Braid boards can be made fairly easily. This one is a 1 x 4 with a narrow hole drilled at the top, through which are pulled three shoelaces. If I was closer to a craft store I would probably redo it with 3 different colored cords. If the drill wasn't an option you could hot glue or staple the strings to the top just as easily.
From braiding practice you eventually graduate to other knotwork projects like beginner friendship bracelets. Or, doing your sister's hair. : )
Starry Sky Journal 
Thanks for the clever idea. Whipping up something quick like this would be great for entertaining the neighbor kids. They always rush over when they see me working on a project – this is a great way to give them “work” to do alongside the grown-ups.