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10 Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day on a Budget

Rebecca Bebbington·Jun 7, 2023

Show your Dad just how much you appreciate him this year with a thoughtful gift that won’t break the bank!

Father’s Day 2023 is swiftly approaching (mark your calendars for Sunday 18th June), offering you the ideal opportunity to show that special man or father figure in your life just how much you love them.

The good news is, you don’t have to empty your bank account to make a lasting impression! If you’re on a tight budget this year, we’ve compiled 10 thoughtful ways you can say ‘Thank You’ without spending a fortune.

1. Cook a Special Meal

It’s no secret that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, which is why cooking up a storm for your old man is a fantastic way to show your appreciation! If your dad is hard to buy for, swap expensive gifts for a home-cooked, slap-up meal. Whether he loves a good curry or an old-fashioned roast dinner, Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to chuck on the apron and get creative in the kitchen.

And with summer now in full swing, why not dust the cobwebs off the BBQ and host a garden party with the family to celebrate? Now is the perfect time to make the most of the outdoors and nothing says Happy Father’s Day than their favourite food!

Many stores including Morrisons, Aldi and Asda Groceries are offering great deals on BBQ essentials including all the meats Dad will love.

There’s no need to splurge on expensive restaurant prices this Father’s Day. A home-cooked meal is much more heartfelt and will cost a fraction of the price.

If you’re stuck for inspiration, many supermarkets offer affordable meal deals for two that sound pretty delicious:

Tesco Finest Dinner for Two: £12 (Clubcard Price)

Includes: Main + Side + Dessert + Drink

M&S Grastopub Dine In: £12

Includes: Main + Side + Starter or Dessert

Asda Extra Special Meal Deal: £12

Includes: Main + Side + Dessert + Drink or Chocolates + 1 x Sky Store Movie Voucher

2. Order a Takeaway

It may sound simple, but we all love a good old takeaway, Dad included! And what better way to share the love than with a delicious meal delivered to your door? Check out our latest deals for UberEats, JustEat and Deliveroo – we keep our pages updated every day with the latest deals and discounts as and when they drop!

Find out ways you can save on your takeaway in our blog. Our top tips are to weigh up your delivery options (sometimes it’s cheaper to collect your order) and to look for a discount code. Some restaurants offer free delivery so keep your eyes peeled for those too.

3. Restaurant Offers

If you really want to treat Dad this year but don’t want to spend over the odds in a luxury restaurant, why not take him down to the local pub? If your old man is a lover of pub grub, then you and he both are in for a treat.

Head over to your local Sizzling Pub this Father’s Day and enjoy a Jack Daniels and mixer on the house when you order using the Sizzling App. What better way to celebrate than over a burger or mixed grill?

Hungry Horse pubs are also offering Dad a free drink with their choice of tasty meals when you pre-book online before the 15th of June. And as a bonus, they will also be entered into a draw to win a year’s supply of Carling!

4. Outdoor Picnic

Father’s Day doesn’t mean you have to leave the house and spend a fortune, you can make memories from your very own home! Plan a picnic in your backyard or even the nearby park or beach. Pack some sandwiches, snacks, and Dad’s favourite beverages and enjoy quality time with your father in a peaceful and relaxed setting. You don’t even have to leave the house if you don’t like it – with the sun shining this June, why not venture into the backyard?

5. Plan a Surprise Day

Who doesn’t love a surprise? We certainly do and we know your Dad will too. So why not treat your father by organising a surprise day filled with activities he enjoys!

It can be a day dedicated to his hobbies, such as fishing, gardening, or playing golf or football. Breakfast in bed is a great way to kickstart the day, followed by fun activities, meeting up with family or friends or even spending the day at home or in the garden catching up! Tailor the day to his interests and make him feel special. Knowing you’ve organised and planned the day around him is sure to make him feel extra special.

6. Host a Movie Night

You simply cannot beat chilling on the sofa watching your favourite movie! If your Dad is a movie buff, why not set up a cosy movie night at home. Choose his favourite films or a selection of family-friendly movies and kick back on the sofa for a movie marathon. Make some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy a movie night with a few drinks and some tasty food!

7. Nature Walk or Hike

Get outdoors this Father’s Day and make the most of the weather this June with a walk. Not only is it free, but a great opportunity to enjoy nature and the outdoors this summer. Explore local trails, parks, or nature reserves and round off your adventure with ice cream (or a pint!). Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while having a good old chinwag with your old man – we know he will appreciate it!

8. Make a Homemade Card

If your Dad appreciates a good old-fashioned card, why not create your own at home? Grab any supplies you have in the cupboard and get to work creating your very own personalised Father’s Day card. Attach one of your favourite photos and write a heartfelt message that will leave him weeping.

And don’t be shy, embarrass your Dad with a fun quote and a throwback picture to make him laugh!

9. Create your own DIY Gift

The best gifts are the ones which come from the heart, so why not create your very own heartfelt gift? It can be anything from a photo collage to a hand-painted mug. Handmade gifts hold sentimental value and are guaranteed to leave your Dad feeling special.

If your old man has a sweet tooth, why not bake him something delicious? There are thousands of recipes online that are low-cost and extra tasty.

10. Affordable Gifts

Did you know there are plenty of gifts available online that are as little as £10? Head over to the likes of Amazon, George, Matalan and The Card Factory for super affordable and fun gifts that don’t cost a fortune. Whether his socks have seen better days or he loves a good mug, the simplest of things are always the most useful and affordable so you can guarantee he will appreciate them.

Save with NetVoucherCodes

Head over to our Father’s Day 2023 Category to see the latest deals and discounts we have on gifts, experiences and more!

If you’re thinking about buying your Dad something online, why not check out our 22 killer tips for saving money online to ensure you’re not spending over the odds.

Our Top 5 Tips are:

  1. Loyalty Schemes: Many stores offer loyalty schemes where you can earn points while you shop. For example, if you’re a Tesco regular, you might have racked up some serious Clubcard points which you can redeem on items of your choice in-store!
  2. First-Order Discount Codes: Thousands of online stores off an exclusive voucher code with your first order when you sign up for their newsletter. This is a quick and easy way to bag a decent saving on your order.
  3. Student & NHS Discounts: If you’re a student or Blue Light Card holder, make sure you’re making the most of the exclusive discounts offered to you! If you’re a keyworker, download the Blue Light Card app and sign up for access to hundreds of exclusive deals at tons of your favourite stores both online and in-store. Likewise, if you’re a student, make sure you’re signed up at both UNiDays and Student Beans for tons of juicy savings.
  4. Free Delivery: Keep your eyes peeled for stores offering free delivery over a certain amount. This is a great way to save on delivery fees!
  5. Friend Referrals: Many stores offer a friend referral scheme where you can share a unique link with friends, and once they make an order you and them both will enjoy a discount.

And most importantly, Happy Father’s Day to all the Father’s & Dad’s out there💚

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