Jack-o'-lanterns are great for Halloween decorations, but the humble pumpkin certainly has a lot to offer once the holiday's over. In the U.S. alone, 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown away after Halloween every year. Once trashed, wasted pumpkins end up occupying a lot of space in landfills and producing harmful amounts of the greenhouse gas, methane.
Because of this, it's important to consider making some more sustainable moves after spooky season ends. Turns out, many varieties of pumpkins you'll find in stores this fall are actually bred for carving, and aren't safe for consumption – each pumpkin will often be marked if they're inedible. Try looking out for pumpkins that *can* be eaten so you can make the most out of the pumpkin guts: Cherokee Bush, Casper, Cinderella, and Fairy Tale pumpkins are all great choices.
Consider composting your pumpkins after Halloween, too. If you don't do at-home compost, there are likely to be community compost pick-ups or drop-offs near you.
The most sustainable (and delicious) way to use leftover pumpkin is to make some recipes with it! We've gone far beyond pumpkin pie and roasting pumpkin seeds (although we'll happily do that, too) to bring you some creative ways to make use of the insides of yourjack-o'-lanterns after their flames have burned out. We're scooping out over a dozen creative ways to use the whole thing, guts and all.
Brit + Co
Swap out the pumpkin puree with your own pumpkin goodness to make this luscious Halloween drink.
Brit + Co
These luscious pumpkin rolls make for the ultimate cozy weekend breakfast! To make use of your pumpkin leftovers, swap the canned pumpkin puree for your own homemade version.
Brit + Co
Get us a spoon! Nothing says comfort food like mac and cheese, but this pasta takes things up a notch. Fall is no better time than fall to nosh on homey eats that carry *all* the fall flavors.
Brit + Co
Make this pumpkin-packed curry however spicy you'd like it for a *totally* warming bite when it's chilly out!
Brit + Co
These paleo-friendly baked bites scream fall, especially when you decorate them in jack-o'-lantern fashion.
Brit + Co
Freshly-baked banana bread is made for the fall season, so why not doctor things up with some pumpkin? Leverage your leftovers for a sweet little treat!
The Pioneer Woman
Grab your pumpkin and get to work, because the good stuff is on the inside. Slice, scoop and de-seed your way to homemade pumpkin puree that'll knock *any* canned pumpkin product out of the patch.
Oh She Glows
Once you've spilled the guts, work on gathering all of those pumpkin seeds. Not only do pumpkin seeds have nutritive value, they're excellent for munching on their own.
Taste & Tell
So, yeah… pumpkin, cinnamon and maple cream cheese all infused into a warm, sticky bun. We'll take two, please.
A Beautiful Mess
Once you've had the sweet and spicy taste of warm pumpkin butter hit your taste buds, you'll never look at a pumpkin the same way again. Grab a pumpkin and get digging, because these guts make something quite grand.
Modern Farmer
Creamy chickpeas and raw pumpkin (instead of squash) combine for a flavorful spin on the classic dip. Reap the rewards of the pumpkin and score some 'oohs' and 'ahhs' by roasting the seeds for a crunchy garnish.
Ambitious Kitchen
If you're a pumpkin lover, get on this recipe! They're perfect for dunking into chilis and stews, or if you like your cornbread on the sweet side, add a drizzle of melted butter and warm honey. (via Ambitious Kitchen)
Pizzazzerie
Learn how to use a pumpkin as a serving vessel and flavor enhancer for superb dishes like this crisp fall bisque.
Martha Stewart
Martha knows a thing or two about pumpkin… like how excellent it is when you bake it into pillowy cookies sandwiched around sweetened cream cheese.
Skinnytaste
It's October, and that means pumpkin-flavored everything hits supermarket shelves. If you live in a warmer area, you can forget the fuzzy sweaters and hot apple cider. Get your fall fix with this creamy sherbet that's perfectly spiced, made with milk, pumpkin puree, and spices.
She Wears Many Hats
You're drooling, right? This pumpkin dessert just might make it into your regular rotation.
Purely Twins
For the love of pumpkin and chocolate! These bite-sized truffles are basically magic in the mouth. Bibbity-bobbity-boo, do spread the love for a treat, and share this recipe with your friends.
