*Originally published on October 22, 2020:

Are you ready for the coolest, most creative pumpkin carving ideas that'll take this Halloween to the next level? If your answer is a resounding "yes," then you're in the right place! We've got 16 unique, fun, and maybe a little spooky pumpkin carving ideas that are anything but ordinary. So grab your pumpkin scoop, your carving set, and let's get carving!

16 Unique Pumpkin Carving and Decorating Ideas for Halloween:

1. Cheesin' Pumpkin

unique pumpkin carving
Courtesy of Shutterstock

Nothing says, "Happy Halloween," quite like a toothy Jack-o'-Lantern! This pumpkin will have all the trick-or-treaters grinning themselves when they come up to your door!

2. The "Pur-fect" Pumpkin

unique pumpkin carving
Courtesy of LADYFACE BLOG

This cat-inspired pumpkin will give your front porch some much-needed cuteness this Halloween! We love the little ears and paws made of leftover pumpkin pieces, too!

3. Pumpkin Vase

Courtesy of The Crafted Life

Instead of carving a face into your pumpkin this year, why not simply add some floral components to make it really stand out? Plus, you could even bring this cute pumpkin vase inside as the centerpiece for your Halloween party table!

4. Scalloped Pumpkin

unique pumpkin carving
Photo by MIKE GARTEN/Good Housekeeping

Take a unique look for your pumpkins and give them a scalloped edge. The scallop pumpkins can be great decor for your interior or exterior! 

5. Spotted Pumpkin

unique pumpkin carving
Photo by John Kernick/Country Living

Don't be deceived by this pumpkin. It's actually fairly easy to carve out! While there are a ton of dots and spots, simply use a power drill to get all of the spots punched out. Then, throw in some LED lights inside, and viola!

6. Ice Bucket Pumpkin

unique pumpkin carving
Courtesy of woman's day

In a similar vein as the pumpkin vase above, transform your regular Jack-o'-Lantern into a party decoration this Hallow's Eve! Simply carve out the pumpkin, throw in some ice, and viola! Ice bucket pumpkin is ready to keep your brews and potions nice and cool.

7. Classic Jack-o'-Lantern

unique pumpkin carvings
Photo by Eleni Petrounakou on Unsplash

Okay, so while maybe not as unique as the other pumpkin carvings on our list, there's a reason this classic Jack-o'-Lantern has stood the test of time for as long as it has. Nothing screams Halloween is here like good ol' Jack!

8. Cookie Cutter Pumpkin

unique pumpkin carving
Photo by MIKE GARTEN/Good Housekeeping

You know those fun ghost- and bat-shaped cookie cutters? Why not create a fun pattern and cut out those shapes into your pumpkin? It's an easy yet cool way to decorate for the holiday.

9. Pumpkin Lantern

Courtesy of THE POLOHOUSE

Once again, we want you to start thinking of different ways to utilize your pumpkins outside of simply carving into them. Create a fun little lantern decoration with your pumpkin. Hollow out the pumpkin, throw in some vines and twigs or straw, and tie a rope around the stem before hanging it up in your entryway! (Just be sure to use a fake candle; otherwise, you may risk a fire breaking out.)

10. Tombstone Pumpkin

unique pumpkin carving
Photo by MIKE GARTEN/Good Housekeeping

If you've got a tall and wide pumpkin, get in the spooky spirit by transforming it into a tombstone. Draw your inspiration from the old cemetery headstones or channel your inner Haunted Mansion-esque headstone puns.

11. Pumpkin Fairy House

unique pumpkin carving
Photo by Becky Stayner/Country Living

Get whimsical with your gourds and build a tiny house, perfect for wandering fairies and gnomes! Stack various-sized pumpkins to give your fairy home new heights, sort of.

12. Candy Dispenser Pumpkin

unique pumpkin carving
Photo by kate sears/woman's day

You know how some folks leave a bowl out for trick-or-treaters to take candy from? Why not convert your pumpkin into a candy dispenser itself? It's both decorative and environmentally friendly.

13. Welcome, Pumpkin!

unique pumpkin carving
Courtesy of Country Living

Hollowing out and carving a pumpkin can be rather time-consuming. So if you don't want to spend a ton of time doing just that, painting your Jack-o'-Lanterns is a great alternative! You can utilize this opportunity to paint a welcome sign for eager trick-or-treaters at your door.

14. Mummy Pumpkin

unique pumpkin carving
Photo by Antonis Achilleos/woman's day

Stack a sliced pumpkin together to form a mummy-like appearance. Whether you have a white pumpkin or you paint one white, that'll make your pumpkin look like it came straight from ancient Egypt and give any visitors a little spook.

15. Burger Pumpkin

unique pumpkin carvings
Courtesy of Jessie Daye

This pumpkin will take a bit more than simply carving a design into it, but the end result is so worth it! By using a fresh batch of Cocoa Rice Krispie treats, you'll be able to create the burger patty. Get creative with the remaining toppings—from Laffy Taffy to Fruit Roll-ups, the possibilities are endless! And finally, for the bun, cut the pumpkin in half and gut it.

16. Hungry, Hungry Pumpkin

Take your Cheesin' Pumpkin and simply add a small pumpkin, an apple, or other candies inside. It'll look as if your pumpkin couldn't wait for the rush of candy happening on the night of Halloween. Plus, it's super fun and creative!

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