When autumn rolls around, pumpkins seem to be everywhere — on doorsteps, in pies, and scattered across farmers’ markets. But beyond the traditional pumpkin pie or carving a jack-o’-lantern, there are so many fun, practical, and even educational ways to put this seasonal favorite to good use. Whether you’re looking for something creative to do with your kids, a fresh twist for your kitchen, or a craft that goes beyond the ordinary, here are seven unique and interesting ways to use pumpkins this year.
1. Pumpkin Snack Bowls for Fall Gatherings
Skip the regular serving dishes and turn small sugar pumpkins into festive snack bowls! Just cut off the tops, scoop out the seeds, and give the inside a quick scrape so you have a smooth surface. These little pumpkin bowls are perfect for holding hummus, dips, trail mix, or even popcorn at a fall party.
Kids can help with this project too! Using Tovla Jr kid-safe knives, they can practice carefully cutting the tops (with help from an adult for stability) or scooping out the seeds. Not only does this make food prep safer, but it also lets kids feel like they’re genuinely contributing to the family snack spread.
2. Homemade Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – With a Twist
Pumpkin seeds are a classic fall snack, but this year, try experimenting with flavors. Instead of just salt, season your roasted seeds with cinnamon sugar, ranch seasoning, chili lime, or even everything-bagel spice for something new.
Roasting seeds is an easy activity for kids to join in on. They can help rinse and dry the seeds, drizzle oil, and sprinkle spices using measuring spoons from their Tovla Jr cookware set. Once roasted, you’ll have a healthy snack that’s both crunchy and customizable.
3. Pumpkin “Fruit Leather” Rolls
This one is unexpected! Pureed pumpkin can be turned into a sweet, chewy fruit leather snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes. Simply blend cooked pumpkin with a touch of honey and cinnamon, then spread it thinly on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake on a very low heat until it dehydrates into a flexible sheet you can roll up.
Kids will love helping spread the puree evenly — and rolling it up when it’s done feels like opening a special fall treat. It’s a great alternative to store-bought fruit snacks, and you can cut them into strips with kid-safe scissors or Tovla Jr kitchen knives.
4. Pumpkin Candle Holders
Pumpkins aren’t just for eating — they make gorgeous fall décor too. Hollow out mini pumpkins and place tea lights or battery-operated candles inside. They create a warm, cozy glow on dining tables, mantels, or even on the front porch.
If you’re doing this with kids, opt for flameless LED candles for safety. Children can help scoop out the inside of the pumpkins and even decorate the outer shells with paint, glitter, or pressed leaves. It’s a fun way to create ambiance while reusing natural materials.
5. Pumpkin Puree Pancakes (Kid-Friendly Recipe!)
If your mornings are in need of a seasonal refresh, pumpkin puree pancakes are the answer. Mix pumpkin puree into your usual pancake batter, add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, and cook as normal. The result? Soft, fluffy pancakes that are rich in flavor and packed with extra nutrients.
This is a wonderful recipe for kids to help with — measuring, stirring, and even flipping (with close supervision). Using Tovla Jr’s safe spatulas and mixing tools, little chefs can confidently help whip up a fall breakfast that feels special but comes together quickly. Bonus: drizzle with maple syrup or top with toasted pecans for a cozy weekend brunch.
6. DIY Pumpkin Face Masks
Who says pumpkins are only for eating? Pumpkins are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as natural enzymes that can brighten skin. For a simple DIY mask, mix pumpkin puree with plain yogurt and honey, then apply it as a natural facial treatment.
This is a fun self-care idea for moms, but it can also become part of a “spa day” activity with older kids (minus the sticky mess for little ones!). Just remember to use clean pumpkin puree — not the scooped-out stringy parts. It’s an unexpected way to enjoy the season’s bounty without even turning on the oven.
7. Pumpkin “Stamp Art” with Kids
Before tossing your pumpkins at the end of the season, cut them into halves or wedges and use the inside as natural stamps for painting. The seeds, ridges, and textures create unique prints when dipped in paint and pressed onto paper.
Kids love this sensory craft because it combines art, texture, and a little bit of mess. Set up a sheet of craft paper, let them experiment, and you’ll have fall-themed wrapping paper or artwork to hang up at home. It’s a sustainable and creative way to use up pumpkins that might otherwise go to waste.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkins are so much more than decoration for the doorstep. From kitchen experiments like pumpkin pancakes, roasted seeds, or fruit leather to creative DIY projects like pumpkin bowls, candles, and stamp art, there are endless ways to embrace the season.
And when kids get involved, these activities become more than just seasonal traditions — they become opportunities for learning, creativity, and confidence-building. With tools like the Tovla Jr kid-safe knives and cooking sets, even little hands can join in on the fun safely and meaningfully.
This fall, instead of just carving a jack-o’-lantern, try out one (or all!) of these unique pumpkin projects. You’ll find that pumpkins can spark creativity, nourish your family, and even brighten your home in ways you never expected.
