Back-to-School Friendship Bracelets

Buy a multi-pack of embroidery floss and print a simple chevron pattern. Put on a tutorial video and let kids follow along — the first bracelet takes a while, then their hands learn it.

This is a rare activity where the talking is the point. Kids chat the whole time because their hands are busy and the pressure's off. You'll overhear the real stuff: who's in their class, what they're nervous about.

Make it a swap: everyone makes one for someone else at the table. Going home with a bracelet a friend made hits different than making your own.

Keep extra floss on hand. At least one kid will want to make three more, and that's the sign of a perfect playdate.