My kids are still too young to handle carving pumpkins, so I’m always looking for ways that they can decorate pumpkins without using a sharp tool. These cute pumpkin ideas are great for young and old to participate in – from cool chevron stripes to stencils, melted crayons, and typography, there’s something for every pumpkin (including a hilarious mustache). Read on for ways to encourage each family member to show some creativity this Halloween.
Bright Colorful Paints (via Meg Duerksen) You really can’t go wrong with these cheery painted pumpkins. Have everyone grab a different size and go to town painting their own freehand designs.
Neon Dipped (via A Night Owl) These make a bold, simplistic statement and have a great contemporary feel.
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Washi Tape (via Tatertots & Jello) Grab different patterned tapes and make designer-friendly gourds.
Chalkboard (via Pink Pistachio) Have kids draw their own freehand illustrations or write their favorite sayings on these schoolhouse-inspired pumpkins.
Typography (via Swell Designer) Kids of all ages can place vinyl stickers on pumpkins. Little kids can make patterns, and bigger kids can write messages.
Neon (via For the Love Of) These bright neon dots are simple but stand out and are a breeze to put together using sticker circles and a bit of mod podge to make sure they adhere well.
Tissue Paper (via Paper & Stitch) These pretty mini-pumpkins use tissue paper for a paper mache look. They’d also look great as part of a table setting.
Stenciled (via Lolly Jane) Love the simple geometric stencils on this pumpkin.
Duct Tape (via A Golden Afternoon) These quirky duct tape pumpkins are so cute you just can’t take them seriously to be scary.
Bright Stripes (via Makely School for Girls) These cheerful, boldly striped pumpkins are super easy and so charming.
Modern Design (Formal Fringe) Use masking tape for clear diagonals and clean lines for a contemporary look.
Mustached (via Swell Designer) Who can resist a mustached pumpkin? (I know I can’t).
Stitched (via Design Editor) For the crafty sewing mama out there. Help your kids stitch their own personalized message or design!
Argyle (via Max and Ellie) It’s cold out, and pumpkin needs a sweater. Super-cute and easy to make- use masking tape to outline the shapes.
Melted Crayon (via Mr. Kate) Kids will love heating crayons until they melt colorfully onto the pumpkin. Beautiful, abstract freeform designs give the pumpkin a whole new look.
Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.