12 No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas
By: Highlights Editorial
Pumpkin carving is a fall tradition that really gets the kids in the spirit of Halloween. But are you worried about the dangers of your little one carving a pumpkin? Check out this roundup of creative no-carve decorative pumpkin ideas that will keep Halloween fun and spooky and safe!
Reminder: The small materials to decorate a pumpkin, such as googly eyes, can be a choking hazard for small children, so close adult supervision is a must.
1. Paint-Drip Pumpkins
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Even if your little one is not yet ready for jack-o'-lanterns, you can still add a little pizazz to the pumpkins on your doorstep by painting them using this easy, low-mess, squeeze bottle method.
2. Candy Corn Pumpkins
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You only need two colors of paint to create these whimsical candy-corn pumpkins!
3. Kitty Pumpkins
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Use paint, markers, and construction paper to create this adorable black cat!
4. Melted Crayon Pumpkins
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Upcycle those broken crayon pieces into beautiful melted-crayon pumpkins!
5. Googly Eye Pumpkins
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Create a super-silly pumpkin by covering it in googly eyes.
6. Painted Pumpkins
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Let your kids’ imaginations run wild for their own abstract painted pumpkins.
7. Spooky Bats and Cats
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Download free printable stencils, then paint and create these spooky-cute cat and bat pumpkins.
8. Glitter Pumpkins
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This glitter pumpkin is perfect for toddlers. (Be careful: It might get a little messy!)
9. Washi Tape Pumpkins
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Add pops of color and pattern with decorative washi tape.
10. Wax Resist Pumpkins
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A spooky twist on the classic “wax-resist” technique!
11. Nuts and Bolts Pumpkin
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For those kids interested in building and mechanics, try making this simple "nuts and bolts" pumpkin.
12. Caterpillar Pumpkin
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Pick up a couple too many pumpkins at the patch this year? Have kids paint them into a pumpkin-caterpillar chain!
Get kids ready for spooky season with this Halloween long-sleeve shirt. The glow-in-the-dark ink lets kids shine for trick-or-treating or any Halloween festivities.