Fall is basically nature’s way of saying, “Let’s slow down and feel things.” The leaves are changing, the air smells like cinnamon and possibility, and your tween or teen is somewhere between “I’m fine” and “I have 47 emotions and no idea what to do with them.”
Enter: journaling.
Whether they’re deep thinkers, doodlers, or just need a break from screens, journaling is a low-pressure way to reflect, express, and explore. And fall? It’s the perfect season to start.
Here are some fall-themed journaling prompts that are equal parts thoughtful and fun—designed to help tweens and teens tap into their creativity, reflect on the season, and maybe even discover something new about themselves.
Seasonal Reflections
What’s your favorite thing about fall, and why?
Describe your perfect fall day—from breakfast to bedtime.
What does fall smell like, sound like, and feel like to you?
If you were a tree, what kind of leaves would you drop this year?
Feelings & Growth
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself this year?
What’s one thing you want to let go of this season?
Write about a time you felt cozy, safe, or understood.
What does “change” mean to you right now?
Fall Fun & Imagination
If you could design your own fall festival, what would it include?
Create a spooky story that starts with a mysterious leaf pile.
Invent a fall-themed superhero. What’s their power?
What would your dream Halloween costume be if money and time weren’t an issue?
Gratitude & Mindfulness
List five things you’re grateful for this fall.
What’s something small that made you smile recently?
Write about a moment you felt really present this week.
What’s one way you can show kindness this season?
Bonus Challenge: Create Your Own Prompt
Encourage your tween or teen to write their own fall-themed prompt and answer it. It could be silly, serious, or somewhere in between. The goal? Make journaling feel like theirs.
Want to make journaling a daily habit this season?
I created a 30-Day Fall Journaling Challenge Calendar packed with cozy, creative prompts to guide tweens and teens through a month of reflection, imagination, and self-discovery. It’s designed to be low-pressure, high-impact—and yes, it pairs beautifully with flannel and fuzzy socks. Each day features a little leaf checkbox so they can mark their progress, one prompt (and one feeling) at a time.
Print it out and hang it near your journaling space.
Use a notebook, sketchpad, or digital journal—whatever feels right.
Don’t worry about perfection. Just write, reflect, and enjoy the process.
Final Thoughts
Journaling doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to be spelled right. It just has to be honest. So hand over a notebook, light a candle, and let the fall feelings flow. Because sometimes, the best way to understand the season—and yourself—is to write it out.
Fall is here, which means we’re legally obligated to put pumpkin in everything. Lattes? Check. Candles? Obviously. But snacks? Oh yes—we’re going there. These Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites are your new autumn MVP: no oven, no drama, just pure pumpkin bliss in bite-sized form.
They’re the kind of snack that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re eating them in fuzzy socks while ignoring your inbox.
Ingredients
Here’s the base recipe—just mix, chill, and roll:
½ cup pumpkin puree
1 cup rolled oats
¼ cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower)
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until well mixed.
Chill the mixture in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
Roll into bite-sized balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is a blank canvas for fall creativity. Try these add-ins and variations:
Crunch: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds
Sweetness: Mix in mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries
Boosts: Stir in chia seeds, flaxseed meal, or a scoop of protein powder
Coating: Roll in shredded coconut, crushed graham crackers, or cocoa powder
Why I Love These
I first made these on a rainy October afternoon when I needed something sweet but nourishing. They’ve since become my go-to snack between Zoom calls, errands, and cozy evenings with a blanket and a book. They’re everything I want in a fall treat—easy, satisfying, and packed with pumpkin spice goodness.
Let’s Chat
Have you tried making energy bites before? What’s your favorite fall snack? Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram if you make these—I’d love to see your twist on them!
No oven, no fuss—just cozy fall flavor in every bite. These easy, mix-and-roll snacks are packed with oats, pumpkin, and spice.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Chill20 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Snack
Keyword: no-bake fall snack
Servings: 6(2 per serving)
Calories: 200kcal
Ingredients
½cuppumpkin puree
1cuprolled oats
1/4cupnut butter(peanut, almond, or sunflower)
2tbsphoney or maple syrup
1tsppumpkin spice
1pinchsalt
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until well mixed.
