These are the best alternative Christian elf on the shelf ideas that both parents and children will fall in love with this advent season.
And if your kids are still begging for the little red elf, don’t worry!
You’ll find creative ideas that are Christian alternatives (kid-friendly and parent-approved) for using the popular red Elf down below.
Many families cherish the Elf on the Shelf tradition during the holiday season.
They look forward to their elf coming from the North Pole.
But for those who are looking for something that adds an extra layer of spirituality to their holiday season, look no further than the Christian Elf on the Shelf.
16 Christian Elf On The Shelf Alternatives That You Need To See
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This unique take on a classic holiday tradition brings together the joy and fun of the original Elf on the Shelf with Biblical teachings and messages from scripture.
Let’s explore why this innovative twist on a beloved holiday activity is such a hit!
Journey To The Manger: Advent Calendar
One of the best things about the Journey to the Manger Advent Calendar is that it helps to teach kids about the true meaning of Christmas.
As they learn more about Bible characters related to the Nativity, they also learn about the importance of Jesus’s birth and what it means for them.
This calendar is a great way for parents to help their children engage in the Christmas season and learn more about the Bible.
Take a sneak peek inside this advent calendar and see what’s inside (spoiler alert: you’ll find puzzles, stickers, a parents guide and more)!
The Wise Men Journey
Christmas is a time of celebration and family togetherness.
It is also a time when kids can learn more about the Bible and its stories.
The Wise Men Journey Searching for the King: Devotions, Prayers & Bible Stories to Discover the True Excitement of Christmas is a book that can help parents teach their kids about the Christmas story.
The book contains devotions, prayers, and Bible stories that will help kids learn more about the true excitement of Christmas.
Little Lamb of Bethlehem – The Nativity Story
The Little Lamb of Bethlehem is one of the most popular Christian elf on the shelf ideas for kids.
And it’s one of our favorite Christ-centered ideas.
This story is all about the Nativity and how Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, was born in a humble stable surrounded by animals, shepherds and wise men.
With beautifully illustrated images throughout, this book has been designed to help children understand the true meaning of Christmas.
The Shepherd on the Search
The Shepherd on the Search: A 25 Day Family Devotional is a great way for parents to start a new Christmas tradition with their kids.
The interactive reflections told from the perspective of your very own shepherd will deepen your family’s wonder of that first Christmas.
The book also includes daily Scripture readings, suggestions for discussion and special activities, guided daily prayers, and a section with the Christmas story Bible verses.
The Giving Manger: A Christmas Family Tradition
The Giving Manger is a faith-based interactive family tradition that encourages acts of kindness, focuses on the joy of giving, and honors the real reason for Christmas: Jesus’ birth.
The included picture book will help your family understand the tradition and get children excited about participating.
Once you have read the story, place the empty manger in a prominent spot in your home.
In the days leading up to Christmas, family members can place a piece of straw in the manger each time they perform a kind act.
This advent tradition is a great way to teach your children about service and love.
At the end of Christmas, the family can gather around the manger to celebrate Jesus’ birth together.
The Wonder of the Greatest Gift: An Interactive Family Celebration of Advent
This beautiful Advent calendar book is a perfect way for parents to celebrate the coming of Jesus with their children.
With almost 1,000 Amazon reviews (the average being 5-stars) this is a keepsake book that can be enjoyed and handed down for a long time.
The pop-up tree is stunning and the ornaments are meaningful and beautiful.
The devotional booklet includes 25 family devotions written by Ann Voskamp, which will help teach kids about the Christmas story and the true meaning of Christmas.
LovePop Nativity Christmas Advent Calendar
The Lovepop Nativity Advent Calendar is the perfect way to get kids excited for Christmas.
The calendar features 25 pouches containing 32 paper pop up sculptures that open in your hand.
As the child opens each pouch on the corresponding day, they will reveal new characters and destinations in this retelling of The Nativity scene.
Some of the characters include the First Family with Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and some of the beloved characters like the shepherds and the Christmas angel.