The Girl On Bloor
Starbucks is life, but if you want to save some money this week, whip up this delicious pumpkin spice Frappuccino recipe at home! Mash up your leftover pumpkin guts to make a puree that'll serve as the base for this fall drink.
The First Mess
Your nachos are waiting for you to dip them into this delectable black bean dip with roasted squash, garlic, pumpkin seeds and chipotle peppers.
Half Baked Harvest
Step up your pumpkin butter game with this recipe. It's a perfect alternative if you want to have a spiced buttery spread to top your breakfast toast or croissant.
The First Mess
This vegan pumpkin smoothie with ginger and cardamom is the fall drink you didn't know you needed to make.
Barley & Sage
Let your pumpkin's guts help you create the creamy puree that gives this stuffed shell recipe a burst of fall flavor.
Salt & Lavender
This pumpkin and cauliflower soup with ginger is great comfort meal on the cold, rainy fall days. (via Salt & Lavender)
Fancy Peasant
Let your kids help you scoop out out the guts of your pumpkins so you can bake this sweet treat. They'll love eating this yummy twist on a traditional dessert.
Rachel Mansfield
Bake this gluten-free pumpkin crumb cheesecake for Thanksgiving, and watch as it slowly becomes your family's favorite dessert.
Takes Two Eggs
It's time to celebrate your fur baby's birthday with this delicious cake. It's filled with yummy and safe ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter and apple sauce!
White on Rice Couple
Ifyour dog is as sweet as pumpkin pie, why not give him a bone that's packed with the flavor and nutrients of pumpkin?
Brit + Co
Welcome the fall season and brighten your skin without the aid of sunshine with this pumpkin body scrub. Rich in vitamins A and C and various enzymes, raw pumpkin is the secret ingredient to radiant skin.
Freutcake
Want to try something magical on your skin? DIY thisbody scrub packed with natural enzymes that fight free radicals, slough away dead skin, and leave you feeling rejuvenated. Get to the kitchen and begin mixing nutrient rich, raw pumpkin with coarse sugar or salt, a bit of honey and sweet almond oil for a body scrub that packs a punch.
If you love pumpkin as much as we do, subscribe to our newsletter for the latest from Brit + Co!
This post has been updated.
Now that fall is officially in full swing, there’s a lot of seasonal traditions to look forward to, like apple picking, enjoying pumpkin spice lattes, or perfecting Taylor Swift’s famous chai sugar cookie recipe. But in recent years, a new Halloween trend has taken social media by storm – boo baskets. Whether you’re planning on crafting the perfect basket for a loved one, or you have no idea where to start, here is a guide that will help you get on the right track.
Reine Jalloul
Boo baskets are Halloween or fall-themed gift baskets typically filled with candy, seasonal decorations, and fun crafts that you can surprise your significant other with to celebrate the season. While videos of this trend usually show people giving their baskets to their “boo” (pun intended), it’s not limited to just your partner. You can also make one for your friends, your parents, your kids, or even your pets if you wanted to!
Sarah Barna
Just about anything can go in a boo basket! If you’re creating a basket that’s specific to your loved one’s interests, the possibilities of what you can include are endless. But based on countless TikTok videos and Instagram reels posted about this trend, the general formula for a basket that I’ve noticed includes a cozy item, a mug, a fall-themed drink mix, snacks or candy, a stuffed animal, and (of course) a basket big enough to fit everything!
Amazon
Technically, any big basket or container could be used to hold your boo basket items. However, if you’re the kind of person that likes to go all out when gift-giving, I would recommend a Halloween-themed basket like the Andemie Halloween Collapsible Organizer from Amazon. Not only does this basket come in multiple colors and patterns, you can easily flatten the basket and store it anywhere you want, so you can reuse it next fall.
Cora Pursley
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to getting all relaxed and comfortable, especially on a chilly, rainy fall day. Personally, there are three essential elements to my lazy days – an oversized sweater, some gourmand scented body care, and a candle that makes my entire apartment smell like walking into a bakery. If this sounds like you, here are some of my favorites.
Etsy
This sweater from the LoveStitchesCo shop on Etsy has quickly become a staple to my “lounging around” outfits this season, and for a good reason. For only $26, this sweater is made out of 100 percent cotton, has a wide size range available (S to 3XL), and can be customized to whatever color you’d like. Plus, the embroidered design is absolutely adorable; who doesn’t love ghost kittens?
