local restaurant suggestions or a cottage brochure to add to your gift package – just speak to the owner directly to see how they can help.

At a time when there is so much doom and gloom in the economy, why not give a holiday or short break away as a gift and give that special person something to look forward to and remember.