Three+ rolls out Father’s Day rewards to spend on Dad Dates

Forget the old clichés about dads dishing out the DIY hacks, driving lectures and Sunday league loyalties – the latest generation of dads are fast becoming Britain’s cultural icons. New research from Three Mobile reveals that more than half (51%) of Brits say their dad or father figure introduced them to a cultural interest that later became a firm favourite, from watching sport (34%) to TV shows (29%) and films (26%). This Father’s Day, Three is inviting people to turn those shared passions into ‘Dad Dates’, with cinema tickets from £3 and catch-ups over barista-made drinks from just £1 through the Three+ customer rewards app.

From ’shaken, not stirred’ to ’The Hippy Hippy Shake’, today’s ‘Dad Icons’ have clearly introduced their children to more than just cheesy jokes. James Bond topped the list of films passed down by fathers (27%), followed by Star Wars (14%) and The Good, the Bad & The Ugly (13%), while The Beatles topped the music list (21%), followed by Queen (15%) and The Rolling Stones (12%).

And there’s a stronger psychological reason too, with half of Brits (49%) agreeing that bonding over music, film, gaming and fandoms has helped them connect more and build stronger relationships with their dads or father figures, with the majority (54%) admitting it has helped opened the door to deeper, more meaningful conversations too.

Dads may not always be known for being the best communicators, but almost a third (31%) of Gen Zs said they could always rely on support through the classic dad ‘thumbs up’ in the group chat or short practical replies (23%). When it comes to making the first move, tech native Gen Zs confess that their dad is more likely to drop them a line to check-in (even if this is sometimes via mum or a sibling – 40%). Whereas Millennials are the generation most likely to call or message their dads first (26%) – and also favour a traditional phone call (30%) over the other age-groups.

To encourage people to put more intentional time with father figures in the diary, Three is championing ‘Dad Dates’ – simple moments built around shared interests, like cinema trips and coffee catchups. Ahead of Father’s Day, Three has partnered with Jordon Cox, aka Coupon King, to share tips for planning these quality moments without breaking the bank. 

Jordon said: “Father’s Day is a good reminder that a great ‘Dad Date’ doesn’t need to cost the earth. It just needs a common interest and a reason you both put it in the diary. The trick is to plan around time-well-spent, rather than spending lots of money – I’m talking a cinema trip, turning a £1 coffee deal into a proper time to sit down and catch-up, or grabbing lunch whilst you get the car washed – this used to be a proper event with me and my dad! 

“I always check loyalty apps to find deals – and the Three+ rewards app always has a bunch of them. It’ll save you a bit of cash on a day out and gives you an excuse for quality time!”

Through its Three+ rewards app, Three is helping customers turn everyday check-ins into meaningful ‘Dad Dates’, without breaking the bank – making it easier to celebrate the father figures who are always at the end of the phone to offer a ‘thumbs up’. 

This year, Three customers can take advantage of the following Father’s Day treats*, via the free Three+ app: 

• Thousands of free car washes from IMO Car Wash across the UK (until 28th June)
• Weekend cinema tickets from £3 at Cineworld (weekly offer)
• Barista-made drinks from just £1 at Three’s Coffee Network of coffee shops and cafes (weekly offer)
• £5 off foodie favourites such as Papa Johns (weekly offer)
• £5 sizzling fajitas at Las Iguanas (until 30th June)
• £5 pizza or pasta at Frankie & Benny’s (until 30th June) 

For more ‘Dad Date’ inspiration, Jordon has pulled together five ways to spend time together without breaking the bank:

1. The Coffee Connoisseur: Treat Dad to a Coffee Date

Forget fancy lunches – a decent brew and a proper catch-up might be all dad wants! Meeting up for a coffee gives you the chance to slow down, catch up and spend some quality one-on-one time together, and you can grab a coffee for £1 on the Three+ rewards app too. 

2. The Movie Critic: Enjoy a Movie Together

You can often find deals on a trip to the cinema, which can actually be a budget-friendly way to celebrate. And you could always buy your own snacks at the supermarket to save on those popcorn prices! Because it’s Father’s Day – let dad off with the running commentary too!

3. The Foodie Father: Go for a classic 

Taking your dad out for dinner doesn’t have to mean an over the top meal. Loads of classic chains have great deals – including £5 off, ‘dads go free’ or ‘kids go free’ – so you can grab a seat and have a proper catch up over your favourite dish. 

4. The Memory Maker: Make your own personalised coupon

Being thoughtful can often mean a lot more to fathers than going broke on a gift… so why not make your own? There are tons of coupon templates online, that entitles dad to ‘one free breakfast in bed’ or ‘one uninterrupted football match’. You can print them off or write one of your own for the personalised touch. Personally speaking… I’d want nothing more!

5. Old and Reliable: Give the Gift of Time

When asked what they want most, many dads value spending time with family. A homemade card, a picnic in the park, helping with a DIY project or setting aside time to do something he enjoys can often mean more than an expensive present. That’s the best deal of all!

For more information on the Three+ rewards app, visitThree’s website.