Chill the mixture in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
Roll into bite-sized balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
This recipe is a blank canvas for fall creativity. Try these add-ins and variations:• Crunch: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds• Sweetness: Mix in mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries• Boosts: Stir in chia seeds, flaxseed meal, or a scoop of protein powder• Coating: Roll in shredded coconut, crushed graham crackers, or cocoa powder
There’s something special about traditions that grow with your family. For us, it’s our annual Halloween movie night—a cozy, creative evening that’s become one of my daughter’s favorite fall rituals. Last year, we went all out with a Hocus Pocus-themed night, complete with witchy snacks, spellbook crafts, and black flame candle vibes. This year, we’re switching gears and going full-on fall with a DIY Apple Bar that’s equal parts delicious and festive.
Setting the Scene: Halloween Movie Night Essentials
Whether you’re watching spooky classics or kid-friendly favorites, the key to a great Halloween movie night is ambiance. Here’s how we set the mood:
Blankets and pillows galore—think fort-style coziness
String lights or flameless candles for that soft, flickering glow
Themed decorations—pumpkins, bats, and a few DIY crafts from earlier in the season
A curated movie list (this year’s picks include Casper and Hubie Halloween)
This Year’s Star: The Apple Bar Buffet
Instead of the usual candy overload, we’re embracing fall flavors with an Apple Bar—a build-your-own station that’s fun, interactive, and surprisingly easy to set up.
What’s on our Apple Bar:
Apple slices (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji for variety)
Toppings: Crushed pretzels, mini M&Ms, sprinkles, chopped nuts, graham cracker crumbs
Extras: Skewers for dipping, mini cauldrons for toppings, and a few spooky labels for flair
It’s a hit with kids and adults alike—and way less messy than traditional caramel apples. Plus, it doubles as a dessert and activity all in one.
Why We Love It
This tradition isn’t just about the snacks or the movies. It’s about slowing down, getting creative, and making memories. Watching my daughter light up as she builds her apple masterpiece or quotes lines from her favorite Halloween flicks is the real treat.
Bonus Ideas for Your Own Halloween Movie Night
Want to make your Halloween movie night extra special? Try these:
Themed pajamas (witches, pumpkins, or ghosts—take your pick!)
DIY popcorn mix station with candy corn, chocolate chips, and marshmallows
Printable movie tickets for a “home theater” vibe
Craft break between movies—like decorating mini pumpkins or making spooky bookmarks
Whether you’re starting a new tradition or adding a twist to an old one, Halloween movie night is the perfect way to celebrate the season with heart, humor, and a whole lot of snacks. And if you’ve never tried an apple bar before—trust me, this is the year to do it.
So grab your comfiest blanket, cue up the classics (or the spooky sillies), and let the countdown to candy-fueled chaos begin. Whether you’re team caramel drizzle or peanut butter crunch, your apple bar awaits, and so does the magic of a night made for memories. Happy haunting!
With coffee in one hand and an apple slice in the other,
Confession time: I’m really not a Halloween person. I know—cue the gasps, dramatic lightning, and someone clutching their plastic pumpkin in horror. But seriously, trick-or-treating? Meh. Dressing up as a sexy version of something that should never be sexy? Hard pass. I’d much rather skip the doorbell chaos, avoid the sugar crash, and settle in with a hot beverage and a good book.
Of course, I don’t actually get to do that because my daughter is still firmly in the trick-or-treating stage, which means I’ll be out there dodging inflatable skeletons and rationing candy like a sugar economist.
But here’s one thing I do like to do: I always set out a Trick-or-Treat sign by our candy bowl. Since we’re not home to hand out treats, I want to make sure the neighborhood goblins know they’re welcome to grab a piece (or two… or three) without knocking. And if you’re hiding inside with the lights off and a horror movie marathon queued up, I’ve got you covered too.
Free Printables: Trick-or-Treat Signs
These signs are cheeky, charming, and totally printable. Just download, print, and pop one by your candy bowl, porch, or front door. No crafting required, unless you count taping it to a pumpkin.
Here’s what’s included:
“Creep It Real and Take a Treat” For the pun-loving ghoul who appreciates a good dad joke.
“Don’t Ghost the Candy—Take a Piece and Go” Perfect for those who want to keep the candy flowing and the doorbell silent.
“The Witch Is Out—Take a Piece Before She Gets Back” A little sass, a little mystery, and a whole lot of candy diplomacy.
“Please Take One and Share the Scare” Ideal for encouraging generosity (or at least pretending to).
