7 DIY Fall Decor Ideas That Are Family-Friendly (And Totally Adorable)

If you're looking to transform your home into a cozy autumn wonderland without breaking the bank or stressing out your family, then this list is for you! Fall decor doesn't have to be complicated or expensive — especially when it comes to involving the whole family. From pumpkin crafts to leaf garlands, these DIY fall decor ideas are not only fun but also safe and simple enough for kids of all ages.

Why DIY Fall Decor?

Fall is more than just sweater weather and pumpkin spice lattes — it's a time to reconnect with family, get creative, and enjoy seasonal change. What better way to do that than by making your own decorations together? DIY projects:

• Promote bonding between parents and kids
• Encourage creativity and motor skills in children
• Can be done on a budget
• Create a sense of pride in your home

Bonding over a fun craft is what fall dreams are made of!

Top 7 DIY Fall Decor Projects for Families

1. Handprint Leaf Wreath

One of the most charming ways to bring fall indoors is with a handmade leaf wreath using everyone’s handprints. This activity is perfect for younger children who may not be ready for intricate crafts.

What You'll Need:

• Green and brown construction paper
• Crayons or markers
• Scissors
• A paper plate or cardboard ring

A vibrant fall wreath made entirely from little hands.

2. Painted Pumpkin Faces

Skip carving knives and messy guts — go straight to the fun stuff: painting! Use real pumpkins or foam ones if you want something reusable year after year.

Pro Tip: Try using washable paint pens so even toddlers can join in the decorating fun without any mess disaster.

3. Cornucopia Centerpiece

Create a centerpiece that screams “Thanksgiving” with just a basket, faux gourds, mini pumpkins, and dried corn husks. Kids love arranging items and pretending they’re setting the holiday table.

Material	Recommended Brand	Price Range
Faux Gourds	West Elm Mini Gourds Set	$15–$25
Dried Corn Husks	Country Living Craft Bundle	$8–$12
Mini Pumpkins	Cost Plus World Market Assorted Pack	$10–$20

A rustic centerpiece ready for your Thanksgiving feast!

4. No-Carve Jack-O'-Lanterns

Perfect for Halloween lovers who aren’t ready to break out the knives, no-carve jack-o’-lanterns are made using stickers, markers, or stencils on white Styrofoam balls.

Buyer’s Guide: Look for non-toxic materials like Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers or sticker sets from Melissa & Doug for a worry-free experience.

5. Fabric Leaf Pillow Covers

Add texture and color to your living room with easy fabric leaves sewn onto pillow covers. Older kids can help trace and cut while adults handle sewing parts.

Product Spotlight: Consider using felt from Hobby Lobby’s seasonal fabric bundles — soft, durable, and available in dozens of fall colors.

6. Mason Jar Candle Holders

These glow-y beauties add warmth and charm to any porch or dinner table. Wrap jars in twine, glue on acorns, or use spray paint to create frosted effects.

Bonus Idea: Add LED candles inside for a safe option if you have curious little fingers around.

Simple yet stunning — these candle holders bring instant fall vibes.

7. Fall Photo Frame Collage

Use pinecones, leaves, and mini pumpkins glued around photo frames to display favorite memories from past falls. It’s a sentimental touch that doubles as decoration.

Tip: Hot glue guns are okay for adult use, but supervise young kids closely during this step.

Buying Guide: Best Supplies for Family DIY Fall Decor

When choosing supplies for your family-friendly DIY fall decor projects, it’s important to balance cost, safety, and ease of use. Below are some top recommendations for key materials.

Paint Pens

• Brand: Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Pens
• Features: Permanent on most surfaces, thick nib for bold lines
• Best For: Decorating pumpkins, canvas bags, wood signs
• Price: ~$12–$18/set

Styrofoam Shapes

• Brand: Darice 3D Foam Shapes (Pumpkins & Leaves)
• Features: Lightweight, easy to paint, kid-safe
• Best For: Halloween and Thanksgiving crafts
• Price: ~$8–$15/pack

Natural Elements Kits

• Brand: Country Living Seasonal Craft Boxes
• Features: Includes dried flowers, moss, pinecones, berries
• Best For: Autumn wreaths, centerpieces, nature-themed crafts
• Price: ~$20–$35/kit

Washable Glitter Glue

• Brand: Elmer’s Glitter Glue Bottles
• Features: Non-toxic, sparkly, easy to clean up
• Best For: Adding festive flair to cards, banners, or picture frames
• Price: ~$5–$10/bottle

Fabric Felt Packs

• Brand: Fairfield Naturals Felt Sheets
• Features: 100% wool blend, soft and durable
• Best For: Sewing or no-sew projects like pillow covers, garlands, and ornaments
• Price: ~$6–$12/sheet

Choosing the Right Project Based on Age

To make sure every member of your family has a good time, match the complexity of the project to their age and attention span.

Age Group	Recommended Skill Level	Ideal Project Type
Toddler (2–4)	Beginner	Handprint art, no-sew pillows, gluing activities
Preschool (5–7)	Beginner-Intermediate	Painted pumpkins, mason jar crafts, leaf collages
School-Age (8–12)	Intermediate	Mini wreaths, fabric projects, cornucopia centerpieces
Teens & Adults	Advanced	Wood sign painting, advanced stitching, holiday lighting

Final Thoughts: Make Memories with DIY Fall Decor

There’s something magical about gathering your family together to celebrate the changing seasons. Whether you’re painting pumpkins, crafting wreaths, or building centerpieces, these DIY fall decor ideas are perfect for creating a warm, welcoming home and lasting memories. And the best part? Most of these projects can be saved and reused year after year, turning them into cherished traditions.

So grab your supplies, invite the kids to the table, and start crafting your way into fall — one colorful pumpkin and glitter-covered leaf at a time!