Welcome back to Broke in Bristol – the blog that helps you save money, make money and socialise (with or without the kids) on a shoestring. Every week, we’ll be letting you know about the best deals and local events to help you live life to the full on a budget.
This Sunday 19 June, it’s Father’s Day, so we’ve found all the best free and cheap gifts – as well as free things to do with dad this weekend. We’ve also got the lowdown on free and cheap events for party animals – believe me you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Free Father’s Day gifts
They say it’s the thought that counts, right? Aside from getting the kids to draw a lovely card, there are other ways to show dad you care, without having to spend a fortune. If you’re an O2 customer you can pop into your local Thorntons store and get a 25g iced ‘DAD’ chocolate for Father’s Day – absolutely free.
If dad is more green fingered than chocoholic, you can order him a free calendar for garden lovers from Groupon. Hardcore Lawnography is a calendar for lawn lovers, which takes a seasonal look at some lovely luscious lawns. It may be a freebie, but if he loves gardening, he’ll appreciate the gesture.
Free entry for dads
Some of the big local attractions are running promotions where dads get in free this weekend, so what better time to make a family outing that little bit cheaper? If he’s always wanted to go to Longleat Safari Park, dad goes free this Saturday 18 or Sunday 19 when accompanied by a full paying adult or full paying child (3-15).
If he prefers cars to camels, Berkeley Castle is hosting a Vintage Car Show in Gloucestershire this Sunday. Not only is it free entry, but dads will also be treated to a free lunch too. He can try his hand at archery and the kids can make their dad something special in the arts and craft workshop.
Both Bristol Zoo and the Wild Place Project are inviting dads along to visit this Sunday for free, with a full paying adult or child. There are plenty of animal fathers at both venues, with lots of amazing animals from across the world. To download a voucher visit the Wild Place website or for your Bristol Zoo entry, click here.
Gifts £5 and under
Did you know that you can pick up one of the best wines in the world for under a fiver? La Moneda Reserva Malbec won the best single-varietal red under £15 in the Decanter World Wine Awards and is the perfect accompaniment to dad’s BBQ. At the moment it’s on offer at Asda for £4.37!
If even a fiver seems frivolous, then don’t despair. Pop along to Poundland and choose from a photo frame, beer glass with handle, huge selection of DVDs, Father’s Day plaque, mug or many more items.
Gifts £10 and under
Is dad a Star Wars fan? For just £6.99 including delivery Ebay shop Absolute Cult is selling a really good selection of Star Wars t-shirts. Of course, they’re not just for dad, as the site sells a lot of stuff for women and kids too, so you could stock up on a few items while you’re there. If you buy three, you get 30% off one.
One of the hottest deals I’ve stumbled across this week is one that will be right up Mr Spendthrift’s street. Groupon is offering 95% off an online Garden Design & Landscaping course which explores the principles and procedures behind designing and developing gardens. So if he loves to garden, he’ll love this present. Buy it now for just £9!
Free parties this weekend
There are lots of free events going on this weekend for everyone whether you’re young, free and single or looking for something for the whole family to enjoy! For our full list, please visit our What’s On page but some of the hottest highlights include the Midsummer Street Party at The Lido, Pop Confessional at Thekla, M Shed’s 5th Birthday Party and All Hallows Festival in Easton.
Make some dosh.
Sometimes when times are really tough you may need to make some extra cash. Become a mystery shopper by signing up to a company such as Market Force. It won’t make you a millionaire, but you will receive a small payment or at least be allowed to keep your shopping for free.
Alternatively you could sign up to a site like PeoplePerHour.com and join thousands of people experienced at web design, writing and social media, all selling their services an hour at a time. If you have a more practical skill to offer, then why not stick an ad on a site like Gumtree?
That’s it for this week’s blog but please let us know if you hear about a brilliant bargain or cheap local event and we’ll do our best to spread the word. Please don’t forget to like and share this post so that you can be the first to know about the best local deals and events happening in and around this wonderful city!