Each sign is designed to be bold, readable, and festive—whether you’re going for spooky chic or chaotic cute. You can laminate them, frame them, or just slap them on the porch with painter’s tape and call it a win.
Because Halloween isn’t just about nighttime sugar rushes, it’s also about sneaking a little spooky joy and confidence into the school day.
I created a set of printable Halloween lunchbox notes filled with silly jokes and uplifting messages. They are perfect for tweens who are “too cool” for Halloween but still secretly love a good pun and a midday pick-me-up.
Here’s what’s inside:
Jokes to make them giggle:
“Why don’t ghosts like rain?”Because it dampens their spirits.
“What’s a vampire’s favorite fruit?”A blood orange.
“Why did the skeleton stay home from school?”He was bone-tired.
Inspirational notes to lift their spirits:
“You’re spooktacular—never forget it.”
“Creep it real, because you’re one of a kind.”
“Even monsters need a reminder: you’re brave, bold, and boo-tiful.”
“Witch better have confidence—because you’ve got it in spades.”
Each note is lunchbox-sized, printable, and easy to tuck into a sandwich bag, thermos lid, or snack pouch. Some offer a laugh, others offer a little love, and all of them help your child feel seen, supported, and celebrated during spooky season.
🍂 Want to keep the cozy vibes going after Halloween? Grab my Pumpkin Spice Lunch Notes—a collection of warm heartfelt messages to brighten your child’s day all fall long.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dodging doorbells or dodging glue gun disasters, Halloween doesn’t have to be a stress-fest. These printables are here to help you keep the spooky spirit alive—without losing your mind or your tape dispenser.
So go ahead, set out the candy, sneak in a lunchbox laugh, and remember you’re doing Halloween your way. And that’s the real treat.
With coffee in one hand a candy bucket in the other,
Every October I make a solemn vow: “This year, I’m not dressing up.” I mean it. I’m firm. I’m resolute. And then, like clockwork, my daughter hits me with the puppy eyes and a dramatic, “But it won’t be fun without you!” Suddenly I’m hot-gluing googly eyes to a bathrobe and calling myself a sleep-deprived monster.
So if Halloween snuck up on you like a ghost in a fog machine, and now you’re staring into your closet wondering if “tired parent” counts as a costume. Don’t panic. You don’t need a trip to the costume store or a sewing machine to pull off something clever, cute, or creepy. These easy DIY Halloween costumes are fast, funny, and totally doable with stuff you already own.
1. Fortune Teller
What you need: Flowing scarf, chunky jewelry, eyeliner for dramatic eyes Bonus: Carry a crystal ball (or snow globe) and speak only in mysterious riddles.
2. Cat Burglar
What you need: All black outfit, black beanie, toy cat or stuffed animal Bonus: Add a loot bag labeled “Meow Mix” and sneak around dramatically.
3. Error 404 Costume Not Found
What you need: White T-shirt + marker Instructions: Write “Error 404: Costume Not Found” across the front and/or back. Bonus: Carry a fake tech support badge and offer to reboot people.
4. Bubble Bath
What you need: White balloons, shower cap, loofah Bonus: Tape rubber duckies to your shirt and walk around humming spa music.
5. Secret Agent
What you need: Black clothes, sunglasses, earpiece (or a phone cord), clipboard or fake ID badge Bonus: Speak in code and pretend you’re on a top-secret candy mission.
6.Miss Universe
What you need: Dress + cut-out paper planets or stars taped on Bonus: Add a sash and tiara for intergalactic glam.
7. Life Gives You Lemons
What you need: A shirt labeled “LIFE” (tape or iron-on letters), a basket or bag of lemons Bonus: Hand lemons to people with dramatic flair and say, “You know what to do.”
8. Wednesday Addams
What you need: Black dress, white collar (or white shirt layered underneath), braided pigtails Bonus: Carry a headless doll and perfect your deadpan glare. Smiling is strictly forbidden.
9. Fork in the Road
What you need: Black shirt or dress with white or yellow dashed lines (like a road) made out of tape, plastic fork taped to the middle Bonus: Add a cardboard road sign.
10. Cactus
What you need: Green shirt, white pipe cleaners or straws for spikes Bonus: Add a flower headband and stand very still in corners.
Tips for Pulling It Off
Own it. Confidence sells even the simplest costume.
Accessorize. A prop or punny sign can elevate your look instantly.
Group up. Coordinate with friends for a themed ensemble—like emojis, cereal boxes, or characters from a show.