Sol de Janeiro
As the weather gets colder, many people (like myself) opt to swap their perfumes and scented lotions from fruity and tropical notes to warm and edible notes like vanilla, caramel, honey and chocolate. If you’re looking to spoil your boo basket recipient who likes these kinds of scents, Sol de Janeiro recently released a limited edition body cream in one of their best-sellers, Cheirosa 71. Fragrance notes of caramelized vanilla, white chocolate and toasted macadamia nut will have you smelling like a snack (literally), while moisturizing ingredients like macadamia seed oil and tucumã butter will keep your skin feeling silky smooth.
Bath & Body Works
If you’re a candle lover, then you already know that the best place to find candles for every season is at none other than Bath & Body Works. Sure, there are plenty of pumpkin scented candles to try, but if you’re looking to include something in a boo basket that screams fall, Autumn Chai is the perfect option. This three-wick candle has notes of cinnamon chai, French vanilla, and caramel – a great combination if you’re looking for something cozy, but not too overwhelming.
Target
Hot chocolate is one of the quintessential cold weather beverages, but if you want to be more creative with your drink choice, Target’s Favorite Day brand has a spooky-themed hot cocoa mix that would be a great addition to your boo basket. One box comes with two cocoa mixes and a marshmallow confetti mix shaped like beakers you can find in a science laboratory, and when combined with warm milk, changes to an orange or green color. How cool is that?
Target
You got the perfect fall drink for your boo, but what mug would go with it the best? At this stage, I think this is where you get something that is the most personable to your boo basket recipient. You could include a mug that matches their career or their favorite hobbies and interests. If you want to play it safe and stick with a Halloween theme, this 15 oz ghost mug from Target is spook-tacular!
Warmies
Who says that stuffed animals are just for kids? Not only are they fluffy and come in all shapes and sizes, giving a stuffed animal to your loved one is one of the best ways to show that you care about them. As a plushie connoisseur, my go-to pick for a boo basket would be any plush, like this pink llama from Warmies. Each cuddly buddy is lavender-scented and also serves as a microwaveable heating pad that can be used to relieve stress or soothe muscle aches and pains.
Target
No Halloween basket would be complete without candy! From chocolates to gummy worms and sour WarHeads, there are so many options to choose from that it can seem overwhelming to pick just one. And if your boo basket recipient has any dietary restrictions, it can be even more difficult to find something that fits that person’s needs. My twin sister has been vegan for almost five years, and before we both moved out from our parents’ house, these dark chocolate coconut bars from Unreal were a staple snack for the whole family. Not only are these bars certified vegan and gluten-free, each bar only contains three grams of sugar and three ingredients – coconut, cassava syrup and dark chocolate. As someone who isn’t vegan, trust me when I say that when you try these, you won’t want to go back to the name-brand chocolate.
Looking for more fun Halloween trends? Sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This article has been updated.
We are officially consuming pumpkin-flavored things faster than leaves can fall off trees, and we can't wait to try out some of our newest creative pumpkin carving ideas. To keep the momentum going with our Halloween decor obsession, we've rounded up the best of the best in pumpkin design. So whether you're getting intricate with it or just want to drill a few holes, these unique ideas will get you carving and embellishing creatively this Halloween.
Image via Brit + Co
It's always a bit easier to just paint them, right? And you can easily add everything you need to make a flock of them for your living room.
Shutterstock
Make this cute fox by slicing spots for cardboard ears and tails and painting a little heart face!
Image via A Beautiful Mess
Celebrate the Summer of Love all the way into October with this boho, no-carve pumpkin design.
Image via Handmade Charlotte
Opting for a repeating pattern and some paint creates a fresh look without having to spend hours carving out a ghoulish face.
Image via In My Own Style
Turn your pumpkin into a candy jar with some knife skills and chalkboard paint.
Shutterstock
Nightmare Before Christmas fans can make these 'kins with black and white paint!
Image via A Beautiful Mess
White pumpkins are versatile, and this simple fabric paint DIY will carry you through from Halloween to Thanksgiving.
