Pumpkin season has officially entered the chat—and if you’ve got kids, paper plates, and a little extra time on your hands, you’re already halfway there.
I’ve always loved a craft that doesn’t require a trip to the specialty store (or a vacuum afterward), and these paper plate pumpkin ideas fit that vibe perfectly.
PIN FOR LATER 📌
Each one has its own personality—some are classic, some are a little quirky—but all of them are easy enough for little hands and fun enough to keep their attention.
Whether you’re getting ready for Halloween weekend or just need a cozy afternoon activity, these 9 paper plate pumpkin crafts are simple, cheerful, and surprisingly cute.
1.
CREDIT: EASY PEASY & FUN
Cut out some facial features, pop in a battery tea light, and voilà—a little jack-o’-lantern that glows from the inside. These are surprisingly effective as party decor, and kids love watching their creations light up.
MORE AMAZING DIY CRAFT IDEAS:
2. Paper Plate Pumpkin Weaving Craft
CREDIT: BAKER ROSS
This one’s all about texture. Kids can weave bright orange yarn through pre-punched holes for a craft that looks way more impressive than it is complicated. I love that it doubles as a sweet little wall hanger, thanks to the pipe cleaner “vine.”
3. Paper Plate Mummy Pumpkin Craft
CREDIT: SIMPLE EVERYDAY MOM
There’s something satisfying about tearing paper, right? These pumpkins turn that impulse into a full-on Halloween moment—layered, stripey, and finished with expressive faces that kids can mix and match however they like.
4. Pumpkin Seeds Paper Craft
CREDIT: MAKE & TAKES
This one leans a little more autumn than spooky, and I’m here for it. The real pumpkin seeds give it a nature-inspired feel, while the swirl of yarn adds just enough dimension to make it pop on the fridge or bulletin board.
5. Paper Plate Lacing Pumpkin Craft
CREDIT: OUR KID THINGS
Part pumpkin, part creepy-crawly masterpiece. These are perfect for older kids who want a bit more challenge—they’ll thread yarn through holes to create a web, then top it off with a not-so-scary spider friend.
6. Moving Eye Pumpkin Plate Craft
CREDIT: BAKER ROSS
How fun is this one? The sliding eyes give this classic pumpkin face a whole new level of personality. Add a swirly green top and a little glitter glue, and suddenly he’s a total scene-stealer.
7. Happy Kawaii Pumpkin Paper Plate Craft
CREDIT: SIMPLE EVERYDAY MOM
Big eyes, blushing cheeks, and a smile that kind of makes you want to smile back—this paper plate pumpkin brings all the feel-good energy. It’s sweet, simple, and perfect for younger kids who just want to cut and glue without too many steps.
8. Handprint Pumpkin Craft
CREDIT: NON-TOY GIFTS
This one’s part Halloween, part keepsake. Cut out the center of a paper plate, add a handprint jack-o’-lantern in the middle, and you’ve got a frame-worthy moment that’s equal parts festive and sentimental.
9. Easy Torn Paper Collage Pumpkin Craft
CREDIT: THE BEST IDEAS FOR KIDS
Sometimes the most charming crafts are the simplest. This one uses torn orange paper layered over a plate base, creating a textured collage pumpkin that’s super forgiving (and a great option for little hands still mastering scissors).
So whether you’re prepping for a Halloween party, filling a quiet afternoon, or just looking for a craft that doesn’t require perfection, these paper plate pumpkins deliver.
They’re charming, doable, and just the right amount of festive. Honestly, I wouldn’t blame you for making one yourself.