A Simple Pioneer Gift for a Little Sister
In Little House on the Prairie, Laura and Mary find beads left behind at the Indian camp and string them together to make a gift for their little sister, Carrie. Later, in On the Banks of Plum Creek, they recreate the idea using buttons from Ma’s button jar, crafting a special Christmas gift made from love and simple treasures.
This charming activity gives you the chance to recreate a pioneer-era homemade toy or necklace using easy-to-find materials, just like Laura and Mary did. Perfect for holiday crafts, Little House units, or quiet indoor fun.
Supplies You’ll Need
String, yarn, or twine
Buttons or beads (any size, shape, or color)
Optional: Darning needle (blunt tip) for easier threading
Optional: Scissors and tape to help with stringing
Need an assortment of buttons? Look for “craft button jars” with 100+ pieces in mixed sizes and colors—great for classroom kits and family projects!
Instructions
1. Prepare the String
Cut a piece of yarn or string about 18–24 inches long (longer if making a necklace).
Tie a large knot at one end, big enough that the first button or bead won’t slip off.
Alternatively, you can secure the first button or bead by tying it tightly to the end.
2. Start Stringing
Begin threading buttons or beads onto the string, one at a time.
Mix and match colors, sizes, and shapes to create your own design.
You can group colors together or alternate patterns—whatever looks best to you!
Make it a learning activity: For younger kids, practice patterns, color sorting, or even counting while stringing.
3. Finish and Tie
Once you’re happy with your button or bead string:
Tie the two ends together securely to make a necklace or bracelet.
You can also leave it open-ended if you’d like to hang it as a decoration, bookmark, or ornament.
Just like Laura and Mary, you can give your button string to someone special! Here are a few fun gift ideas:
A child-sized necklace for a sibling or friend
A handmade ornament for a Christmas tree
A decoration for a doll or toy
A bookmark for someone who loves to read
A friendship gift with a card about life in Laura’s time
Educational Tie-In
This activity is a simple way to teach:
Resourcefulness and the value of handmade gifts
Pioneer traditions and 1800s family life
Creativity and fine motor skills through crafting
How to find joy in simple things, just like Laura’s family did
Perfect for:
Little House–themed lessons
Homeschooling history units
Holiday crafts with a pioneer twist
Rainy day quiet time
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