Bonus Round: Even More Last-Minute Costume Wins for the Kids
Still searching for that perfect mix of funny, spooky, and low effort? These 5 ideas are crowd-pleasers and kid-approved:
Little Zombie
Supplies: Old clothes (ripped and frayed), face paint or eyeliner for dark circles, optional fake blood Why it works: It’s creepy, classic, and gives your kid full permission to shuffle around moaning “braaains.” Bonus: Add green food coloring to hair gel for a ghoulish glow-up.
Laundry Monster
Supplies: Laundry basket (cut out bottom), safety-pinned socks, dryer sheets, and a grumpy expression Why it works: It’s hilarious, relatable, and perfect for the kid who loves chaos. Bonus: Add a sign that says “Missing Sock HQ” and let them toss socks at people.
80s Rock Star
Supplies: Neon clothes, teased hair or wig, toy microphone, sunglasses Why it works: It’s loud, fun, and lets your kid channel their inner diva. Bonus: Add a cardboard “Backstage Pass” and encourage dramatic poses all night.
Smarty Pants
Supplies: Jeans + glue-on Smarties candies Why it works: Minimal supplies, maximum giggles. Plus, Smarties double as a snack if the party runs long. Bonus: Add glasses and carry a “pop quiz” card. Punny and perfect for school parties.
Bubble Tea
Supplies: Clear trash bag filled with black balloons (boba) and a pool noodle straw Why it works: Balloons and a trash bag? Genius. It’s a costume and a conversation starter. Bonus: Label it with their favorite flavor—matcha, taro, or spooky spice.
Before you hit the streets, peek at these safety tips to keep your little monsters safe.
Final Thoughts
Halloween is about creativity, not perfection. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, party-hopping, or just handing out candy in style, these DIY ideas prove you don’t need a full moon or a full budget to shine. So grab that glue gun, raid your closet, and let your imagination run wild because spooky season waits for no one.
Need more spooky fun? Try my 13-day countdown filled with dares, crafts, and snacks.
With coffee in one hand and a costume crisis in the other,
If you’re tired of orange overload and glittery pumpkins, it’s time to embrace the darker side of Halloween. Enter: Wednesday Addams. She’s moody, morbid, and somehow still iconic. And thanks to the streaming series that completely bewitched my daughter, we found ourselves planning a Wednesday-themed Halloween party-complete with gothic vibes, deadpan humor, and a dress code that required guests to show up as characters from the show or movie. Yes, even Uncle Fester made an appearance (and yes, it was unsettling).
If you’re hosting a haunted gathering or simply surviving the sugar-fueled chaos with a brooding beverage in hand, this guide is your blueprint for eerie elegance. Expect moody menus, mischievous mocktails, and just enough spooky charm to keep the kids entertained while the grown-ups sip, snack, and silently judge.
Bonus Printable Alert: To make your spooky spread even more Wednesday-worthy, I’ve included a set offree printable food labels you can download and use for your party table. From “Dead Man’s Fingers” to “Emotional Damage Sangria,” these labels add just the right touch of creepy charm and help guests know what they’re judging.
Gloomy Cocktails & Mocktails
Because even Wednesday would agree—some things are better with a splash of something sinister.
Black Widow Fizz (Cocktail)
Dark, dramatic, and just a little dangerous.
Ingredients:
¾ cup pomegranate juice
¼ cup sparkling water
1 oz vodka or black cherry liqueur
Sugar for rimming (black sanding sugar if you’re feeling extra)
1 maraschino cherry
Instructions: Rim your glass with sugar—black if you’re fancy or just trying to impress the ghosts. Fill the glass with ice, pour in the pomegranate juice, vodka, and sparkling water. Drop in a cherry for a bloody finish. Sip while judging everyone’s costumes.
Want to keep it booze-free? Just skip the vodka and follow the same steps—still spooky, still delicious, and 100% Wednesday-approved.
Emotional Damage Sangria (cocktail)
Dark, brooding, and emotionally unavailable—just like Wednesday. This sangria is best served with a side of disdain and a raised eyebrow.
Ingredients:
1 bottle deep red wine (the darker, the better)
½ cup brandy (for dramatic flair)
1 cup blood orange juice (because regular orange is far too cheerful)
1 blood orange, sliced into sinister rounds
1 apple, chopped
2 cinnamon sticks (for a hint of warmth she’ll never admit to liking)
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a black cauldron—or a pitcher, if you must. Chill for at least 2 hours while brooding in silence. Serve over ice with fruit garnish and a sprig of rosemary (for bitterness). Optional: rim glasses with black sugar and label them “Emotional Damage.”
