Pull out the paint, googly eyes, glitter, and push pins for your pumpkin decorating sessions this year
Spice up your usual pumpkin decorating ideas this Halloween by skipping the pumpkin carving design and the mess that comes with it. From glow-in-the-dark paint to glitter pumpkins, we’ve found a ton of festive ideas that are fun and full of Halloween spirit. Grab your art supplies for a spooky (but creative) good time, and when you’re done, be sure to get your Halloween games ready for the block party!
Halloween pumpkins don’t have to be creepy. They can also be bright and cheery with these pastel tie-dye creations from @kailochic. Ok, so they aren’t tie-dyed, but you can get a similar-looking effect by using an alcohol ink marker, plastic wrap, and rubbing alcohol.
Want to personalize your pumpkin without a lot of fuss? These pumpkins decorated with wire from @StephanieElledesigns are a unique design option, and you can even order custom calligraphy wire from Etsy.
Glitter Pumpkins
There are so many ways you can go with this pumpkin decorating idea, but we love the deep orange glitter spotted over at Handmade Charlotte. Take this sparkly idea home and make it your own.
How cool is this Roy Lichtenstein-inspired no-carve pumpkin idea from Dream a Little Bigger? Not only do we love how easy it is to pull this off, but we also love how many different directions you can go.
Psst! For a pumpkin that steals the spotlight, all you need is glow-in-the-dark puffy paint for shiny creations like these from Color Made Happy. It's a simple way to add a whole lot of magic to your Halloween decorations.
Who says ghosts have to be scary? These boo-tiful little no-carve pumpkins from The Crafted Life are cheerful and a cinch to make. Plus, they're guaranteed to make you smile!
Got office supplies? Then you've got all the fixings for this creative, no-carve pumpkin decorating idea! This gold-studded beauty from A Subtle Revelry is decked out with gold brads—too easy!
How neat is this fingerprint art pumpkin decorating idea from Homemade Charlotte? With the help of your kiddos' thumbprints, you can decorate a pumpkin with little cacti, pineapples, and more.
Transform your pumpkins into friendly woodland animals like these adorable creations from Simple as That. With a little paint and some strategically placed felt and card stock, these will be Halloween-ready in no time.
Take inspiration from Cutefetti to turn your favorite emoji into an outrageously fun pumpkin. Whether you’re into heart eyes or a shocked face, you and your little ones can make this pumpkin decorating idea happen with a little creativity.
For this vibrant pumpkin, Annie Selke of Fresh American Style was inspired by the Día de Los Muertos celebration. You can use acrylic paint and tissue paper to make your own.
These charming copper herringbone pumpkins from Lovely Indeed are sophisticated enough for a shop window but easy enough for a family project. Win-win!
If you've got a unicorn fan in your house, this is the pumpkin pal for you. It's not as difficult as you might think, mostly because the step-by-step instructions from Lines Across make it simple to follow.
We don't know what we love more: how easy these little gourds are to re-create or how incredibly adorable they look sitting on a desk, doorstep, or table. These donut pumpkins from Studio DIY make great autumn baby shower or birthday party decor, too.
What do you get when you mix watercolors with pumpkins? Surprisingly beautiful results! If you don't mind a little clean-up, this pumpkin decorating idea from Paper & Stitch is a great way for kids to express their messy artist selves with stunning results.
The amazing mavens at Sugar and Cloth created these sequined pumpkins with just the right amount of glitz. The best part? The kids can help (as long as you don't mind a few sequins on the carpet).
These pretty little decoupage pumpkins from Gold Standard Workshop are such showstoppers, that you'll want to keep them out all year round. They could make great centerpieces or a beautiful surprise for your kiddo's classroom!
These sweet flower-decoupaged pumpkins from Alice and Lois are festive and floral—and you can even add fall leaves for an extra autumn-y flourish. No one else will have such pretty, unique (and shhh, simple to make!) fall decorations.
We’re pretty sure it’s impossible to feel prickly once you take a peek at these cactus pumpkins from Aww, Sam. They're perfect for those who are over the usual orange pumpkins, and they're a creative addition to your stoop, too.
