31 Super Cool No-Carve Pumpkin Ideas

Once fall rolls around, I’m always looking for creative pumpkin ideas. I’m so excited to decorate for the season that it’s all I can do to keep from running out and buying every pumpkin I see! I just love the fall, and all of the traditions that come with it, including cozy sweaters, warm apple cider, and painted pumpkins decorating my front porch. Now that I’m a parent, I’m all about no-carve pumpkin ideas. There are so many very cool, very creative no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas that I’ve seen floating around. Plus, painting pumpkins with your kids is just plain fun…and you don’t have to worry about anyone getting hurt.

Here’s something else that I love about no-carve pumpkin ideas: They’re generally easy, fast, and, best of all, you don’t have to clean up those sticky pumpkin guts. Yes, paint is messy but nothing is as messy as the goop inside of pumpkins. So, I’ve rounding up some cool ideas to inspire you. From pumpkin painting ideas to pumpkin decorating ideas, here are some fun pumpkin ideas to try out stat. Have fun!

31 No-Carve Pumpkin Ideas

Chalkboard Pumpkins

Switch up the faces on your pumpkins every day by using chalkboard paint and chalk!

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Photo: Momtastic
Bugged

Get busy with a little decoupage and some photos of creepy crawly insects!

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photo: Mr. Kate
Glow in the Dark

You won't believe how simple this project is (and why you didn't think of it before!).

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Photo: Momtastic
Gold Leaf

Fancify your pumpkins with a little gold leaf! These would look great on a Thanksgiving table.

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photo: Coastal Bride
Polka Dots

Get your kids in on the no-carve action with this simple tutorial for even the youngest kids to make stunning polka dot pumpkins.

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Photo: Momtastic
Puffy Paint Webs

Spray paint pumpkins white, then add black puff paint for a spooky 3D effect.

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Photo: Momtastic
Tattooed

Tattoo your arms, your back, your...pumpkin? Such a cool idea!

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photo: Kraft & Mint
Copper Herringbone

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Photo: Lovely Indeed
Pastel and Pretty

Who says Halloween decor has to be orange? Make things a little prettier with this DIY pastel and marbled version!

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photo: PROPER
Minimalist

Paint a few simple designs on your pumpkin and call it a day.

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photo: Oleander + Palm
Colorblocked

Who wouldn't want to keep these colorblocked cuties out year round?

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photo: illistyle
Typography

These typography pumpkins are perfect for the letter-lover.

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photo: PROPER
Watercolored

Use watercolors to give your pumpkins a #waterlogue effect!

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photo: Lines Across
Brushstrokes

These brushstroke pumpkins are the perfect art accessory during October.

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photo: The Merrythought
Puff Paint Perfect

Puff paint is back! And it's keeping pumpkins looking fantastic since the eighties.

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photo: Alisa Burke
Donut Panic!

Throw caution to the wind with everyone's favorite treat---a donut!

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photo: Studio DIY
Stringed Pumpkins

Forget the actual pumpkin altogether and just wrap a balloon in string! Wait for it to dry, pop the balloon, and crumple!

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photo: Clumsy Crafter
Garland

A pumpkin garland? Filled with flowers?? I'm on board.

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photo: A Joyful Riot
Copper Cuteness

Add stripes and dimension to your pumpkins with copper tape!

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photo: Homey Oh My
Faux Bois Fun

This faux bois pumpkin might be my favorite. Wood grain is timeless, and the gold touch gives this one a "wow" factor.

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photo: Sand & Sisal
Macrame Magic

Get a little crafty with some yarn, and hang your pumpkins up in macrame fashion!

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photo: Adventures in Making
Splat!

This splattered paint pumpkin is definitely one you could do with the kids!

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photo: The Sassy Life
Spooky and Sweet

How fun are these ice cream cone pumpkins? Kids would go crazy for these at a fall-themed birthday party!

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Nailhead Trim

Use nailhead trim to create designs on your pumpkins. You don't even need a hammer -- just press them in and watch your design come to life.

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Photo: Lovely Indeed
Paint Dipped

This quick and easy pumpkin treatment is perfect for the kids to help with. Just mask a portion of the pumpkin off with tape and paint the rest.

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Photo: Ciera Design
Nailhead

Using small nails and a great pattern, make this totally unique string-art look this Halloween.

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Photo: Lovely Indeed
Bat Flock

I love the way this flock of bats looks, flying across a white pumpkin!

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Photo: It All Started With Paint
Glitter Monogram

Grab some glitter and glam up your Halloween decor this year. Try out a monogram or a design of your own creation.

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Photo: Unoriginal Mom
Cross Stitch

If cross stitch is your thing, why not try it out on a pumpkin? Grab a faux gourd from the dollar store and you can reuse it year after year.

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Photo: Elsie Marley
Lace

A white painted pumpkin with a little black lace is all class. Raid your fabric stash to see what you might have and put it to use.

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Photo: Honestly WTF
Chalkboard Typography

Put a coat of chalkboard paint on your pumpkins and brush up your typography skills! These typography pumpkins can say whatever you like.

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Photo: Fair Goods