DIY this 2000s throwback trend

Picture this: It’s 2008. The sun is shining. Birds are singing. Your biggest priority is choosing between neon green and hot pink beads for your bestie’s friendship bracelet.

Sounds nice, right? If you’re feeling nostalgic for those simpler times before utility bills and Instagram FOMO, there’s great news! Beaded bracelets – like those throwbacks to your childhood – are tRenDy for adults, now!

Yessssssssssssss, I’m serious! As the kids say, “no cap!”

They’ve been spotted across social media – I’ve seen them popping up on every single one of my Insta Reels lately. As E! reports, celebs like Vanessa Hudgens and Maddie Ziegler are also rocking the cutesy jewelry.

(Vanessa – sorrrrrryyyyyy, but despite your fashion choices I still can’t forgive ya for that cringey & tone-deaf COVID vid from March 2020).

Wanna hop on the trend without breaking the bank?! It’s super simple.

All you need is a few pals, a bead kit and a killer 2000s playlist. There’s really no way to create friendship bracelets without a lil’ Gwen Stefani as a ~sweet escape~, am I right?

To prepare for this column, I picked up multi-color beads, jewelry wire and letter beads from Dollar General. My fabulous co-worker, K, and I spent an evening creating cute lil’ bracelets for our whole team.

Y2K fashion might be trendy, but it’s super duper fun too!

If you’re looking for a complete kit on a budget, reach for one like this from Dollar General! Etsy is also a great marketplace for all your ~crafty~ supplies – this seller features color coordinating kits for allllllllll your bracelet creations!

If you create your own twist on this trend, I *totes* wanna see! Tweet me at @nbakerARROW or tag me in your photos at @nicolette.baker_ on Instagram!