Who couldn’t use more confetti in their life? We can’t get enough of these confetti pumpkins from Cloudy Day Gray. They’re fun, festive, and easy to pull off—not to mention, a great way to spice up plain ol’ white pumpkins.
Whether your kids are big-time Pokemon Go fans or you’re feeling some '90s nostalgia, you’re going to want to check out this Pikachu pumpkin from In the Playroom. The best part is that this friendly pumpkin doesn’t require any special artistic talents.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for… ice cream cone pumpkins, courtesy of Sugar and Charm. We love how this super sweet idea can be customized to represent your little one’s fave ice cream flavor!
These party animal pumpkins from Studio DIY are equal parts cute and creative. From a flamingo pumpkin to an elephant pal, they’ll turn your porch into a true zoo.
This mummy pumpkin from Changing My Destiny is probably the friendliest little monster you’ll ever see (Because, c’mon—who can resist those peek-a-boo googly eyes?).
This fun googly eye pumpkin from Find It, Make It, Love It gets bonus points for being a real eyeful. Snag the googly eyes at your local Dollar Store, then grab your glue gun and get going!
Need to get your pumpkin decorated ASAP? Then you need to check out this awesome paint drip pumpkin from A Girl Named PJ. Not only will it be a messy hit with your creative kid, but it's also a great last-minute idea!
These plants for Mother’s Day delivery are perfect
Instead of your go-to Mother’s Day bouquet, give mom something that’ll last longer than a few days. And no, we’re not talking mugs or pictures. We’re talking plants for Mother’s Day delivery! Yes, a plant will give the house some life, and there are options out there for everyone from a beginning gardener to a plant lady pro. To help you decide which one is perfect for your mother figure, check out our curated list of plants for Mother’s Day delivery. We found everything from a lavender tree to a dragon plant, air plants, a maidenhair fern and more! There are options with different degrees of care, so even if the mom in your life doesn’t have the quintessential green thumb, she can still easily keep them looking their best. And bonus! Many of these come with pretty pots, so she won’t even need to repot them later. Take a look at all these stunning colors, too. See them all below.
Lavender Tree
Blooomscape
This herb tree will bring color and a wonderful scent into the house. Plus, you can use lavender in cooking, or in crafty things like soap, candles, essential oils and more. It’s easy to care for, just make sure it gets a sunny spot! Bloomscape Lavender Tree ($71.00—$75.00)—Buy Now!
Hoya Heart Plant
The Sill
How sweet is this little thing? It’s a pet-friendly plant, only needs to be water every two to three weeks, and it comes in an upcycled planter available in six colors. The Sill Hoya Heart Plant ($48.00)—Buy Now!
Dragon Plant
Bouqs
From the unique planter to the fact that this plant only needs to be water when the soil is very dry, we are on board with gifting mom with this unique plant for Mother’s Day. Bouqs Margarita Dragon Plant ($59.00)—Buy Now!
A classic air-purifying plant, the Peace Lily doesn’t take much but makes a statement. It’s a low-light plant and you’ll get the planter with your purchase. Peace Lily ($34.97)—Buy Now!
These delicate plants are hardier than they look! Ideal for terrariums and fairy gardens, this variety pack will be a fun surprise. Etsy Air Plant Pack ($9.99+)—Buy Now!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
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Give your little ones an extra special bookshelf to keep their favorite stories with easy reach and watch them get psyched for story time, every time. From adjustable designs to bookcase storage complete with a seat, these kids’ bookcases and reading nooks have it all.
Incredible Bookshelves for Kids: Monogrammed Bookcases
It doesn't get more personalized than having your name hold your favorite books. Whether you pick an initial or spell out the whole name—these plywood shelves can be left as is, or if you want, paint them a custom color when you get them home.
This tree-inspired bookcase is so very meta—books are made from trees and now a tree is holding up the books. Durable and functional—each bookshelf can hold 12-15 books, but it can also support your kid's ever-growing collections of rocks, fallen leaves, and pinecones.