Midnight Mourning Mocktail
A brooding blend of blackberry and citrus with just enough bite to feel dramatic.
Ingredients:
½ cup blackberry juice (or muddled fresh blackberries strained)
¼ cup lemonade
¼ cup club soda or sparkling water
1 tsp activated charcoal (optional, for color and drama)
Blackberries or lemon peel for garnish
Instructions: In a shaker, combine blackberry juice, lemonade, and charcoal (if using). Shake well with ice. Strain into a glass over fresh ice, top with club soda, and garnish with a twisted lemon peel or a few blackberries. Serve in a coupe or vintage glass for full gothic effect.
Purple Peril
Fizzy, fruity, and emotionally distant—this eerily purple punch is perfect for little ghouls, brooding tweens, or adults who prefer their beverages non-alcoholic and judgment-free.
Ingredients:
2 cups grape juice (the darker, the better)
2 cups lemon-lime soda (for a hint of sparkle in the gloom)
½ cup frozen blueberries (they float like forgotten secrets)
Instructions: Mix grape juice and soda in a black cauldron—or a punch bowl, if you insist on being normal. Add frozen blueberries and watch them bob like lost souls. Serve in clear cups with black sugar rims and a single candy eyeball for dramatic effect.
Party Eats That Are Morbidly Delicious
Wednesday wouldn’t cook, but if she did, it would be these.
Dead Man’s Fingers (aka Mummy Dogs)
Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough with ketchup “blood.” Bake until golden and serve with a side of existential dread.
Morticia’s Knuckle Sticks
Shape breadstick dough into long, knobby fingers. Use almond slivers for fingernails and brush with garlic butter. Serve with marinara “blood” dip.
Bat Wings
Chicken wings tossed in dark soy sauce and balsamic glaze for a blackened look. Serve with a spicy dipping sauce labeled “Venom.”
Mini “Poison” Sliders
Charcoal buns filled with spicy black bean patties or beef, topped with pickled onions and chipotle mayo.
Thing’s Snack Attack
Popcorn tossed with candy eyes, pretzels, chocolate drizzle, and orange sprinkles. Serve in cauldron-style bowls or black paper cones.
Spider Web Dip
Layered taco dip with sour cream piped into a spider web. Add a plastic spider on top. Serve with blue corn chips.
Dessert That’s Delightfully Disturbing
Because no party is complete without something sweet—and slightly unsettling.
Graveyard Dirt Cake
This classic Oreo pudding dessert gets a spooky makeover worthy of Wednesday herself.
Layer chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and crushed Oreos in a trifle dish or individual cups. Top with gummy worms, tombstone cookies, or mini skeletons (check your local dollar store—they’re weirdly perfect).
Decor Ideas That Channel Wednesday’s Vibe
Skip the glitter pumpkins and go full gothic glam. These decor ideas are moody, macabre, and totally photo-worthy.
Color Scheme: Black, White & Moody Accents
Stick to a monochrome palette with pops of deep purple or silver.
Avoid anything too bright or cheerful—Wednesday would not approve.
Gothic Table Setting
Use black lace or spiderweb placemats.
Layer black and white striped plates with scalloped edges.
Add “Be Afraid” napkins and black plastic utensils.
Finish with black candles in ornate holders and a moody floral centerpiece (think black roses, eucalyptus, and dried branches).
Signature Props
Thing (the disembodied hand): Place a prop hand on the snack table or creeping out of a punch bowl.
Mini cello: A nod to Wednesday’s musical side—perfect as a table centerpiece or photo prop.
Typewriter: Add a vintage typewriter with a sheet that reads “Birthdays get me one year closer to death’s cold embrace.”
Backdrop & Photo Area
Create a fringe backdrop in black and white, accented with giant spiders and cobwebs.
Add a coffin-shaped sign with a quote like “I act as if I don’t care, but I do. I just don’t care about what you think.”
Use black balloons, silver streamers, and maybe a few faux ravens perched ominously.
Creepy Corners
Drape creepy cloth over furniture and mirrors.
Use black pumpkins with white painted faces or stripes.
Scatter faux moss, skulls, and potion bottles around the room.
