80 Fun Pumpkin Carving Ideas for a Scary Gourd Look This Halloween
These are the coolest jack-o'-lanterns to try, for beginners and seasoned carvers alike.
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In just a few short months, Halloween will be upon us — and so too will pumpkins, gourds, jack-o’-lanterns, and other carved creations. It’s best to get the inspiration flowing now, which is why we’ve put together a list of 80 of the best pumpkin carving ideas. We've got DIYs ranging from easy, circle-and-square designs for beginners, to intricate, multi-pumpkin creations for expert carvers. You'll also find printable stencil designs for those who prefer more guidance. Whatever your skill level or ambitions, you have plenty of exciting DIY pumpkin carving ideas to choose from.
There are practical designs on this list, including a pumpkin cooler and a pumpkin candy bowl, that are perfect for your Halloween party. And if carving isn’t your preferred creative medium, we have ideas for pumpkin painting and no-carve pumpkin decorating, so everyone can participate in the pumpkin fun.
However you decide to dress up your jack-o’-lanterns this year, pumpkin carving is a classic way to get in the Halloween spirit. Just make sure to follow our tips for preserving your pumpkins, so they'll actually make it to October 31. Feeling inspired by more than one idea on our list? Carve a whole family of pumpkins to line the walkway to your home for trick-or-treaters.
Don’t let the fun stop there! Check out our ideas for the best DIY Halloween decorations, wreath ideas, and easy Halloween crafts for kids to really get creative this spooky season.
Lauren (she/her) is the digital content director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group, where she oversees online content and strategy for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and other Hearst titles, including SEO, video, social media and e-commerce efforts. She has almost 20 years of experience writing and editing beauty, lifestyle, home, health, entertainment and product review content. She graduated from NYU with a degree in journalism and history.
Kate Franke (she/her) is the editorial assistant at Woman’s Day. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
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