Even little farmers like to pull up a good book and this handmade tractor certainly delivers. There is ample space for books and whatever else your agriculturist might need handy.
Sure a regular bookshelf is great but a cozy, little reading nook? Even better. This all-in-one piece provides a comfy spot to sit while keeping your favorite books within easy reach.
London's calling! This bookcase, re-imagined after the iconic English phone booth is both delightful and cheeky. Of course, if you want to take it to the next level, fill it with Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and your kid's Harry Potter collection.
If your vibe is more bohemian, then pick up this non-prickly cactus for your desert babe. Shelves vary in size which means those odd-shaped books will have a safe place to land.
The OG for floating, bendable shelves, this Kartell Bookworm never goes out of style. Curl it in a circle or have it trail along the wall, it can be modified to meet your ever-growing bookshelf needs.
If nothing will satisfy your little book lover until they can sit and (literally) surround themselves with their favorite tomes, then this DIY from Instructables is just for them. Inspired by the "Bibliochaise" that retails for $5,000, this one can be made for a tiny fraction of that cost.
All that inside air starting to feel a little . . . stale? Whether you’re trying to green your space and purify your air with houseplants, looking for flowers for someone special or want to become a member of the plant-of-the-month club, we’ve hand selected a few of our favorite sources for plants and flower delivery, directly to your door. Read on to check them out.
Whether you’re looking for a trio of plants or one big parlor palm, Bloomscape delivers the right plant directly to your door. Choose your plant online: you can filter by collection, light needs, care level, pet friendly and more. Plus they offer 24-hour advice from the Plant Mom to help you choose and maintain the perfect indoor plant for your space. You can also choose the color of the pot when ordering. Shop specific categories like the easiest indoor plants or pet-friendly plants.
The Sill ships plants directly to your door with care card and online access to answer questions about finding the right houseplant for you. They offer a nice array of orchids along with popular houseplants, and they even offer faux plants for people who just can't even with the living thing. You will also find botanical gifts including art and bath products, including adorable things like a Botany Cross Stitch Kit for the true plant nerd in your life. In addition, The Sill offers a monthly plant subscription where you receive a new potted plant each month! Prices vary.
We love the idea behind Plantgem, the online plant retailer working with farmer-florists to bring artfully curated seasonal collections of unique and on-trend plants to the home gardener. Shop their shipping now section to find ideas for Valentine's Day or give an IOU and go for the garden kits that come with 15 young plants—3 plants of 5 different varieties—that take the guesswork out of planting a harmonious garden (they ship in March).
Looking for fresh, festive arrangements that are anything but FTD? The Bouqs is your new favorite service. Whether it's for the holidays or you want to order up from their birthday line, you'll find the right flowers arriving fresh to your loved one's door. You can also find floral subscription boxes to keep things fresh!
If you’re looking for a fresh floral arrangement delivery that isn’t average, Bloomsybox has got you! Just shop the arrangements and select your delivery date, flowers are shipped within 2-4 days of being cut and arranged to guarantee your blooms look great. Want to level up? You can sign up for a floral subscription service and get flowers every month! They also have a small-but-wonderful selection of potted plants and orchids.
This tried-and-true floral delivery service has some cool features you might not have noticed before: they have an array of affordable house plants, tons of flowers and gifts and even botanical gifts based on birthdate/astrological sign.
Botany Box is a curated succulent or cacti box with four easy-to-care-for plants that can be purchased online for direct delivery. The plants come pre-planted and arrive at your doorstep, ready to bring a burst of energy and color into your indoor spaces.
For ease of use and fast service, 1-800-Flowers always ranks in the top, but their bouquets aren't always the most custom or unique. Their plant selection is top-notch, especially for affordability! You'll find houseplants like the popular Money Tree and the impossible-to-kill Snake Plant along with blooming bulbs, seasonal plants and more.
While succulents might be having their moment, we know the bonsai are going to make a surge in the plant world with everyone at home. Bonsai Boy offers a slew of options in all price points from bonsai trees under $30 to beginner-friendly options like our favorite, the Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai tree.