Go ghostly with your own textured bow from clay for a unique décor piece! (via Michael's)
Image via Design Improvised
Since you won't be carving, stick to a smoother faux pumpkin for this DIY. Its less-pronounced ridges will make it easier to apply these vinyl pieces.
Image via Dans Lakehouse
Rhinestones make everything prettier, and we love this DIY teal-painted take on the orange classic.
Image via Brit + Co
Invite the girls over to spend an afternoon carving woodland creatures. They'll thank you later.
Image via Brit + Co
Ya know, for the kids in your life. Don't forget to do Hank the Septopus!
Image via Brit + Co
Yes, you can add a chic touch to your decor with a *pumpkin*.
Image via Brit + Co
Those pre-painted plastic versions are the perfect backdrop for a night's sky or the Milky Way.
Image via Brit + Co
Bring those keyboard faves to life this year with a stoop full of emojis.
Image via Brit + Co
Rather than hanging a skeleton outside the door to spook trick-or-treaters, carve these pumpkins for a more original take on the tradition.
Image via Aww Sam
Take your hobby to the next level this season with these charming & ghoulish designs.
Image via Paper & Stitch
This one doesn't need to be big to make a statement. The multitude of eyes staring back at you as you walk across the room is creepy enough.
Love this diorama idea! Choose your theme and add some sparkle. Make it a party! (via Michael's)
Image via Sarah Hearts
Have some tissue confetti left over? Excellent. Layer it to create a fish-scale effect.
Image via Lovely Indeed
Thackery Binx would be proud to sit by these while guarding the book and the black flame candle.
Image via Handmade Charlotte
AKA Pumpktris, this carved and LED-equipped 'kin is perfect for the throwback gamer in all of us.
Image via A Bubbly Life
Live your office supply dreams all season long with a label maker.
Image via Delineate Your Dwelling
There are never enough ways to use all the cute tassels in the world. This is ideal for adding texture to the waxy ones.
Image via Design Improvised
Living colorfully is a 24/7 kind of lifestyle. Embrace the trend this fall with a collection of rainbow pumpkins.
Image via Hello, Wonderful
Don't bother with melted crayon art. Instead, use the technique on these tiny little ones. They'd make a stylish centerpiece and are a way to get the kids involved.
Image via Hello Wonderful
String us along anytime for an art project that combines bright fabric, metal, and organic materials.
Image via Lovely Indeed
These geometric gold pumpkins may look fancy, but they only require you to use a gold pen.
Image via JoJoTastic
Incorporate crystal magic into your Halloween decor-scape with agate slices that glow deep blue when candlelit.
This may not be for novices, but it's a totally different take on pumpkin carving for those at home with a scalpel.
Simple yet refreshingly different, this white pumpkin carving is perfect for beginners.
Inspired by El Día de los Muertos, this skull pumpkin is more adorable than spooky.
Which creative pumpkin carving idea do you like best from this list? Share pictures of your pumpkins with us on Twitter and join our newsletter for more creative inspiration!
This post has been updated.
We're officially one week into Scorpio season — are you feeling it? Is your intuition heightened? Are you super sensitive and a bit more introverted? It’s a good time to slow down, feel your feelings, and tap into the inner wisdom of your soul. Scorpio is often misinterpreted, perhaps because this season coincides with Halloween, the decreasing daylight in the northern hemisphere, or simply Scorpio’s intensity and power. A key word for Scorpio is transformation, which is never easy.
Think of the caterpillar’s metamorphosis — its time in the cramped and dark cocoon. That primordial, gooey existence is anything but comfortable. Transformation requires time, a willingness to experience discomfort, and patience before emerging as a beautiful butterfly.
Scorpio is one of the healing signs in the zodiac, and while the Sun is in Scorpio, we can make great strides toward healing ourselves and helping others. There’s nothing superficial about Scorpio — it demands depth, wanting to uncover layers and expose what’s hiding. That’s why it’s a great time to focus on your inner world and subconscious mind. All forms of therapy are beneficial during Scorpio season, but psychotherapy is especially powerful if that's an option for you.
Eager to know what this transformational energy has to offer? Read on for your weekly horoscope to understand how this can impact your sun and rising sign!
