This year, ditch the dangerous tools and disastrous gooey mess for something safer and, well, more creative.  Our carefully curated roundup of unique pumpkin-decorating ideas promises to really let you and your babes explore the fun Halloween tradition in a unique way. Each craft is pretty simple and perfect for little hands and minds.

Take a Dip

This clever DIY uses—get this—balloons as the easy, cute, colorful solution.

Easiest No-Carve Pumpkin Idea: Balloon Dipped Pumpkins DIYSource: Pattern & Stitch

Go Owl Out

With the simple addition of cupcake liners and construction paper, you have an adorable faux-feathered creature kids will love.

Fox PumpkinSource: Country Living

Let It Grow

This project may take a bit more time and require a few additional materials, but if you and your little ones are into art, this haunted fairy garden is adorable and whimsical.

Haunted Pumpkin Fairy GardenSource: HGTV

Bippity Boppity BOO

For the Cinderella-lover in your household, this butterfly-embellished beauty is fit for a princess.

DIY Cinderella Butterfly PumpkinSource: A Pumpkin & a Princess

Tangled Up

Twine and glue is all you really need to create this classic but scary-looking pumpkin.

Spider Web PumpkinSource: Woman’s Day

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