Decorating pumpkins with kids is a delightful way to enjoy the fall season without the mess of carving. Here are 21 kid-friendly pumpkin decorating ideas that are sure to spark creativity and fun!
1. Cartoon Character Pumpkins
Paint your kid’s favorite cartoon characters on pumpkins. Watching my daughter’s eyes light up when she saw her pumpkin version of her favorite character was priceless! It’s a great way to personalize their fall decorations and make them feel extra special. I recall a client whose child adored a particular superhero, and the resulting pumpkin was the highlight of their decorations that year.
A few relevant products:
- Acrylic Paint Set for Kids: Unleash creativity with vibrant colors perfect for painting beloved cartoon faces on pumpkins.
- Pumpkin Decorating Kit with Brushes: Transform your pumpkins with ease using this complete decorating kit, including brushes and tools.
- Stickers of Cartoon Characters: Enhance your designs with easy-to-use cartoon character stickers for a fun pumpkin makeover.
2. Washi Tape Pumpkins
Decorate pumpkins with washi tape for an instant pop of pattern and color. With so many designs available, each pumpkin can have its own unique style! The tape is easy for little fingers to manage, making it perfect for even the youngest decorators. I find the geometric patterns particularly appealing for a modern look.
Try these:
- Washi Tape Set: Explore vibrant patterns and colors to create unique pumpkin designs effortlessly. Perfect for any craft lover!
- Craft Scissors: Cut your washi tape neatly and easily with these ergonomic and kid-friendly craft scissors.
- Pumpkin Decorating Kit: Get creative with an all-in-one decorating kit, ideal for hassle-free pumpkin decoration.
3. Miniature Pumpkin Characters
Use mini pumpkins to create a family of characters with yarn hair and marker faces. It’s a fun activity for little hands, and my daughter adored her pumpkin family display. The small size of the pumpkins makes them easy to handle and decorate. I always make sure to have a variety of yarn colors on hand for this project.
A few choices to try:
- Assorted Yarn Pack: Create colorful hair for your pumpkin characters with this vibrant and easy-to-use yarn pack.
- Permanent Marker Set: Draw expressive faces on your pumpkins with these reliable and bold permanent markers.
- Miniature Pumpkins: Perfect for crafting, these mini pumpkins are just right for your decorative pumpkin family.
4. Yarn Wrapped Pumpkins
Wrap pumpkins with yarn for a cozy, textured appearance. My son enjoyed choosing vibrant yarn colors to wrap around his pumpkin. It’s a great way to add a tactile element to your fall decor and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. I think the chunkier yarns work best for achieving that really cozy effect.
May just do the trick:
- Multi-colored Yarn Pack: Unleash your creativity with a vibrant yarn pack perfect for wrapping festive pumpkins.
- Craft Scissors: Ensure easy cutting for little hands with kid-friendly craft scissors ideal for all projects.
- Glue Stick Set: Secure yarn wraps effortlessly around pumpkins with these easy-to-use glue sticks.
5. Pom-Pom Pumpkins
Glue colorful pom-poms onto pumpkins for a fuzzy, playful look. It’s a hit with toddlers and adds a pop of color to any setting. The soft texture is appealing to children, and the bright colors are cheerful. I once worked with a client who used pom-pom pumpkins as centerpieces for a fall-themed party.
A few things you might like:
- Colorful Pom-Poms Set: Add vibrant textures to your pumpkins with these playful, multicolored pom-poms. Perfect for kids!
- Craft Glue for Kids: Ensure safe and easy crafting with this non-toxic glue, ideal for pom-pom pumpkin projects.
- Mini Craft Scissors: Equip your kids with safe scissors for crafting, perfect for adjusting pom-pom sizes.
6. Face Paint Pumpkins
Apply face paint to pumpkins for a soft, washable design. We had fun changing up our pumpkin’s look several times throughout the season! This allows for lots of creative expression without any long-term commitment. I think it’s a fantastic way to let kids experiment with different designs and ideas.
You might give these a try:
- Washable Face Paint Kit: Create fun, changeable pumpkin designs with this washable face paint kit for endless creativity!
- Pumpkin Decorating Stencils: Use stencils for precise and easy pumpkin face designs. Perfect for kids’ creativity!
- Pumpkin Cleaning Cloths: Wipe away paint effortlessly with these cloths, ideal for refreshing pumpkin designs.
7. Sticker Mania Pumpkins
Cover your pumpkins with colorful stickers for an easy decorating session. My son loved creating a galaxy-themed pumpkin with star stickers. Stickers are a mess-free way to decorate and allow kids to easily personalize their pumpkins. I remember being amazed at how creative my kids got when presented with a wide array of stickers.
Give these a look:
- Galaxy-Themed Stickers: Spark your child’s creativity with colorful galaxy-themed stickers for endless decorating fun.
- Children’s Pumpkin Decorating Kits: Get a complete pumpkin decorating kit to simplify the creative process for your little ones.
