Three girls stand together styling their American Girl dolls’ hair with colorful accessories, brushing, braiding, and decorating the dolls against a pink studio backdrop.
A girl styles her American Girl doll’s hair using a salon chair and accessories, smiling as she sprays and braids the doll’s hair against a pink background.
Activities, 3 minute read

Create an at-home spa and salon day

By American Girl Dec. 17, 2025

A little pampering can go a long way toward feeling good. With an at-home spa and salon day, your girl can unwind, imagine, and create her own world of calm and care. Whether shared as a mother-daughter ritual or a fun sleepover activity with her friends, this thoughtful take on self-care invites her to pause, play, and feel her very best.

Setting up your spa and salon space

Use this easy spa-day checklist to keep things simple and stress-free:

1. Create a calming atmosphere
Set the mood with fluffy towels and relaxing background music. Browse our American Girl playlists here.

2. Gather your spa essentials
Have the basics ready, from washcloths and hairbrushes to nail polish and more! Browse our doll salon and hair care accessories for essentials to create the ultimate at-home spa.

3. Include her American Girl doll
Have her American Girl doll join with a mini salon setup! Choose Melody’s™ Salon Chair & Accessories for 18-inch Dolls for a 1960s-inspired spa playset to arrange alongside your girl's own spa products.
Add even more creativity by including her furry friends with the American Girl® Pet Spa & Daycare.

4. Keep it cozy, fun, and entirely screen-free
Encourage everyone to put down their screens to experience proper self-care and relaxation.

Spa activities for girls and their dolls

Turn your home into a peaceful retreat with spa activities that encourage quality time. Try these ideas to make the spa day extra special:

Kid-friendly facials: Use gentle face masks for a soothing experience.

Manicures: Paint nails in bright colors or add fun stickers.

Hairstyling: Create braids, ponytails, or playful updos for dolls and girls alike.

Mini hair accessories: Add bows, clips, or headbands for a finishing touch.

Decorative touches: Enhance the spa experience with DIY crafts! Encourage designing matching headbands, spa robes, or personalized towels for your girl and her doll. Customize these items with our American Girl patches for a one-of-a-kind look.

These activities make for a memorable experience that your child will treasure. For helpful tips and ideas, explore our Doll Hair Care page.


American Girl spa products


Cozy outfits, spa sets, and styling essentials add care and creativity to playtime.

 

Hair and salon accessories for girls

She can indulge in some self-care with our Bring Your Shine Spa Set for Girls or the Scented Spa Mask 3-Pack for Girls. Explore our full selection of beauty products to discover more ways to create a special at-home spa day.

Doll hair and salon accessories

Give your girl’s doll everything they need for a pampering session! From the Doll Hairbrush to the Styling Spray for Dolls, kids can style, brush, and care for their dolls just like in a real salon. Explore our doll salon & hair care collection to enhance every detail of the mini spa day experience for her doll!

Turn pampering into family bonding

An at-home spa day is relaxing on its own, but it’s even more special with your favorite people by your side. Invite your girl’s friends and family to take part and make it a shared experience of self-care! Set out snacks and drinks for everyone to enjoy. With a little bit of imagination and the help of American Girl, your spa day becomes a memory she will cherish.


Frequently asked questions

How can I set up an at-home spa day for my girl and her American Girl doll?

Start by creating a cozy atmosphere with fluffy towels, comfy robes, and relaxing background music. Gather spa essentials like washcloths, nail polish, hairbrushes, and kid-friendly spa products. Include your girl’s American Girl doll by giving it a mini salon setup with doll-sized accessories like Melody’s™ Salon Chair & Accessories for 18-inch Dolls, so she can participate in the pampering fun.

What DIY spa treatments or activities are easy and fun for kids?

Kids can enjoy simple, safe spa activities like facials, manicures, and hairstyling. For creative fun, add DIY crafts such as designing matching headbands, spa robes, or personalized towels for your girl and her doll. These activities double as keepsakes and extend the imaginative play experience.

What are fun ideas for a mother-daughter spa day at home?

Make it a special experience by setting up a cozy, screen-free space with spa treatments, snacks, and drinks. Enjoy activities together like facials, nail painting, hairstyling, and creative DIY crafts. Include your girl’s doll for extra role-playing fun and capture memories through photos.

How can I teach my girl self-care and mindfulness through a spa day?

environment and through relaxation rituals. Simple steps like slow breathing, gentle massages, or taking time to pamper herself and her doll help teach her the importance of self-care.



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