Ideas for hiding mini Jesus: Best places & creative places

Faith & Life
Written By Mackenzie Walters

Looking for creative ideas for where to “hide” mini Jesus?

If you’re looking for ideas for the viral mini Jesus challenge, you’re in the right place!

We’ve curated:

  • Safe hiding spots

  • Creative hiding places

  • Message ideas for leaving notes

  • Ways to involve your family or youth group

 
 

As Easter 2026 approaches on April 5, the “mini Jesus” trend is spreading joy and reminders of God's love everywhere.

We hope this guide to the best places to place the tiny figurine helps you join in the fun and festive trend.

As the creators of the viral trend said, “A little Jesus goes a long way!”

➡️ Want to learn more?

 
 

Best and worst places to hide mini Jesus: Safe spots and etiquette

Hiding mini Jesus is all about sharing encouragement respectfully.

Choose spots where finders feel blessed, not inconvenienced.

A good place to start are places that you frequent on a regular basis.

 
 

Best places (safe and fun spots) to hide tiny Jesus

  • Public parks or benches: Tuck one on a bench or trail—perfect for walkers needing a "God Wink."

  • Grocery store shelves: Hide among canned goods or produce for a surprise during errands.

  • Gas station pumps or counters: A quick pick-me-up for travelers.

 
 

  • Airplanes, cruise ships, and other transportation hubs.

  • Church lobbies: Reinforce faith in welcoming spaces.

  • Hospital waiting areas (with permission if needed): Offer comfort to those in need.

 
 

  • At a gym: On counters or public waiting areas (Avoid the equipment as it may interfere with someone’s workout or damage the machine if it falls.)

  • School playgrounds or libraries: Kid-friendly zones for family discoveries.

  • Coffee shops: On a table, on a sign, or next to the sugar.

  • At the post office: On the counter or near the packaging area.

 
 

Worst places (avoid these out of respect)

  • Private property without permission: Respect boundaries—stick to public areas.

  • Hazardous spots like roads or high ledges: Safety first. Don't risk accidents.

  • Food items or perishable goods: Avoid contamination or waste.

  • Religious sites of other faiths: Be sensitive and respectful.

  • Trash cans or dirty areas: Keep it positive and clean.

 
 

Tips for hiding mini Jesus

  • Pray over your spots for blessings, and pray for the people who will “find” the Jesus figurine.

  • Always hide in plain sight, but not obstructively.

  • If you're hiding in bulk, vary locations to spread the love widely!

  • If someone asks you to leave or removes the tiny figurine, be respectful. It’s about sharing faith, not forcing it.

➡️ Looking for more guidance? Check out our participants guide to joining the mini Jesus chal join the mini Jesus challenge.

 
 

Ideas for notes, prayers, or cards to include with mini Jesus

Adding a personal touch amplifies the message: "Jesus loves you!" Keep it simple—use small cards, sticky notes, or printed tags. Here are creative ideas:

  • Bible verse notes: "For God so loved the world... John 3:16" or "I am with you always. Matthew 28:20."

  • Encouraging prayers: "To whoever finds this, May this tiny Jesus remind you of God's big love. Blessings!"

 
 

  • Custom cards: Print wallet-sized cards with "You've found a mini Jesus! He's here to say you're loved."

  • Hashtag prompts: "Share your #MiniJesus story or use other hashtags such as #MiniJesusChallenge or #JesusLovesYou."

  • For Easter: "He is risen! Easter 2026."

 
 

How families, kids, or youth groups can do the mini Jesus challenge

Make it a group adventure! This trend is wholesome, kid-friendly, and builds faith together.

  • Family outings: Turn errands into hunts — hide during grocery trips or walks. Kids can pray and choose spots.

  • At a family member’s house: Visiting parents or grandparents for the Easter holiday? Bring a few to hide around their home!

  • Youth group events: Buy bulk packs and host a "Hide & Seek Jesus" night. Divide into teams, hide in the church and other places, then share stories and experiences.

 
 

  • Take snapshots on outings: Bring a mini Jesus figurine and have your kids place and take pictures of it to share with grandparents or friends.

  • Home variations: Like Elf on the Shelf, hide mini Jesus around the house for daily discoveries with prayers.

  • Church challenges: Have kids “hide” the mini Jesus figures in the church, and other church members find them. One pastor said this was “a very big hit.”

 

  • Toss to parade goers: That’s what Seahawks GM John Schneider did while celebrating his football team’s Super Bowl win.

  • Plastic Easter eggs: Place inside the eggs instead of (or with) candy.

  • Hand them out at outreach events: College campus ministries, Trunk-or-Treats, public Easter Egg Hunts, and other events are ripe for sharing!

 
 

Christian resources

Read more about the mini Jesus hiding challenge:

➡️ What is the viral mini Jesus hiding trend?

➡️ Why are Christians hiding mini Jesus everywhere?

➡️ How to join the mini Jesus challenge (Step-by-step guide)

➡️ Seahawks GM John Schneider throws mini Jesus figures into parade crowd

Discover more faith & life stories:

➡️ Reflection on Abraham Lincoln’s quote, “God on our side.”

➡️ Are the Sedona Vortexes real? A Christian perspective

➡️ ‘Wake Up Dead Man:’ Christian faith vs. religious wolves

➡️ How to do a daily devotion with a busy schedule

➡️ 27 verses about prayer

Looking for uplifting Christian encouragement?

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Mackenzie Ryan Walters is the author of “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story,” which shares Christian testimonies and stories, as well as curated lists about Christian books, gifts, and more. A national award-winning former journalist who’s covered a presidential campaign, been inside NASA, and reported on education and schools, Mackenzie now edits the Faith Storytellers website and is passionate about lifting up and sharing the story God is writing in the world.

 
Mackenzie Walters
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