Beyond the usual dozen long-stemmed roses, UrbanStems has uber-cool arrangements (with succulents!), flower subscriptions and plants. Or go right to the goods and shop their Valentine's Day collection.
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There are plant people and then, there’s everyone else. From houseplants to succulents to botanical bling, these gifts for gardeners and plant lovers alike will be sure to make their fellow plant nerds green with envy.
Mini terrariums are old news: micro terrariums are where it's really at. This tiny set comes with real moss, soil, stone, and clay in a glass micro terrarium.
Based on the creations of eighteenth-century British botanical artist Mary Delany, each piece features scientifically accurate recreations of flowers including rhododendrons, water lilies, sunflowers and more. 12 cards and envelopes per set.
If you want to pick out the perfect plant in person, Wild Interiors is your go-to. They are stocked at dozens of stores around the country and offer pet-friendly, low-maintenance and low-sunlight options, among others.
Not only will these look adorbs on your couch or bed, for every purchase made the Green Philosophy Co. they've partnered with Trees for the Future, a nonprofit aimed at ending hunger and poverty by helping farmers across Africa plant trees and regenerate their land. For every product sold, Green Philosophy Co is helping plant trees: so it's an epic win-win for any plant lover.
Every gardener needs a pair of sturdy-but-stylish books for tromping around botanical gardens and muddy garden beds alike. We love these shiny red classics, that stand out in a sea of green.
Give the gift of green this holiday. The self-watering Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden is not only a great way to bring life into an indoor space, but you can also choose between Organic Geneovese Basil, Organic Cilantro, Non-GMO Common Mint, Organic Greek Oregano, Organic Flat Leaf Parsley and Organic Sage when purchasing.
Say goodbye to ugly plastic watering cans and say hello to this chic one instead. We love the fact that it's made of galvanized metal to prevent rusting and that you can leave it out after your chores are done!
The holidays will be here in a flash, so don’t let any time lapse before planning how and where to take your family photos. We’ve polled some of our favorite local photographers for their favorite spots around San Diego to snap family pics and for their pro tips to make your DIY family photos shine in this year’s holiday cards. Read on for where and how to take your snaps.
Location, location, location. Decide if you want a gorgeous canyon, something cool and urban or some warm beach vibes. Either way, you'll want to look for open shade to diffuse the sun. For a beach photo, seek out a structure such as a pier and notice where the shadows fall. With your back toward the sun, stand at the shadow’s edge closest to where it transitions back to the light.
Editing Tip: If you rotate the horizon lines in your photos so it’s level and not crooked, you’ll be amazed how this will elevate your pictures.
Ocean Beach Pier 1850 Ocean Front St., Ocean Beach
Make some magic with the Golden Hour. Shoot an hour before sunset to capture the best lighting and scope out the location before your planned photoshoot. Have everyone sit with their backs facing the sun and make sure your camera is set in a small spot of shade to avoid any lens flare from the sun. Don’t forget your furry friends! This might add some chaos to the mix, but you'll be glad you included everyone in the family.
Pro tip: Bring a large blanket to pick up some extra colors or add neutral textures with a chunky knit or a soft flannel. Make sure it’s large enough for the entire family to sit on; if it’s too small it will make you look smaller in the photo.
Presidio Park 2811 Jackson St., San Diego Online: sandiego.gov
Perk up your pixels with color! Clothing makes the photo. You could have an amazing location but if the clothes don't fit the location, it messes with the photo vibe. Color tones should depend on your background and should be based in greys or browns, but not both. To make it less stressful for mom, who’s usually the organizer, she should plan her outfit first and coordinate other outfits around hers. Think along the lines of complementary colors and not necessarily matching perfectly; and definitely no logos or neons.
Clothing Tip: Drive by or walk around your photo location ahead of time to get a feel for what colors would work well with the surroundings.
