Spectacular Pumpkin Carving Tips and Tricks

With Halloween quickly approaching, you may be looking for fun activities to do! Carving pumpkins is one of the most popular traditions around this time of year, and we have some tips for you! 

Picking a Pumpkin

A safe pumpkin-carving experience starts with choosing the perfect pumpkin. Here's how to land the right one:

  • Look for a pumpkin with smooth, less bumpy skin. A smooth pumpkin is easier for kids to draw on and safer for you to carve.

  • Avoid pumpkins that feel heavy for their size. This can indicate thick walls that could be difficult to carve through.

  • Skip any pumpkins with soft spots, which can indicate rotting.

  • Inspect the pumpkin for any nicks or cuts that may make it vulnerable to infection.

  • Pick a pumpkin with a flat, front surface for carving—that will yield the best results!

Choosing a Design

To help keep younger children interested, choose an easy pumpkin carving design that won’t take long to finish. Choosing an easier design also minimises the risk of injury. Consider downloading a few pumpkin stencils ahead of time, and let your child pick the one they like best.

Another safe pumpkin carving idea is to let your child choose a cookie cutter (or three) to gently indent onto the pumpkin. This makes an easy pattern for them to trace with a carving tool. 

Alternative Ideas

If you don’t want to carve pumpkins, and would prefer a quicker, easier, less messy option, you could always paint the design onto your selected pumpkin! 

Painting your pumpkin can work wonderfully, especially if you want to keep little hands away from sharp objects.

Also, instead of using an open flame, consider using LED lights, or battery operated candles. This prevents heat from damaging the pumpkin, allowing your fabulous design to be appreciated for longer! It’ll also allow you to have a variety of colours on display, making halloween decorations much easier! 


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Debbie Gray