The New Moon in Scorpio occurs on November 1 at 9 degrees of Scorpio. You'll want to check your birth chart to see where 9 degrees of Scorpio falls — this is the area of your life where you can experience transformation and growth. New Moons are powerful times to plant seeds for future growth, to dream and plan for the coming month. Take time to reflect on what truly matters during this period of darkness and inward focus.
Mars, the planet of action and determination, has been opposite Pluto, the planet of transformation, for months. Both Mars and Pluto co-rule Scorpio, creating an intense and volatile energy. This opposition becomes exact again on November 3 and 4. Use this energy to propel yourself in a new direction and honor your true self. Strength and focus can harness this intensity for personal breakthroughs, but be cautious in making impulsive decisions during this time — on the global stage, tensions may rise, and there could be heightened aggression.
Adding to this turbulent energy, Mercury, the planet of communication and learning, leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius on November 2. As Mercury exits Scorpio, it forms a beneficial trine to Mars and a sextile to Pluto. This is a powerful opportunity for words to contribute to healing, so take care in how you communicate. Be mindful of the power your words hold, especially as Sagittarius can be blunt and outspoken. While Mercury is in Sagittarius until January 9, focus on expanding your consciousness, learning new skills, and broadening your horizons.
Brit + Co
You’re being asked to dig deep into your subconscious this week. Keep your eyes and ears open for messages from dreams or moments of creativity. Meditation or solitude may reveal powerful realizations. If you feel the need to make a major life change, be sure your decisions come from the heart. You’re on the cusp of a creative breakthrough, but make sure your actions are driven by authenticity.
Brit + Co
Relationships are in focus for you. This is a great week for couples therapy or deep, transformative conversations with your partner. Be willing to make changes that benefit your relationships, home, and career. Your sensitivity may be heightened, so incorporate self-care and self-love into any changes you make. Don’t shy away from this potential for growth — there’s tremendous opportunity for profound shifts.
Brit + Co
Good fortune and harmony are possible, but luck won’t just fall into your lap — you need to be proactive. This could show up in your relationships with others or in your relationship with yourself. Kindness, equality, and fairness are key to success. Be cautious around people exhibiting aggressive behavior. You’ll receive back what you give out, so practice kindness and ensure you’re approaching things with fairness and balance.
Brit + Co
You prefer to avoid conflict, but this week you’ll have the chance to step out of your comfort zone. You don’t have to be confrontational, but a bit of assertiveness will help you move toward your goals. The seeds you plant during this New Moon will grow stronger if you add passion and creativity. Follow your intuition, especially when making important decisions. Your dreams need a touch of energy and action.
Brit + Co
The Mars-Pluto opposition has likely stirred up some drama in your life. Have you mustered the courage to start something new? If not, this week offers an opportunity to fully step into your authentic self and begin a new chapter. Don’t hold back, but be prepared for uncharted territory. Your relationships, particularly with yourself, may need a refresh. Self-love and self-care are essential as you embark on these transformations. You might even consider sprucing up your home or making a move.
Brit + Co
Career growth is in focus this week, but you’ll need to find a balance between your home life and work life. You may feel the urge to do more in both areas, but it’s crucial to stay grounded. Pay attention to details and avoid overindulgence. A balance between home and work will lead to the best results — be sure to tend to both areas without letting one consume the other.
Brit + Co
Your finances and values are the focus this week. Now is the perfect time to ensure your financial life is in order. Meet with a financial planner or make sure your will is up to date. This planning will give you peace of mind and reduce future stress. Once Mercury moves into Sagittarius on November 2, you’ll feel freer to have fun and pursue adventure, knowing that your financial security is taken care of.
Brit + Co
Your power and determination will only grow as the week progresses. Use this time to tap into your inner authority and work toward concrete goals. There’s likely to be movement in your career, but it won’t happen overnight. Patience and sustained effort are required. Cultivate joy and focus on long-term goals — there’s no rush, but steady progress will lead to great results.
Brit + Co
Mercury entering your sign on November 2 invites expansion and learning. If you’ve been waiting to start a new project, learn a new skill, or expand your understanding of the universe, now is the time. Subjects like spirituality and philosophy will be easier to grasp during this time. Be mindful, though — your blunt communication style could come off as caustic, so take a breath before you speak.