Old Poway Park 14134 Midland Rd., Poway 858-668-4576 Online: poway.org
Take the stress out of your photo session by planning ahead by choosing a fun location to explore afterward. A week before you take photos, loosely pick out a few wardrobe colors, look at some poses from other pictures, and schedule it for a time when everyone won’t be rushed. Tell your group it’ll be a 30-minute session so they’ll know what to expect. Let them have fun and go explore the area afterward so this will give them something fun to look forward to.
Time Saving Tip: Invest in a wireless remote control camera timer for as little as $14. This will let you keep taking photos without stopping to go check and see if it turned out. The remote is easy to hide in your hand, especially if that arm is hugging your family.
Spanish Village 1770 Village Pl., Balboa Park 619-233-9050 Online: spanishvillageart.com
Don’t 'shutter' at the thought of a family photo session. If you keep it fun and relaxed that will reflect a wonderful moment in time. If you are relaxed, your children will be too. Be sure to keep your background simple so it doesn’t compete with your family.
Holiday Card Tip: Leave some open space in your composition so you can add a nice “Warmest Wishes” text overlay when it comes time to print your holiday cards.
Portrait perfect! Use your phone’s “portrait mode” to project yourselves while beautifully blurring the background (called Bokeh) and giving your photos more depth. This will dramatically improve your photos and will even rival those of professionals.
Focus Tip: Portrait mode only works if the subjects in the foreground are distanced from the background, so take a few steps forward towards the camera.
Mission San Luis Rey 4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside 760-757-3651 Online: sanluisrey.org
Get candid! My biggest tip with kids is to engage them in a fun activity, instead of trying to pose them. Making cookies in the kitchen, jumping on the bed or blowing bubbles by your front door will give you some genuine smiles. And if that doesn’t get you a cute photo, then tell some silly jokes or make funny noises to get them to laugh.
Candid Tip: Giving unsuspecting hugs and kisses will always put a smile on someone’s face… and makes for some pretty cute candids.
Don’t focus so much on where to take your photos because your front porch is often the perfect place! Aim to photograph the last hour of the day or early morning. If that's not possible, be sure all of you are in a shaded area to avoid funky shadows. Tidy up your setting by sweeping, add some flower pots or a simple door wreath to give some color, but don’t clutter it up or you’ll get lost in it.
Tripod Tip: If you don’t have a tripod, then improvise by grabbing a chair, an overturned bucket and stack books on top until you reach the desired height.
Get a little closer, now don’t be shy. Cozy up close to those you love, this will limit gaps in between people and makes for a better photo. Tell everyone where to stand, where to put their hands and which way to look. Families look more connected and loving if they’re hugging or touching in some way.
Posing Tip: Make sure everyone’s eyes are looking in the same direction or else they’ll all look distracted.
Impress and awe your little ones (and your Instagram followers) with larger-than-life art murals around San Diego. From the most southwesterly point in the Continental United States to an art gallery visible only by bicycle, you are sure to take epic photos and make lasting memories. Now before the summer ends, scroll down to find your next art appreciation adventure.
Go on your very own treasure hunt. It's a simple a walk on the pier in Imperial Beach and at the end of the pier behind the restaurant, you will find this mind-blowing mural. It marks the most southwesterly point in the continental United States, down to its coordinates. After snapping some insta-worthy photos, enjoy ocean views with the highly-rated fish-n-chips from the Tin Fish.
As part of the 2020 #JoyOfBeingOutside Billboard Competition, this mural can be found at the Children's Discovery Museum in Escondido. After checking out the mural, let your kids discover, experiment, imagine and explore inside. It is now open to all visitors, no reservations are necessary.
320 North Broadway Escondido, Ca Online: sdcdm.org
Sleeping Tigers Mural
Awaken the tiger in you and pose with the sleepy rainbow tigers on the corner of Carlsbad Blvd. and Lincoln St as you walk the Village in Carlsbad. Then, stop in for a coffee treat at Sleeping Tiger Coffees and a strawberry treat for your littles at the Strawberry Shack next door. The Strawberry Shack has every strawberry dessert imaginable and possibly the best strawberry ice cream ever!
