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Drop the Knife: No-Carve Pumpkin Ideas Your Kids Can Do

No fuss, no mess, using items you probably already have on hand!

October 23, 2017

Don't like the mess of carving a pumpkin but looking for some eye-catching outdoor decor? We have several no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas that use materials found around your house.

You'll be the envy of the neighborhood when you display these pumpkins on your front porch. 

The best part? Your kids will also be able to help! The whole thing about "no carve" is that there are no sharp knives for them to want to grab and no messy goop for you to clean up! 


Mr. Potato Head Pumpkin
No need to buy the special holiday-themed potato head kits. Just dig out the ones you have in the playroom and create your own Mr. Pumpkin Head! The pieces go in easily by twisting back and forth.

Alphabet Pumpkin
Have a package of foam alphabet letters lying around? If not, they are less than $1 at the craft store and can be used in various patterns to decorate a pumpkin. It's perfect for even the mini-est of macaronis and is also a fun way to play letter games with your little one.

Glitter Pumpkin
Let your Mini Macaroni go to town painting glue all over the pumpkin or in a specific design, sprinkle with glitter, and allow it to dry. Who doesn't love a little sparkle?

Glued-On Decor
Glue pom-poms, googly eyes, buttons, or any other small items directly onto your pumpkin. I recommend using a multi-purpose glue that works on a variety of different materials rather than regular white school glue.

Glow-in-the-Dark Puff Paint
Decorating with puff paint is always fun! Decorating with glow-in-the-dark puff paint is a blast! Create the typical jack-o-lantern, dot patterns, spider webs, or whatever crosses your mind.

Melted Crayon Pumpkin
Use old crayons, a drop cloth, and a hair dryer to create a pumpkin that will turn out differently every time. Remove the wrapper from the crayons and glue them all over the top of the pumpkin. Turn the hair dryer on high, holding it close to the crayons until the wax melts. This is best done outside, as you may get some melted wax splatters.


Your kids will have a blast showing off their creativity and putting their personal stamp on their no-carve pumpkins. You can encourage them to show off their design skills and personalities in their handiwork — all while creating Halloween memories as a family!

Have a great Halloween!