There are a few 'staples' that I like to keep around for entertaining kids. Some of them are predictable -- like Play-Doh. But a few days ago when we got out the beads for the first time in a while I thought I should post about it because they have killed many an hour around here.
My kids LOVE stringing beads. We have made more necklaces and bracelets than you can imagine. This most recent experience we made necklaces for the Webkinz in our family. It was great because their necks are smaller than human necks so the kids had enough of an attention span to make it clear through them.
Over the years we have collected some more 'exotic' beads, but we started with a big bucket of "Pony" Beads (that's what they call them) from Michael's (I'm sure I used a 40% off coupon so they weren't too expensive.) I also think Elastic Thread is worth every penny -- and really it isn't that much. Most bead 'kits' come with a plastic 'thread' that doesn't stretch and doesn't tie. It's mostly a frustration. But the elastic thread works well. Just tie a bead on the end and let your kiddo go to work. If they are too young for the thread to work for them, Pipe Cleaners work great (just bend the end around one bead to keep them on)! What do you do with them you ask? You can form the Pipe Cleaner into their favorite letter, you can make a candy cane or wreath for a Christmas ornament, or just be creative. If you allow it, I think your kids will have the best idea yet! (Heaven help you :) )
Beads can even be a good thing for killing time on road trips. I just give my kids some beads in a 5 oz. paper cup (another kid staple -- especially for road trips, but that's another post) and some string or a pipe cleaner and they thread away while we drive. And when we get to Grandma's house we have a new necklace just for her. 
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