20 Alternative Pumpkins to Try Out this Halloween

The carved Jack O Lantern is a Halloween staple, so iconic that it is even the mascot for the Halloween film franchise. And while the simple triangle eyes and grinning mouth are a great starting point for novice carvers, there are many other options for decorating your pumpkin this October!

We’ve found 20 creative, inspiring and spooky seasonal ideas if you want to take your pumpkin decorating to the next level. Don’t forget to share your ghoulish gourds with us this Halloween.

Coat pumpkins in white or grey paint, before adding quirky geometric patterns

Ombre spider web painted pumpkins

Pay tribute to Netflix hit Stranger Things with this alphabet light up idea

Simple, minimal prints on black or white pumpkins have a striking look

Use up broken pieces of crayons to create a rainbow design

You can get this cool marble effect by drip painting a pumpkin

Modge podge and fall leaves are used on this rustic pumpkin

Paint your pumpkin to look like a giant piece of candy corn

Flock of bats

Decorate pumpkins with jewels and gems for a glittery look

Wrap your pumpkins in delicate gothic lace.

Use bright colorful paints and flowers for this Day of the Dead inspired owl

Turn small pumpkins into a flock of bats

Here’s a quick but creative idea for last minute pumpkins

Use glow paint for a neon effect

Create a small spooky scene to light up in the dark

Give pumpkins a mystic marble color

Turn your pumpkin into a gorgeous galaxy

Share your favourite spooky poems or quotes

Get gory with this slasher pumpkin