What qualities would you like in a best friend?
Create a 'Best Friend Qualities' poster listing traits you value, then make a simple friendship bracelet and discuss choices with a partner.
About this activity
Create a 'Best Friend Qualities' poster listing traits you value, then make a simple friendship bracelet and discuss choices with a partner.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all your materials and set them on a clear table so you can work comfortably.
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Step 2
Think of as many qualities as you can that you want in a best friend and write them down quickly for two minutes.
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Step 3
Read your list and circle your top six qualities that matter most to you.
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Step 4
Lightly sketch the layout of your poster with a pencil marking a big title area a list area and a decoration area.
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Step 5
Write a big colorful title at the top of your poster that says Best Friend Qualities.
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Step 6
Write each of your six chosen qualities on the poster leaving space beside each for a short note or symbol.
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Step 7
Add a short sentence or a few words beside each quality explaining why it is important to you.
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Step 8
Decorate around your words with drawings stickers or color patterns that show what the qualities feel like.
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Step 9
Cut three strands of yarn or embroidery floss each about 24 inches long to make your bracelet.
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Step 10
Tie the three strands together with a secure knot and tape the knot to the table or clip it so the strands do not move.
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Step 11
Braid the three strands tightly until the bracelet reaches a size that will fit your wrist.
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Step 12
Slide on beads to represent qualities or color ideas then tie a secure knot to finish the bracelet and trim any extra strand ends.
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Step 13
Show your poster and bracelet to your partner talk about why you chose each quality and then share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I make a 'Best Friend Qualities' poster and friendship bracelet with my child?
To do this activity, start by asking children to think about qualities they value in a friend. Give each child a poster sheet to write or draw five to ten traits, decorating with colors, photos, or stickers. Next, demonstrate a simple friendship bracelet: cut two or three strands of embroidery floss, tie a knot, braid or twist to desired length, and knot the end. Pair children to share why they chose traits and trade bracelets or keep them as reminders.
What materials do I need for a 'Best Friend Qualities' poster and simple friendship bracelet?
You'll need a poster-sized paper or large cardstock, markers, crayons, stickers, glue, and scissors (child-safe). For bracelets use embroidery floss, yarn, or elastic cord plus beads, a ruler, and tape or a clipboard to hold strands. Optional: photos, magazines for collage, hole punch, clear laminating sheet, and a safety pin for threading elastic. Always supervise small beads and provide age-appropriate scissors to reduce risk.
What ages is the 'Best Friend Qualities' poster and bracelet activity suitable for?
This activity suits ages 5–12 best. Younger children (4–5) can participate with adult help — use simple words, pictures, and pre-cut strands for bracelets. Older children and tweens (10–12) can explore deeper conversations about friendship boundaries and make more complex bracelet patterns like braids or macramé. Adapt complexity and supervision according to fine motor skills, attention span, and the group's social readiness.
What are the benefits of doing a 'Best Friend Qualities' poster and friendship bracelet activity?
Making a 'Best Friend Qualities' poster and bracelet builds social-emotional skills: identifying values, practicing listening, and articulating feelings. Crafting improves fine motor control, planning, and creativity. Partner discussions strengthen communication, empathy, and conflict-resolution language. It's also a confidence booster when children display or gift their bracelets. Safety note: supervise small beads, use child-safe scissors, and remind kids not to share personal details during d
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have yarn, beads, or stickers?
Instead of cutting three strands of yarn or embroidery floss, use ribbon, shoelaces, or braided paper strips for the bracelet, substitute beads with buttons or painted pasta, and replace stickers with magazine cutouts or crayons for poster decorations.
My braid keeps coming undone or the bracelet is the wrong size — what should I do?
Follow the instruction to tie the three strands together with a secure knot and tape the knot to the table before you braid tightly until it fits your wrist, then finish with another secure knot and a dab of clear tape or fabric glue so the braid doesn't unravel and you can trim extra strand ends as directed.
How can I adapt the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children, shorten the two-minute brainstorming to a drawing and have an adult pre-cut and tape the three strands and use large beads, while older kids can write more detailed sentences beside each of their six chosen qualities and add complex braiding or charms to the bracelet.
How can we make the poster and bracelet more personal or long-lasting?
Color-code each of the six chosen qualities on your poster, slide matching beads onto the bracelet to represent those qualities, laminate or frame the decorated poster, and add a small 'friend promise' note before sharing your creation on DIY.org.