Friendship Zipper Pulls

Activity Description: Youth make zipper pulls with beads and paracord to give as gifts to each other.

Items Needed:

1 ¼” round key rings, one for each youth
Key chain clips, one for each youth
Paracord cut into 8” pieces, one for each youth
Plastic craft beads, assorted colors
(Optional) Scissors for trimming ends

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 15–20 min):

Assign buddies. (1–2 min)
- Pair youth with a buddy to make a gift for. Groups of three are fine if needed.
- Have supplies ready and organized.
Demonstrate how to make a zipper pull. (3–4 min)
- Show an example so youth can see the finished craft.
Begin crafting. (8–10 min)
- Attach the key chain clip to the key ring.
- Fold paracord in half, push the loop through the key ring, and pull ends through the loop to secure.
- Add beads of choice.
- Tie an overhand knot at the end to hold beads in place.
Exchange zipper pulls. (3–4 min)
- Youth give their zipper pull to their buddy. Encourage polite words of thanks during the exchange.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

Video: Portland District Library – Beaded Keychains
Video: Get Knotted Paracord – Learn 4 Paracord Knots

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Click Here -> See what GSUSA Requirements could be met

Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Info Needed: Practice being friendly and helpful at Girl Scouts

Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Daisy Petal – Friendly and Helpful badge requirements.

IF created with a focus on color:

Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Brownie, or Junior Art and Design badge requirements.

IF created for someone specific:

Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Daisy Create and Innovate badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Brownie Create and Innovate badge requirements.

IF created about a specific pattern:

Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Brownie Art and Design badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Junior Art and Design badge requirements.

IF created with a specific function, form, OR fit:

Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Brownie Craft and Tinker badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Junior Craft and Tinker badge requirements.

Click Here -> See what Scouting America Requirements could be met

Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Info Needed: Read the Scout Law AND show how you can be trustworthy, helpful, or friendly.

Fulfills Step 2 of Lions Bobcat Lion requirements.
Fulfills Step 3 of Tiger Bobcat Tiger requirements.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
_{(No official Groups)}

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Updated on January 2, 2026, by:

Tia Kennard

Click Here -> To see information References:

Disclaimer: The information published on Youth Activity Archive and The Badge Archive is built from the references listed below. These sources demonstrate that our content is grounded in facts and research, not opinion or speculation. Readers may consult them directly when looking for additional material.

Scouting America. “Friendship Zipper Pull.” scouting.org, 2024, https://www.scouting.org/cub-scout-activities/friendship-zipper-pull/. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
Get Knotted Paracord. “Learn These 4 Paracord Knots and Become a Keychain Pro!” Youtube.com, 9 Feb. 2023, youtu.be/0bdHOO-HGH8?si=PEIkIfkWZgHPcAd6. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
Portland District Library. “Beaded Keychains.” Youtube.com, 14 Feb. 2025, youtu.be/0FP6lwoOOm8?si=H-6hZYqH0O5LhzIX. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.