- Reusable Craft Stickers for Kids: Choose reusable craft stickers for sustainable and versatile decorating fun on any surface.
8. Animal-Themed Pumpkins
Transform pumpkins into adorable animals by using felt, paint, and googly eyes. My niece loved turning her pumpkin into a cute little penguin last year! This project encourages creativity and fine motor skills, making it both fun and educational. I think adding feathers can be a really fun touch for making bird-themed pumpkins.
These products might be useful:
- Assorted Felt Sheets: Unleash creativity with colorful felt sheets—perfect for cute animal features on pumpkins.
- Acrylic Paint Set: Use vibrant acrylic paint to bring your pumpkin animals to life with fun colors.
- Googly Eyes Craft Pack: Add a playful touch to your pumpkins with an assortment of googly eyes.
9. Polka Dot Pumpkins
Use a sponge or brush to paint polka dots on pumpkins. Simple yet striking, these pumpkins added a playful vibe to our décor. It’s an easy technique for kids to master, and the results are always charming. I prefer using round sponges for perfectly even polka dots.
You might like:
- Acrylic Paint Set: Boost creativity with vibrant acrylic paints for perfect polka dot designs on your pumpkins.
- Round Sponge Brushes: Create even polka dots effortlessly using versatile and easy-to-clean sponge brushes.
- Stencils for Painting: Achieve uniform polka dots quickly with practical stencils designed for crafting projects.
10. Decoupage Pumpkins
Cover pumpkins with decoupage using colorful paper or fabric scraps. It’s a fantastic way to use up crafting leftovers and looks beautifully eclectic. This method allows for endless customization and creativity, and each pumpkin becomes a unique work of art. I personally love the look of vintage fabric scraps for a more rustic feel.
A few suggestions:
- Colorful Paper and Fabric Scrap Bundle: Enhance your decoupage pumpkin with vibrant paper scraps. Perfect for creating unique, festive designs.
- Decoupage Glue: Securely adhere your decorative pieces with this easy-to-use decoupage glue. Safe for kids’ projects.
- DIY Craft Scissors Set: Cut through paper and fabric effortlessly with craft scissors, ensuring precision and creativity.
11. Glitter Glam Pumpkins
Cover pumpkins with glue and sprinkle glitter for a sparkly effect. We went a little glitter-crazy, but the results were absolutely dazzling! It’s a surefire way to add some sparkle to your fall decorations, and kids love the magical effect. I always suggest doing this activity outside to minimize the glitter mess indoors.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Assorted Glitter Set: Transform your pumpkins with this vibrant glitter set for a sparkling masterpiece your kids will love.
- Craft Glue for Glitter: Ensure your glitter stays in place with this high-quality craft glue, perfect for kids’ projects.
- Creative Paint Brush Set: Achieve precise glitter application with this versatile brush set, ideal for creative pumpkin designs.
12. Painted Rainbow Pumpkins
Let your kids paint their pumpkins in vibrant rainbow colors. It’s a simple way to brighten up your home, and my living room never looked more joyful! This encourages children to express their creativity and adds a cheerful touch to your autumn decor. I find that using washable paints makes clean-up a breeze.
Check these products out:
- Acrylic Paint Set: Unleash your kids’ creativity with vibrant colors! Perfect for decorating those pumpkins in rainbow hues.
- Paint Brushes for Kids: Complete the pumpkin painting kit with kid-friendly brushes that make applying colors easy and fun.
- Pumpkin Carving Kit: Enhance your pumpkin decorating with tools ideal for safe and creative designs this Halloween.
13. Zentangle Pumpkins
Draw intricate zentangle patterns on pumpkins with markers. This activity was a calming way to spend an afternoon, and the results were stunning. Zentangle is a relaxing art form that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults, and the pumpkins become beautiful works of art. I always found black markers against the orange pumpkin backdrop to be particularly striking.
Useful items to consider:
- Set of Permanent Markers: Unleash creativity with this set of durable, fine-tip markers for intricate designs.
- Decorative Craft Pumpkins: Explore endless designs on lightweight, reusable pumpkins perfect for decorating activities.
- Zentangle Pattern Books: Get inspired with pattern ideas from this handy zentangle guide, perfect for beginners.
14. Pumpkin Faces with Paper Cutouts
Create funny faces on pumpkins using paper cutouts. This easy and fun activity had my kids giggling all afternoon! It’s a great way to encourage creativity and imagination, and the results are always hilarious. I often added silly hats and accessories to the paper cutouts for an extra touch of humor.
Consider these options:
- Colorful Craft Paper Pack: Unleash your creativity with vibrant colors, perfect for crafting fun pumpkin faces with kids.
- Child-Safe Scissors: Ensure safety while cutting paper cutouts with these child-friendly scissors designed for little hands.
- Washable Glue Sticks: Make sticking paper cutouts easy and mess-free with these convenient, washable glue sticks.