Fill jars with water and red food dye. Add eyeballs or skeleton parts from the dollar store.
Cascade bats going up the wall towards the ceiling.
Lighting
Dim the lights and use battery-operated candles or string lights with a warm amber glow.
Bonus points for flickering lanterns or a fog machine to add atmosphere.
Games That Even Wednesday Might Play (Reluctantly)
Wrap the Mortals
Toilet paper mummy races. Let the kids go wild while you sip your drink and pretend you’re above it.
Poison Apple Toss
Paint apples black and set up a ring toss. It’s weird, it’s fun, and it looks great in photos.
Guess the Organ
Fill boxes with peeled grapes, spaghetti, and jelly. Blindfolded guests guess what “body part” they’re touching. Wednesday would approve.
Final Thoughts
A Wednesday Addams-themed Halloween party is the perfect antidote to glitter overload. With creepy mocktails, eerie eats, moody decor, and games that toe the line between fun and freaky, you’ll throw a bash that’s festive, flavorful, and just the right amount of macabre.
So light a few black candles, cue the cello music, and toast to Halloween—Wednesday style.
Okay, confession time: I’m really not into creepy or gory Halloween decor. I know, I know—it’s practically a seasonal requirement. Nevertheless, this year, I decided to lean into the spooky side just a little… mainly because my husband loves all things eerie and unsettling this time of year. As a result, I created these Eyeball Topiaries, a Halloween DIY that’s dramatic, a little weird, and surprisingly chic.
And the best part? Every single item came from Dollar Tree. Budget-friendly and spooky? That’s a win in my haunted book.
Supplies You’ll Need:
Black candlestick holders (plastic or wood)
Styrofoam base (I used a pumpkin shape!)
Plastic eyeballs (the more, the eerier)
Faux black flowers and leaves
Craft glue or hot glue
Optional: black spray paint or glitter for extra flair
How to Make Eyeball Topiaries:
1. Prep Your Base First things first, if your candlestick holders aren’t already black, give them a quick coat of spray paint. Let them dry completely. While you’re at it, go ahead and paint your styrofoam ball or pumpkin base too, just in case it peeks through the faux florals.
Next, glue your styrofoam pumpkin (or ball) securely onto the top of each candlestick to create the topiary base.
Want a taller, more dramatic look? Glue a second candlestick directly on top of the first styrofoam ball, and add another styrofoam ball to the top of that. You’ll end up with a stacked topiary base that’s perfect for layering eyeballs, florals, or spooky accents.
2. Add the Eyeballs Once your base is ready, start gluing plastic eyeballs all over the styrofoam. You can go symmetrical or totally chaotic—either way, choose whatever suits your spooky style. I clustered mine in groups for a slightly “watchful” effect.
3. Fill with Florals After that, tuck faux black flowers and leaves between the eyeballs to fill in gaps and add texture. This step really elevates the look from “crafty” to “creepy-chic.” Additionally, you can add glittery accents or dark feathers for extra drama.
4. Style & Display Finally, place your finished topiaries on a mantel, entryway table, or party buffet. They make great conversation starters and pair perfectly with moody lighting or flickering candles.
Final Thoughts
These eyeball topiaries were a fun way to dip my toe into the spooky side of Halloween without going full horror movie. They’re weird, whimsical, and just creepy enough to make my husband happy.
On the flip side, if spooky or creepy isn’t your vibe, check out my Ghost Family Gallery Tutorial for a softer, sweeter take on Halloween decor. Pink cheeks and bows included.
Happy haunting—your way!
And if you make your own eyeball topiaries, I’d love to see them—tag me on Instagram @ohwaitimamom so we can share the spooky love!
With a coffee in one hand and a plastic eyeball in the other,
Autumn is in full swing—the air is crisp, the leaves are crunching underfoot, and the scent of cinnamon and bonfires lingers just enough to make you smile. It’s that magical time of year when the world slows down, sweaters come out of hiding, and every moment feels a little more golden. And in our home, that means one thing: it’s time for the annual pumpkin hunt.
This isn’t just a game, it’s a tradition. One that started with a few tiny pumpkins tucked behind couch cushions and has grown into a full-blown adventure that winds through the yard, sneaks into the kitchen, and even tiptoes into the laundry room. Each pumpkin holds a clue, and each clue leads to the next. It’s part mystery, part scavenger hunt, and all heart.