Nothing's better than a coffee break that fuels you and entertains your littles. With this cute play on words, you can find these buzzing bees behind Better Buzz coffee shop in Encinitas. Afterward make sure to visit the playground at Moonlight State Beach, only half a mile away from the mural!
If your little one is a big athlete, then this mural of baseball star Fernando Tatis Jr. is sure to make him cheer. Make sure and get your selfie with one of three Padres murals painted this year around San Diego. This one can be found on the wall of Appletree market in Ocean Beach. Snap photos, grab snacks and make it a beach day!
4976 Newport Ave. San Diego, Ca
Artlexia Mural
Just like the shop, this mural is colorful and inspiring. After stopping to strike a pose, you and your little artist will have a great time browsing at the charming Artlexia that's filled with Mexican gifts and art. Don't be surprised if your budding creative wants to find a blank canvas to paint on the way home.
North Park 3803 Ray St. San Diego, Ca Online: artelexia.com
Birch Aquarium Whale Mural
Nikki Walsh
Catch a cute pic of your kiddo admiring the under the sea whale mural at the Birch Aquarium. Then head inside for a fun-filled afternoon. Plus, you'll find plenty of additional Instagram worthy shots at this sea side treasure trove. Read our guide to Birch Aquarium here to make the most of your visit!
2300 Expedition Way La Jolla, Ca 858-534-3474 Online: aquarium.ucsd.edu
Looking for an activity-filled day with an extra dose of art? Grab your bikes and head to Bayshore Bikeway near Bay Blvd. in Chula Vista for an outdoor art gallery featuring 11 Artists. The total route consists of 24 miles so make sure to park near the gallery in case little legs tire out. Chula Vista Bayfront Park is a good starting point with restrooms and a playground about one mile north of the gallery.
Take a walk at The Headquarters at Seaport Village and discover this beautiful mural to take your next family photo at! Then enjoy all that this shopping, dining and entertainment hub has to offer.
This school year is definitely going to be unique so how about you pick out some school supplies that go along with that theme. Etsy has you covered with all the personalized pens, pencils, pencil cases and more, and every rainbow item under the sun. Place your order today!
If you’re an ALDI fan, you probably know about the company’s Monthly Finds! There are some real gems this month, including a new batch of cheap houseplants, an adorable cactus LED lamp, a s’mores cookie kit and pulled pork chips!
Starting July 28, you can snag a cute little aloe vera plant for $3.99. A new batch of mini succulents will drop on August 11 for $1.99. And an adorable geometric terrarium is coming your way on August 25 for $13.99.
If you kill any plant you lay eyes on, there’s another fun decor option this month. The LED novelty lamp features a glowing saguaro cactus for $8.99. Perfect for dorm room decorating or a WFH glow up!
You’ll remember the S’more Cookie Kit we’ve covered and it’s finally available to buy on August 25! There are a lot of intriguing food finds for the upcoming month, but we’re especially interested in the Pulled Pork Kettle Chips that come out August 25. They’re krinkle cut and gluten free!
There’s competition in the plant decor market—ALDI is releasing several cute new options in June! In keeping with the chain’s normal discounts, all are quite the bargain, too.
Fairy Castle Cactus
ALDI
Over the month the company will roll out various green options across stores. Look for this whimsical Fairy Castle Cactus for $3.89 starting on June 2!
Money Tree
ALDI
For a bit more of a challenge, see if you can find the Money Tree when it comes out on June 23. It's petite at five inches tall, with plenty of room to grow.
Fiddle Leaf, Snake Plant, Dragon Tree
ALDI
Even more plants will come your way June 30: a Fiddle Leaf Fig, Snake Plant, or Dragon Tree. They're all six inches tall and $6.99 each in neutral white pots.
Air Plants
ALDI
Don't forget the most delightful option of all, the air plants! These are a steal at $2.99 each and perfect if you don't have much of a green thumb. Plus those pineapple pots are totally adorable. You'll also be able to find them starting June 30.
If you’re not a plant person, there’s plenty more to find at ALDI in June, from inflatable waterparks to unicorn cones. And with locations all over the country, you’re probably closer to one than you think!