Have Leftover Pumpkins After Halloween? 10 Things You Can Do

As Halloween fades and carved pumpkins begin to wilt, it’s easy to feel like the pumpkin fun has come to an end. But in reality, those jack-o’-lanterns and decorative gourds still have plenty of life left. Wondering what to do with pumpkins after Halloween? There are plenty of creative things you can do with your leftover pumpkins, so you don’t just throw them away afterward.

10 Ideas for Your Leftover Pumpkins

1. Turn Your Pumpkin into a Natural Bird Feeder

Autumn is an ideal season to attract birds, and a pumpkin bird feeder adds a seasonal touch to your yard while helping wildlife. Simply cut the top off a pumpkin to create a bowl shape, then scoop out the flesh. Attach a sturdy twine or rope on each side of the pumpkin and fill it with birdseed. Hang it securely on a tree, and let birds enjoy their seasonal treat. This sustainable project not only offers food for birds but also provides kids with an educational opportunity to observe nature up close.

2. Create a DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Pumpkins can easily transition from spooky Halloween décor to charming Thanksgiving table settings. Transform an uncarved pumpkin into a beautiful centerpiece by hollowing it out and inserting a small container of water inside. Fill the pumpkin with autumn flowers like sunflowers, mums, or even foliage in deep reds and golden yellows. This simple DIY adds warmth and beauty to any dining table and makes a statement piece that will last through Thanksgiving celebrations.

3. Pumpkin Soup: A Tasty Fall Comfort Food

Wondering what to do with uncarved pumpkins after Halloween? Use them for a delicious homemade soup! Pumpkin flesh is rich in vitamins, including vitamin A, and pairs well with autumn spices. A quick and easy soup recipe can include diced pumpkin, onion, garlic, chickpeas, and spices like paprika and cumin. Let it simmer until soft, then blend it for a creamy texture. This hearty dish offers a nourishing way to enjoy pumpkin beyond decorations.

4. Pumpkin Seed Crafts for Kids

For families looking to entertain kids post-Halloween, pumpkin seeds offer endless craft possibilities. Help children paint dried seeds in bright colors, then create bracelets or necklaces by threading them onto strings. This activity teaches color recognition and fine motor skills, making it a fun and educational option for young children. Plus, painted seeds can be used as learning tools for sorting games, counting, and even simple math exercises.

5. Pamper Yourself with a Pumpkin Face Mask

Pumpkin pulp can transform into a refreshing skincare treatment that’s easy to make at home. Pumpkin is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants, and natural enzymes that work wonders for the skin. Simply blend pumpkin into a smooth puree, mix with yogurt and honey, and apply to the face. This mask gently exfoliates dead skin cells, promoting a brighter and more youthful complexion. For those with sensitive skin, a patch test is recommended to avoid irritation. This self-care routine adds a seasonal twist to skincare and uses pumpkin pulp in a creative, eco-friendly way.

6. Plant Pumpkin Seeds for Next Year’s Harvest

Curious about what to do with decorative pumpkins? Start by harvesting their seeds for future planting! This sustainable approach gives you a head start on next year’s pumpkin crop. After scooping out the seeds, rinse and dry them thoroughly to prevent mold, then store them in a cool, dry place until planting season. Alternatively, roasted pumpkin seeds make a tasty snack—just season with a pinch of salt, and bake until crisp. Whether for planting or eating, this option brings a rewarding experience for all pumpkin lovers.

7. Repurpose Pumpkins as Planters

Give decorative pumpkins a second life by turning them into garden planters. Simply cut a drainage hole in the bottom and fill it with soil and seasonal plants or flowers. Pumpkins make a lovely autumnal planter that eventually decomposes back into the earth, nourishing the soil. This project teaches children about gardening basics, and as the pumpkin decomposes, it adds nutrients to the surrounding soil, creating a natural compost effect.

8. Make Your Pumpkin Compost

For those who enjoy gardening, composting pumpkins is an excellent way to enrich the soil. Chop up any leftover pumpkins into small pieces to accelerate decomposition and add them to your compost pile. For quicker results, mix the pumpkin with other organic materials like leaves and grass clippings. If a compost bin isn’t available, pumpkin pieces can also be buried directly in the garden. Composting keeps pumpkins out of landfills and provides a valuable boost to next year’s garden.

9. Donate Pumpkins to Local Farms and Animal Sanctuaries

Wondering where to take pumpkins after Halloween? Local farms, zoos, and animal sanctuaries often welcome pumpkin donations as they provide animals with a healthy, seasonal treat. Animals like pigs, deer, and chickens enjoy eating pumpkin flesh and seeds. Call your nearest animal sanctuary to check their donation policies, and ensure the pumpkins are still in good condition. This eco-friendly approach reduces waste and supports local farms and animal shelters.

10. Teach Kids Environmental Responsibility Through Sensory Play

Pumpkin insides offer a unique sensory experience for young kids, making it a great resource for sensory bags. Fill a large Ziploc bag with scooped-out pumpkin flesh, sealing it tightly to prevent spills. Little ones can squish the bag, feel the different textures, and explore new vocabulary. Adding small Halloween-themed toys, like plastic spiders or frogs, makes the activity even more exciting. This project supports early language development, fine motor skills, and environmental awareness, demonstrating that pumpkins have uses beyond just holiday décor.

Giving Your Halloween Leftovers a New Life

Instead of letting pumpkins end up in the trash, there’s a whole world of ways to make them useful after Halloween. Pumpkins can nourish gardens, create memorable crafts, support local wildlife, or even add to your skincare routine. Each part of a pumpkin—from the seeds to the flesh to the shell—has a purpose beyond decorations, offering both sustainable and practical uses. So, before tossing those pumpkins, consider how they can bring value in fresh, eco-friendly ways!