If you’ve got one (or let’s be real, at least three) too many pumpkins sitting on your front stoop, it’s time to repurpose them into something fun. We’ve gone beyond the typical jack-o-lantern and curated seven zany and unexpected uses for pumpkins, from turning them into a bird feeder to a beer keg.

1. Pumpkin Cooler

By carving out a pumpkin and adding ice, you can make the perfect beer cooler for your annual Halloween party. Get the tutorial here.

2. How To Make Cinnamon Pumpkin Candles

What do you do when you can’t control the impulse to buy cute little pumpkins every time you visit the grocery store? My porch has quite a collection of pie pumpkins because I can’t resist their adorableness. They are the perfect size after all. Not too big, not too small. Jussst right!

You might be thinking, duh, bake a pie! Nope. Here’s what you do. You make pumpkin candles!

I used real pumpkins, but just know, they don’t last forever. Like the pumpkins you carve, these pumpkins will eventually turn brown and gross. If you want your candles to last for more than a couple of weeks, use fake pumpkins and follow the same basic instructions.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pumpkins
• Soy wax flakes
• Wicks
• Cinnamon sticks
• Pencil or skewer to hold the wicks
• Cinnamon flavour to amp up the smell (optional)
• Wax coloring (optional)

Cut off the tops of the pumpkins and scoop out the seeds. You can use pie pumpkins or the tiny, tiny pumpkins. There’s not a lot of seeds in them – so not much room for wax – but they are still super cute.

Attach the wicks to the bottom of the pumpkin. Then roll the top of the wick around a pencil or skewer to it hold upright.

Then it’s time to melt the wax. I like to melt wax in a tin can because it makes clean up *much* easier. Thoroughly rinse and clean an empty can and fill it with wax flakes. Use a double broiler or set the can in a small saucepan with a couple of inches of water.

You can use the same method with a Pyrex measuring cup – I have a dedicated one for melting wax! – and then wipe it out right after pouring, while it’s still warm.

 When the wax has melted, crush up a couple of cinnamon sticks and add it to the wax for a yummy cinnamon smell. For a stronger smell, add a few drops of cinnamon bark essential oil. Or, use a candle fragrance oil and try a fun scent like caramel pumpkin or apple cinnamon.

Then let the candles sit for a couple of hours for the wax to harden. Trim the wicks and you’re ready to light!

3. How to make a Pumpkin planter

Spare a pumpkin from it’s jack-o-lantern fate by transforming it into a fun seasonal planter. Simply hollow out a pumpkin, add potting soil, and plant your favourite fall flowers. Get the tutorial here.

4. How to make a Pumpkin Keg

If pumpkin spice lattes aren’t your thing, how about pumpkin spice beer? Simply add a spigot to the bottom of a hollowed out pumpkin, and you’ve got yourself a creative and attractive seasonal beer keg. Get the tutorial here.

5. How to make a Pumpkin soup bowl

For a healthier version of the bread bowl, simply roast a hollowed-out pumpkin in the oven for 30 minutes then serve filled with your choice of soup. (This pumpkin coconut curry soup is an excellent option.) Get the tutorial here.

6. How to make Pumpkin dog food

You might be wondering what to do with the insides of all these pumpkins, and did you know that pumpkins are rich and betacarotene, fibre, zinc, and iron, which is just as good for dogs as it is for humans? Add a spoonful of pumpkin puree to your pup’s food and their digestive tract will thank you. Get the tutorial here.

7. How to make a Pumpkin Bird Feeder

All you need to make this inventive pumpkin bird feeder is a bit of twine, scissors, a drill to make holes, and the right size sticks. Get the tutorial here.