Brit + Co
Mental well-being should be a priority. Use this time to focus on learning and honing your skills. Your approach to life and work is inspiring to others. If you’ve been dealing with self-doubt, discard any negative self-talk and practice self-compassion. You have a natural ability to teach others, so don’t hesitate to share your knowledge with those who might be facing something similar to your experiences.
Brit + Co
This week focuses on your community and your relationship with like-minded people. Group learning and activities will be more impactful than solo efforts. Mercury in Sagittarius from November 2 will encourage you to learn through travel and adventure. Something exciting and transformative is on the horizon — seize the opportunity for growth through connection with others.
Brit + Co
It’s time to focus on your physical health. The energy of this week will make it easier to start a health regimen and stick to it. While you may become more serious about your health, don’t push yourself too hard. Take small, steady steps to make lasting changes. As the week progresses, you’ll feel more confident and enthusiastic about these positive changes to your well-being.
Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!
Sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!
With Halloweenon the horizon, we have to ask the question: Have your toddlers made up their minds about what they want to be for Halloween? If not, there's still plenty of time to put together one of these DIY Halloween costumes inspired by their favorite characters/animals/foods/things. Just choose from any one of these 31 DIY kids costumes that you can whip up in a flash. No tricks here!
Brit + Co
A quick trip to Target will sort you out for everything you need to make all of the add-ons.
Brit + Co
You can DIY the whole duo's ensemble with your faux fur stash to whip up these muppety, feather-filled family and kids Halloween costumes.
Brit + Co
With just one yard of fabric, you can turn your toddler into the most stylish superhero in town.
Brit + Co
Your little sunshine needs cute kids Halloween costumes to choose from! Simply grab a summer dress and add a dramatic and colorful flower crown.
Brit + Co
Dig deep into the closet for the snazzy party outfit, and add some cardstock cutout stars to your little space lover.
Brit + Co
All you need for this one is a trip to the grocery store for a cheap umbrella and some salt.
Brit + Co
This cute DIY idea is so easy you'll be tempted to decorate your baby carrier for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Who knew kids Halloween costumes could be so functional?
Brit + Co
"She's an icon. She's a legend. She is the moment" best describes this cute DIY baby costume!
Brit + Co
Your little baby will look adorable in their cloud onesie! To go the extra mile, attach
Brit + Co
These fun DIY costumes are great for the entire family! Your little one is sure to get a kick out of dressing up as piglet.
Brit + Co
Bust through that supply of leftover crafting felt, and add big blue eyes and some fins to a well-used T-shirt.
Brit + Co
Put this at the top of your kids Halloween costumes list if you're looking to match your little man while you hit the 'hood going door to door? Jeans and Converse will save the day, and the jacket is likely needed anyway.
Brit + Co
Bring this literary classic to life with a little prep time and some orange fabric.
Brit + Co
Thank goodness you saved the tropical shirts from your last vacation, because now everyone can get in on the look.
Brit + Co
This is the kind of costume that will become a playroom staple, so you might as well do it and save yourself the time later.
Lovely Indeed
While the jumpsuit totally makes the look, a good jumper will do the trick. For the patches? Amazon for the win.
Studio DIY
You can transform into your favorite sweet treat with an inner tube and foam hair curlers (genius, we know!). If sprinkles aren’t your thing, you can always go with chocolate glazed.
Oh Happy Day
There’s no fussing with masks or itchy wigs. This costume is basically just a backpack and should help keep complaints to a minimum (hopefully). Just try not to leave a snail trail on your way through the neighborhood.
Oh Happy Day
If you’re looking for a totally original costume, this is about as unique as it gets. Chances are you probably won’t see another cloud walking around on Halloween.
Oh Happy Day
These getups look great on their own, but paired together they are complete perfection.
Studio DIY
Any onesie can be pink with some dye packets, and a permanent marker will cover the rest.
Week99er
The best part about this one is that it has the option of being gender neutral. The tutu is between you and the kid.
The House That Lars Built
HOLD. THE. PHONE. There is no better group ensemble for the gang from your birthing group. The concept works as they got older as well.
The House That Lars Built
With five mins left before they head off to school, throw some overalls on them and whip up this sign.
Share your Halloween DIYs with us @BritandCo!
This article has been updated.
