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May 17, 2026

As my daughter and I drove by her school last weekend, she groaned and said, “They’re all playing Hacky Sack again.” My first reaction upon seeing circles of teenage kids hacking on the lawn was, “Haven’t they always been?” Except, no. They were playing when I was in high school, which was not in the current century. This week, my colleague Callie Holtermann reported on the resurgence of Hacky Sack among today’s teens, and I especially loved seeing fellow Gen Xers getting nostalgic in the comments. I sent the story to my daughter, and she replied with an eye roll emoji — but when I asked permission to mention her reaction in this newsletter, she just laughed. “OK, but I did play a little bit yesterday,” she said.

Also in this edition, tour a Hamptons gem that is only 550 square feet, get Wirecutter’s picks for the best packing cubes and new recommendations for free streaming movies, including a trilogy that may be more Gen X than Hacky Sack. Enjoy and I’ll see you next weekend(er).

— Farah

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Let’s keep the conversation going

Callie Holtermann joined readers in the comments to talk Hacky Sack. Did you play?

K Keith Virginia Love this! As far as teen trends this is way better than 6 7. Now I know why my HS senior son texted me the other day and asked if I still had a hacky sack. In college in the early 90s I think I spent more time hacking on the lawn in front of the library than I did in a classroom. The great thing was how egalitarian it was. Male, female, frat boy, stoner, skilled or unskilled - everyone who approached was welcome into the circle to have some fun. Callie Holtermann Styles reporter @Keith Thanks for sharing -- have you been able to find one for your son? Several store owners told me they were sold out.

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This edition of The Weekender was edited by Farah Miller and Kellina Moore. Reach our team at weekender@nytimes.com.

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