Pull out the paint, googly eyes, glitter, and push pins for your pumpkin decorating sessions this year
Spice up your usual pumpkin decorating ideas this Halloween by skipping the pumpkin carving design and the mess that comes with it. From glow-in-the-dark paint to glitter pumpkins, we’ve found a ton of festive ideas that are fun and full of Halloween spirit. Grab your art supplies for a spooky (but creative) good time, and when you’re done, be sure to get your Halloween games ready for the block party!
Tie-Dye Pumpkin Decorating Idea
Halloween pumpkins don’t have to be creepy. They can also be bright and cheery with these pastel tie-dye creations from @kailochic. Ok, so they aren’t tie-dyed, but you can get a similar-looking effect by using an alcohol ink marker, plastic wrap, and rubbing alcohol.
Wire Pumpkin Decorating Idea
Want to personalize your pumpkin without a lot of fuss? These pumpkins decorated with wire from @StephanieElledesigns are a unique design option, and you can even order custom calligraphy wire from Etsy.
Glowing Sugar Skull
Color Made Happy
Psst! For a pumpkin that steals the spotlight, all you need is glow-in-the-dark puffy paint for shiny creations like these from Color Made Happy. It’s a simple way to add a whole lot of magic to your Halloween decorations.
Related: The Most Popular Halloween Costumes for Kids
Happy Ghost
The Crafted Life
Who says ghosts have to be scary? These boo-tiful little no-carve pumpkins from The Crafted Life are cheerful and a cinch to make. Plus, they’re guaranteed to make you smile!
Office Supply Pumpkin Decorating Idea
A Subtle Revelry
Got office supplies? Then you’ve got all the fixings for this creative, no-carve pumpkin decorating idea! This gold-studded beauty from A Subtle Revelry is decked out with gold brads—too easy!
Thumbprint Pumpkins
Homemade Charlotte
How neat is this fingerprint art pumpkin decorating idea from Homemade Charlotte? With the help of your kiddos’ thumbprints, you can decorate a pumpkin with little cacti, pineapples, and more.
Forest Friends
Simple as That
Transform your pumpkins into friendly woodland animals like these adorable creations from Simple as That. With a little paint and some strategically placed felt and card stock, these will be Halloween-ready in no time.
Emoji Pumpkin
Cutefetti
Take inspiration from Cutefetti to turn your favorite emoji into an outrageously fun pumpkin. Whether you’re into heart eyes or a shocked face, you and your little ones can make this pumpkin decorating idea happen with a little creativity.
Colorful Pumpkin
Fresh American Style
For this vibrant pumpkin, Annie Selke of Fresh American Style was inspired by the Día de Los Muertos celebration. You can use acrylic paint and tissue paper to make your own.
Copper Tops
Lovely Indeed
These charming copper herringbone pumpkins from Lovely Indeed are sophisticated enough for a shop window but easy enough for a family project. Win-win!
Unicorn Pumpkin
Lines Across
If you’ve got a unicorn fan in your house, this is the pumpkin pal for you. It’s not as difficult as you might think, mostly because the step-by-step instructions from Lines Across make it simple to follow.
Donut Pumpkins
Studio DIY
We don’t know what we love more: how easy these little gourds are to re-create or how incredibly adorable they look sitting on a desk, doorstep, or table. These donut pumpkins from Studio DIY make great autumn baby shower or birthday party decor, too.
Watercolor Pumpkin Decorating Idea
Paper & Stitch
What do you get when you mix watercolors with pumpkins? Surprisingly beautiful results! If you don’t mind a little clean-up, this pumpkin decorating idea from Paper & Stitch is a great way for kids to express their messy artist selves with stunning results.
Disco Ball Pumpkin
Sugar and Cloth
The amazing mavens at Sugar and Cloth created these sequined pumpkins with just the right amount of glitz. The best part? The kids can help (as long as you don’t mind a few sequins on the carpet).
Related: 33 Amazing Pumpkin Carving Designs to Try This Year
Dazzling Decoupage
Gold Standard Workshop
These pretty little decoupage pumpkins from Gold Standard Workshop are such showstoppers, that you’ll want to keep them out all year round. They could make great centerpieces or a beautiful surprise for your kiddo’s classroom!
Flower Pumpkins
Alice and Lois
These sweet flower-decoupaged pumpkins from Alice and Lois are festive and floral—and you can even add fall leaves for an extra autumn-y flourish. No one else will have such pretty, unique (and shhh, simple to make!) fall decorations.
Cacti Pumpkins
Aww, Sam
We’re pretty sure it’s impossible to feel prickly once you take a peek at these cactus pumpkins from Aww, Sam. They’re perfect for those who are over the usual orange pumpkins, and they’re a creative addition to your stoop, too.
Confetti Pumpkin
Who couldn’t use more confetti in their life? We can’t get enough of these confetti pumpkins from Cloudy Day Gray. They’re fun, festive, and easy to pull off—not to mention, a great way to spice up plain ol’ white pumpkins.
Pikachu
In the Playroom
Whether your kids are big-time Pokemon Go fans or you’re feeling some ’90s nostalgia, you’re going to want to check out this Pikachu pumpkin from In the Playroom. The best part is that this friendly pumpkin doesn’t require any special artistic talents.
Ice Cream Scoop Pumpkin
Sugar and Charm
I scream, you scream, we all scream for… ice cream cone pumpkins, courtesy of Sugar and Charm. We love how this super sweet idea can be customized to represent your little one’s fave ice cream flavor!
Animal Pumpkins
Studio DIY
These party animal pumpkins from Studio DIY are equal parts cute and creative. From a flamingo pumpkin to an elephant pal, they’ll turn your porch into a true zoo.
Mummy Pumpkin
This mummy pumpkin from Changing My Destiny is probably the friendliest little monster you’ll ever see (Because, c’mon—who can resist those peek-a-boo googly eyes?).
Related: 14 Halloween Decor Ideas You Can Easily Pull Off
Colorful Painted Pumpkin
A Girl Named PJ
Need to get your pumpkin decorated ASAP? Then you need to check out this awesome paint drip pumpkin from A Girl Named PJ. Not only will it be a messy hit with your creative kid, but it’s also a great last-minute idea!
