Halloween doesn’t have to mean only candy and sugar rushes! If you’re looking for a quick, mess-free way to bring festive fun into your home, try making pumpkin Cuties — adorable little mandarin oranges decorated like mini jack-o’-lanterns.
All you need is a bag of mandarin oranges (we love Cuties or Halos) and a black permanent marker. Draw fun faces — silly, spooky, or cute — right on the peel. Kids can design their own, and it’s the perfect no-carve activity for school lunches, parties, or road trips in the camper van.
Pro Tip: Make small strokes or dots for a deeper black face. Long strokes tend to streak or break on the bumpy orange peel, so working in short touches gives you a smoother, darker look.
What makes them great is that they’re naturally sweet, healthy, and perfectly portioned. Plus, they travel well, making them ideal for van life snacks or classroom treats.
Last year, we made a whole tray of them before a Halloween movie night, and the kids couldn’t stop giggling at each other’s creations. They were just as excited to eat them as they were to show them off!
If you want to add a little extra flair, pile your Pumpkin Cuties into a bowl with mini pumpkins, string lights, or autumn leaves for an easy, cheerful centerpiece that brings a pop of color to your table.
And the best part? It’s the perfect little craft to do on the Eve of Halloween — simple, sweet, and full of that warm excitement that comes just before something wonderful begins. A tiny reminder that even the simplest traditions can hold a touch of adventure. 🎃✨
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