This Lovepop Christmas countdown calendar is a great way to of Christ to your children this holiday season!
Christian Alternative Ideas With The Elf On The Shelf (Jesus Style)
Now, if your child’s heart is set on using the traditional Elf on the Shelf, then you can use these fun ideas to teach your kids about Jesus.
Instead of the elf just leaving presents and playing mischievous pranks, you can implement Bible stories and Christian values as part of the elf’s activities each day.
Here are some ideas of how you can give your Elf on the Shelf a Jesus twist:
Elf on the Shelf Reading The Bible
Elf on the Shelf is a popular Christmas tradition, but did you know that you can also use your Elf to help teach your children about the Bible?
There are a few different ways to do this.
One way is to have your Elf hide a different Bible verse each day for your child to find.
You could also have your Elf bring a daily Advent calendar or activity sheet that focuses on a different Bible story each day.
You could even have your Elf leave small items around the house that represent different Bible stories (for example, a baby blanket for the story of Jesus’ birth).
Whatever approach you choose, using your Elf to help teach your children about the Bible is a great way to make scripture reading fun and engaging.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra quality time with your little ones during the busy holiday season!
Christian Elf on the Shelf Delivering Good Deed Cards
Use the Elf on the Shelf to encourage your family to spread cheer and kindness throughout the holiday season.
Have your Elf deliver “good deed cards” each day that list a different act of kindness for your family to complete.
This could be anything from delivering cookies to a neighbor or writing thank you notes to friends and relatives.
You can download and print the cards by clicking on the image above, or by clicking here.
Elf on the Shelf Praying
I love that busy moms can use the Elf on the Shelf to teach our children about getting closer to Jesus.
Which kid wouldn’t want to find their Elf on the Shelf quietly praying during Advent?
Your child can find their elf praying over a Bible (maybe he just finished his devotional time) or bowing his head in prayer.
This is a great way to remind your kids that Jesus and prayer are important parts of our lives even during busy holiday times.
It could also be the perfect opportunity for you to share stories about God’s faithfulness and love with your children, when they see the Elf on their Shelf praying.
Elf on the Shelf Visiting the Manger
This year, why not add a new twist to the Elf on the Shelf tradition by having your elf visit the manger scene?
Not only will this add a fun and festive touch to your holiday décor, but it can also be a great way to teach children about the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ.
As your elf visits the manger scene, take some time to explain the importance of Jesus’ birth and how it changed the world forever.
This is a tradition that your family will cherish for years to come.
Elf on the Shelf Visiting Baby Jesus
Since your elf is already visiting the manger scene, why not take it one step further and have your elf visit baby Jesus?
As your children find the elf holding a tiny baby Jesus in his arms, use this as an opportunity to share stories about how God sent his son to save us all.
This activity can also be used as a reminder of how we should always strive to love and serve others, just like Jesus did.
Elf on the Shelf Singing Christmas Carols
Do you have a favorite Christmas carol?
Why not have your children find your elf open with a hymn book on their lap.
You can even have him hold a tiny microphone as if he’s singing his favorite Christmas carols!
This is a great way to get your family in the holiday spirit and to remind them of the true joy that comes from celebrating Jesus’ birth.
And if you’re feeling in a singing mood, why not join your elf in song?
It will definitely make for a memorable moment with your children!
Elf on the Shelf Sharing Bible Verses
Share Bible verses about the birth of Jesus with your children by having your elf deliver small cards with verses printed on them.
This is a great way to introduce your kids to scripture and to provide them with something of faith to ponder on throughout the holiday season.
You can also have some fun by hiding the cards around your home and letting your little ones hunt for them.
This will make scripture study a fun and exciting game!
You can start with the one in Luke 2 by clicking here or on the picture above.
Elf on the Shelf Doing Acts of Kindness
Finally, you can also use your Elf on the Shelf to encourage your kids to do acts of kindness throughout the holiday season.