15. Button Embellished Pumpkins
Glue colorful buttons onto pumpkins for a textured look. It’s a hit in our home, as the kids love picking out their favorite buttons to use. This adds a unique, tactile element to your fall décor and is a great way to upcycle old buttons. I think using a variety of button sizes and shapes creates the most interesting look.
Products that could assist:
- Assorted Colorful Buttons Set: Explore creativity with a colorful button set to decorate pumpkins with fun textures.
- Strong Craft Glue for Kids: Securely attach buttons to pumpkins using child-friendly, strong craft glue for worry-free decoration.
- Pumpkin Decorating Kit Supplies: Get everything you need for pumpkin decorating, including vibrant buttons and handy tools.
16. Tape Art Pumpkins
Use painter’s tape to create geometric designs and paint over them for a crisp, modern look. My oldest enjoyed peeling off the tape to reveal the patterns. This technique allows for precise designs and clean lines, resulting in a sophisticated pumpkin decoration. I once used this method to create a pumpkin with a chevron pattern, and it looked amazing!
Some handy options:
- Painter’s Tape for Crafts: Create sharp, clean lines on pumpkins with easy-to-remove painter’s tape. Perfect for creative designs.
- Acrylic Paint Set: Brighten your pumpkins with vibrant acrylic paints. Safe and fun for kids’ creativity.
- Kids’ Paint Brushes: Get smooth finishes with kid-sized brushes, ideal for small hands and detailed painting.
17. Splatter Paint Pumpkins
Create abstract art with splatter paint techniques on pumpkins. This messy but fun activity resulted in some truly unique art pieces! It’s a great way to let kids express themselves freely and create one-of-a-kind decorations. I recommend doing this activity outdoors to avoid getting paint everywhere.
These products might help:
- Washable Acrylic Paint Set: Unleash creativity with vibrant colors ideal for splatter paint pumpkin projects. Suitable for all ages.
- Heavy-Duty Plastic Drop Cloth: Protect your workspace with this durable drop cloth. Keep splatter paint contained and mess-free.
- Kids’ Paint Brushes Set: Enhance artistic flair with varied paintbrushes perfect for achieving unique splatter effects on pumpkins.
18. Nature-Inspired Pumpkins
Use leaves, acorns, and twigs to decorate pumpkins. My kids and I had a blast collecting materials from our backyard to create autumn-themed designs. This is a wonderful way to connect with nature and create eco-friendly decorations. I think pressing the leaves beforehand helps them adhere to the pumpkin better.
Possibly handy products:
- Artificial Leaves and Acorns Set: Enhance your pumpkin decor with realistic artificial leaves and acorns. Perfect for long-lasting displays.
- Decorative Craft Twigs: Add a rustic touch to your pumpkins with these versatile decorative craft twigs. Easy to use.
- Non-Toxic Craft Glue: Secure decorations safely with non-toxic craft glue. Ideal for projects with kids.
19. Glow-in-the-Dark Pumpkins
Paint pumpkins with glow-in-the-dark paint for a spooky, glowing effect at night. It was thrilling for the kids to see their creations light up after dark! This is a fun and easy way to create spooky decorations for Halloween, and kids will love watching their pumpkins glow. I think adding glow-in-the-dark spiders or bats would be a fun touch.
Might be a good match:
- Glow-in-the-Dark Acrylic Paint: Transform pumpkins into spooky masterpieces with vibrant glow-in-the-dark colors for endless nighttime fun!
- Pumpkin Decorating Stencils: Create perfect pumpkin designs easily with reusable stencils, ensuring spooky and fun patterns every time!
- Battery-Powered Pumpkin Lights: Light up your pumpkins safely with convenient battery-powered lights to enhance glow-in-the-dark effects.
20. Pumpkin Planters
Turn small pumpkins into planters by hollowing them out and adding small plants. Not only decorative, but these also brought a fresh vibe to our windowsill. This is a creative way to repurpose pumpkins after the fall season, and adds a touch of greenery to your home. I found that succulents thrive particularly well in these pumpkin planters.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Mini Succulent Plants: Add vibrant life to your planters with mini succulents, perfect for inside your hollowed pumpkins.
- Pumpkin Carving Kit: Easily prepare pumpkins for planting with a handy carving kit perfect for all ages.
- Potting Soil Mix: Fill your pumpkin planters with nutrient-rich soil, ideal for healthy plant growth.
21. Clay Faces Pumpkins
Use modeling clay to sculpt faces on pumpkins. My kids had a great time giving each pumpkin a unique expression! This allows for 3-D creativity and encourages kids to experiment with different facial features. I prefer using air-dry clay for this project, as it hardens without needing to be baked.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Non-Toxic Modeling Clay Set: Let your kids shape fun expressions with safe, vibrant clays on pumpkins this season!
- Pumpkin Decorating Kit: Enhance creativity with versatile tools for crafting hilarious pumpkin faces with ease.
- Craft Tool Set for Kids: Empower your kid’s crafting skills with high-quality tools for perfect pumpkin designs.