So if you’re looking for a way to celebrate the season, create some memories, and spark a little joy, this pumpkin hunt is for you. Let the clues lead you, let the laughter carry you, and let autumn wrap you in its warmest embrace.
Let the hunt begin!
How It Works:
· Hide 10-20 small pumpkins in various locations—indoors, outdoors, or wherever your little ghouls roam. No pumpkins? No problem. The clues are shaped like pumpkins, so we’re calling it festive enough.
· Attach a clue to each pumpkin that leads to the next. Keep it simple or spooky, depending on your crowd!
· The final pumpkin holds a special prize or treat.
· BONUS – Before the hunt begins, read a short pumpkin-themed story to get your little hunters in the spirit. It sets the scene, builds excitement, and turns the whole adventure into a magical fall moment.
Clue Trail:
I whipped up a sample set of clues and an answer sheet to kickstart your pumpkin pursuit, ready to print and primed for adventure. Feel free to tweak, twist, or totally transform them to fit your turf. After all, every great hunt deserves a local flavor!
The Grand Finale:
Once all pumpkins are found, reward your hunters with:
A pumpkin-shaped cookie
A small toy or trinket
A spooky story time session
Or even a DIY pumpkin decorating station!
✨ Tips to Make Your Pumpkin Hunt All-Ages Friendly ✨
Tiered Clues by Difficulty
Color-coded pumpkins: Use different colors or stickers to indicate clue difficulty (e.g., orange for easy, green for medium, black for tricky).
Dual clues: Attach two clues to each pumpkin—one simple rhyme for younger kids, and one riddle or puzzle for older participants.
Easy Clues for Little Ones
Use visual cues like arrows, drawings, or photo hints.
Keep clues short and rhyming: “I’m soft and warm, where you take a nap—look under the pillow for a pumpkin trap!”
Challenging Clues for Older Kids & Adults
Incorporate wordplay, riddles, or trivia: “I hold stories without speaking, and adventures without moving. What am I?”(answer: A book)
Add logic puzzles or scavenger-style tasks: “Find something round, something blue, and something that rhymes with ‘boo’ before your next clue.”
Team Play
Pair younger kids with older siblings or adults to solve clues together.
Create family teams with shared clue sheets and roles (e.g., clue reader, pumpkin spotter, prize carrier).
Physical & Mental Balance
Alternate between active clues (e.g., “Run to the tallest tree!”) and thinking clues (e.g., riddles or memory games).
Include rest stops with cider, snacks, or storytelling to keep energy up.
Age-Appropriate Prizes
Toddlers: Stickers, plush toys, mini pumpkins
Kids: Halloween trinkets, glow sticks, candy
Teens: Gift cards, spooky accessories, mystery boxes
Adults: Seasonal treats, candles, or even a “Best Pumpkin Sleuth” certificate
Whether your pumpkins are hidden in pillow forts or perched beneath porch steps, this hunt is more than just a seasonal game—it’s a celebration of curiosity, connection, and the little joys that make autumn unforgettable. So gather your crew, grab your clues, and let the rustling leaves be your soundtrack. Because when pumpkins lead the way, adventure is never far behind.
With coffee in one hand and a clue in the other,
💛Bethany
Ready to play? Download the full printable clue set below—including blank pumpkin templates so you can write your own riddles, jokes, or challenges. Make it yours, make it magical, and let the fall fun begin!
I’m so excited to welcome you to my little corner of the internet where I’ll be sharing all things crafts, recipes, DIY projects, party ideas, and the beautiful chaos of mom life. As a mom, I know how challenging it can be to juggle everything, but I also know how rewarding it is to create something special for our families.
A Little About Me
I’m Bethany, a mom to my beautiful daughter, and I’ve always had a passion for creating. Whether it’s whipping up a delicious meal, crafting a fun project, or finding new ways to organize and decorate our home, I love sharing my ideas and experiences with others. However, being a mom doesn’t always feel like reality in the whirlwind of life, so there’s moments life smacks me in the forehead and makes me remember: Oh wait, I’m a mom.
What You Can Expect
On this blog, you’ll find a mix of:
Craft Projects: Easy and fun crafts that you can do with your kids or on your own.
Delicious Recipes: Family-friendly recipes that are both tasty and easy to make.
DIY Projects: Simple DIYs to beautify your home and make life a little easier.
Mom Life Stories: Honest and relatable stories on juggling the many hats we wear as moms.
Party Ideas: Different party theme and décor ideas.