The Christmas season has a beautiful feeling that puts us in such a giving spirit.
Have your elf on the shelf remind your kids to take time out of their day to give back.
This could be something as small as writing a special thank you note, or something bigger like donating toys and clothes to those in need.
Giving back is an amazing way to show love and kindness during this special time of year, and it’s something that your elf might even join in on.
You can look for needs in your area on the Just Serve website.
Christian Elf on the Shelf Memorizing Scriptures
Another creative way to incorporate faith into your Elf on the Shelf tradition is to have him spend time memorizing scriptures.
You can include a Bible or small cards with verses printed on them, and each day your kids will find their elf reciting or practicing his favorite Biblical passages.
This activity can also help foster an exciting competition between the siblings as they try to memorize the most verses.
It’s an excellent way to help your little ones understand and appreciate the Word of God in a fun and friendly way.
In the end, your Elf on the Shelf can help teach your kids about Jesus in a fun and memorable way.
It’s a great way to keep them engaged throughout the holiday season and make sure they remember why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.
What Is Christian Elf on the Shelf?
Christian elf on the shelf is essentially just like regular elf on the shelf, but with an added emphasis on religion and spirituality.
Instead of simply moving about your home throughout December, these elves are given special tasks that are focused around Jesus and his teachings.
For example, you could have your elf lead your family in saying grace before meals or encourage them to read Bible stories together at night.
These activities help make it easier for parents to instill values such as kindness, compassion, and faith into their children without having to preach at them directly.
The good deed cards will not only remind your family of the importance of kindness and generosity, but they will also give you the chance to have meaningful conversations about the true meaning of Christmas.
Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids excited about filling the world with their light during this special time of year!
How To Get Started With Your Own Christian Elf On The Shelf
If you still feel a little overwhelmed with what to do next, keep reading.
The first step towards creating your own Christian elf on the shelf is making sure you have all of the necessary supplies.
You can use an actual elf (which can be found online or at most major retailers like here) or use the plushy that came with your Christian kit.
Plus some props like Bible stories and prayer cards that you can use as part of your activities with your kids help bring the magic to life.
Once you have all of these items ready to go, it’s time to start planning out what kinds of activities you want your elf to do each day.
You could create daily challenges for each member of your family or plan special events like baking cookies together while talking about Jesus’ birth story.
Making The Most Of Christian Elf On The Shelf
One way to make sure you get the most out of this tradition is by involving everyone in your family life to come up with ideas for activities and tasks for your Christian elf on the shelf.
This helps ensure that everyone has ownership over their own experiences with this beloved character.
No matter which Elf on the Shelf activities you choose to do, remember that it’s all about teaching your children about God’s love and grace.
Use this special time of year to create memories that will last a lifetime and show your children how Jesus is always with us.
Save Your Sanity This Holiday Season & Grab Your Christmas Elf Kit Today!
What if you could FINALLY enjoy this holiday tradition without all the stress and hassle of having to come up with clever ideas?
How would it feel to know EXACTLY what your elf was up to for the entire month, and have all the printables you need in one convenient package?
We get it – that’s why we created The Christmas Elf Kit.
Imagine having all the printables, activities, and ideas you need to make your elf’s visit special for you kids.
Check Out These Other Elf On The Shelf Printables And Elf Ideas To Make This Christmas Easy Planning
Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letters
Free Elf on the Shelf Bad Behavior Letters
Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Poems
Elf on the Shelf Rules For Beginners + Free Printable
Elf on the Shelf Last Day Ideas
Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter
Elf on the Shelf Hot Cocoa Printable
Last Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Elf on the Shelf Cereal
Elf on the Shelf Reindeer
Micah Klug is a wife, homeschooling mother to five children, and author. She teaches time-tested solutions to help parents remember what matters most in life, including strengthening their home, faith, and family relationships. To learn how a child who grew up in an authoritarian home is now creating an environment of peace and joy in her own home visit this page. If you want to contact Micah, send her an email here or email [email protected].
