Looking for creative at-home birthday party ideas for your girl? With a little creativity and her favorite American Girl doll by her side, you can transform your home into a celebration that feels every bit as special as she is. Whether you’re seeking to plan a small gathering or a big birthday bash, this guide has everything you need to create a celebration she will never forget.
Host the perfect birthday tea party
What’s a sweeter way to celebrate your girl than with a tea party? With American Girl, you can create the perfect at-home setup for her, her friends, and her dolls. Here is our step-by-step guide for how to host a whimsical tea party right at home.
• Start with the Tea Party Set for Girls, so your girl and her guests can enjoy a delightful teatime experience together.
• Don’t forget the dolls! They can join in the fun with the Tea for Two Set for 18-inch Dolls.
• Bring the party to life with delicious recipe ideas from the American Girl Tea Parties Cookbook.
• To make the party even more memorable, consider choosing a matching theme based on your girl’s favorite dolls.
These early experiences lay the foundation for caring and a love that lasts, making them perfect for toddlers just starting to explore the world of American Girl.
Birthday outfits and party decorations
Make her big day shine with coordinated birthday outfits for her and her American Girl doll. Dress them in matching styles, such as the Happy Birthday to You Dress for Girls paired with the Happy Birthday to You Outfit for 18-inch Dolls. You can also shop our birthstone collection for doll outfits inspired by her special month.
Once the outfits are ready, set the scene with DIY or ready-made decorations! Choose pink décor that complements American Girl colors, from banners and balloons to table settings and beyond. For a playful touch, include the Extra Sweet Birthday Party Set for 18-inch Dolls, featuring a “Happy Birthday” banner, a rainbow layer cake, cotton candy, and miniature serving pieces that both kids and dolls will adore.
Engaging activities for every age group
Now it’s time to plan some interactive birthday games. Here are a few easy, screen-free activities to get everyone involved:
• Arts and crafts: Let guests get creative by making doll-sized accessories, like party hats and mini decorations.
• Doll fashion show: Have everyone showcase their style with an American Girl runway show, featuring their dolls, of course!
• Scavenger hunt: Hide small, doll-sized items around the party space for an exciting team challenge.
• Storytelling circle: Encourage everyone to share stories inspired by their favorite American Girl characters for a meaningful moment.
Doll-sized details to make it extra special
No party is complete without party favors and goody bags! Make the birthday celebration truly unforgettable with doll-friendly treats and accessories that guests will love to take home. American Girl fan favorite goodies include:
• American Girl® Rainbow Goody Bag Bundle – Bright, colorful, and full of fun surprises.
• American Girl® Happy Birthday Goody Bag Bundle – A birthday collection that keeps the celebration going even after the party ends.
• American Girl® Take Home Birthday Favors – Sweet keepsakes that make every guest feel special.
• American Girl® Cooking Goody Bag Bundle – Perfect for little chefs who love to mix, make, and create!
Birthday gift ideas by age
Gift ideas for toddlers ages 18m+
• Our historical character plush dolls are a soft and snuggly way to introduce your little one to beloved American Girl characters.
• Bitty Baby® dolls help toddlers learn compassion through nurturing play.
Gift ideas for kids ages 4+
• The WellieWishers® are five garden-loving friends who show kids that kindness and teamwork help friendship bloom.
• The AG Sisters™ collection follows four best friends who celebrate fun, confidence, and the power of being a loyal friend.
Gift ideas for kids ages 6+
• The 2026 Girl of the Year™ collection shares a heartwarming story about family and discovering your place in the world.
• Truly Me™ dolls encourage self-expression with choices in hair, skin tone, eye color, and more, empowering girls to pick a doll that reflects who they are right now.
Make your girl’s birthday unforgettable
From choosing an American Girl birthday theme to matching outfits to decorations, activities, and heartfelt gifts, there are endless ways to make birthdays remarkable. Whether it’s a cozy tea party, a playful fashion show, or a day filled with crafts, every girl deserves to be celebrated. Explore our birthday shop for more ideas!
Frequently asked questions
What crafts and games are best for kids of different ages?
Keep little guests entertained with a mix of hands-on and imaginative activities. Younger kids can make doll accessories or decorate their own party hats, while older guests might enjoy a doll fashion show, scavenger hunt, or storytelling inspired by their favorite American Girl characters.
Where can I find matching outfits for girls and their dolls?
American Girl offers adorable matching outfits so your girl and her doll can celebrate in style. Fan favorites include the Happy Birthday to You Dress for Girls and Happy Birthday to You Outfit for 18-inch Dolls, or the Party-Pink Birthday Dress for girls and their Bitty Baby® dolls. These coordinated looks make for perfect photo moments for the birthday girl and her doll!
What are some fun and affordable birthday ideas for small spaces?
For children ages 6 and older, Girl of the Year™ and Truly Me™ dolls are fantastic options. They inspire creativity, individuality, and imaginative play, allowing kids to explore different personalities, adventures, and hobbies through play.
How can I plan a last-minute at-home birthday party?
Absolutely! Curated holiday gift sets include dolls, outfits, and accessories, making them ready-to-gift options that save time while delivering a complete, memorable holiday experience.
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