7 Creative Ways to Use Pumpkin Seeds

If you plan on carving pumpkins this year, you will no doubt have a bunch of pumpkin seeds on hand. While slimy and slippery at first, these little seeds actually are pretty powerful! Full of vitamins and the perfect size for little hands, they have more uses than you might imagine. Take a look at these 7 Creative Ways to Use Pumpkin Seeds and you will never look at these little seeds the same way again.

7 Creative Ways to Use Pumpkin Seeds

1. Roast them.
Well this is obvious, right? I don’t just mean roast them with a little salt and pepper, try some different and tasty combinations. You can try sprinkling seasoning salt, popcorn seasoning, powdered cheese, even cinnamon and sugar on the seeds prior to baking. You might find a new combo you love! Here is a delicious recipe for Pumpkin Pie Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.

2. Make your own bird feeders.
Dry the seeds (try placing them on a cookie sheet and baking at 375º for 20 minutes or until crispy) and use them to make your own bird feeders. You can spread peanut butter on a toilet paper roll and roll in the seeds, add a string, and hang for a quick feeder.

3. Use them as votive fillers.
Dry the seeds using the method above. Then, add the seeds into a clear jar or votive holder. Place a battery operated votive in the seeds for a quick and easy fall centerpiece. If you add in a few drops of essential oils to the seeds after baking, they will take on the scent as well.

4. Make some cool art work.
Dry the seeds as described in idea #2. Then, use water colors or finger paint to paint the seeds. Make them as colorful as you wish, and allow them to dry. Once dry, use glue to apply the colorful seeds to poster board. There is no limit to the murals and collages children will be able to make.

5. Create a sensory station.
Place the seeds either wet or dry into a plastic tote or box (Dollar Tree has some great sizes perfect for sitting right on your lap) and add some spoons, scoops, and cups. Kids will love manipulating the seeds and putting their fine motor skills to use.

6. Make a nutrient rich face scrub.
Did you know that pumpkin seeds are full of vitamin E? That makes them excellent for your skin. Add some wet seeds to a food processor and blend until smooth. Then, create this pumpkin face scrub recipe found here, and add in the pureed seeds. It will give the scrub a vitamin filled boost!

7. Use them for math lessons.
Save and dry those seeds and then use them for some pumpkin math fun! They make great counters, can be used when practicing measurement, and can be used for story problem props as well.

So when you carve your pumpkins this year, be sure to save those seeds. These 7 uses for pumpkin seeds are the perfect way to put them to use.