50 Small Tattoo Ideas That Are Simple and Cool

If you’re nervous or stressed about how permanent tattoos are, trust us when we say: you’re not alone. Removing a tattoo is no picnic, but committing to a single design among countless letters, symbols, and shapes often has us feeling like Maggie Carpenter in “Runaway Bride”: terrified, confused, and doubtful. How are you supposed to choose something with so many options out there?

If you’re stuck on where to start, we’ve got you covered with the best small tattoo ideas. First, think about where you want your tattoo to be. Small finger tattoos, ankle tattoos, and wrist tattoos are most common — they’re subtle but noticeable, and they make the perfect small tattoos. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual symbol, interested in a colorful flower, or just testing the waters before committing to a full sleeve, these simple tattoo ideas showcase an array of abstract, typographic, and illustrative designs (without all those scary strings attached).

If you don’t want to go in alone, invite someone to get a tattoo with you. Small tattoo ideas for couples and best friends can turn your favorite inside jokes into a piece of art. No matter how you decide to do it, keep scrolling for some of our favorite cute tiny ink ideas.

Ladybug Small Tattoos

Ladybugs are typically a symbol of luck, which make them one of our favorite small tattoo ideas. You can place them anywhere on the body, but we love this wrist placement.

Teddy Bear Small Tattoo

Whether you have a favorite stuffed animal that you want to remember forever or you just like cuddly things, this teddy bear small tattoo is cute and fun.

Arm Heart Small Tattoo

This small tattoo design features a woman holding herself in the shape of a heart. It’s delicate, but the design is intricate and very detailed.

Bee Small Tattoo

We’re obsessed with detailed tattoos, especially when they’re super tiny. This bee looks realistic, and we love the arm placement.

Small Self-Love Tattoo

Don’t forget to practice some daily self-love, and this tattoo will help you remember to do so. Add on this adorable font? Yeah we’re sold.

Starfish Small Tattoo

Lover of the sea? Let everyone know with this tiny starfish tattoo. Get multiple to represent loved ones or siblings.

Diamond Small Tattoo

Not into a wedding band? What about a tiny diamond tattoo on your ring finger as a show of devotion instead?

Three Hearts Small Tattoo

We love these three hearts as a simple tattoo idea. They’re all different in their own way, just like the hearts of those you love.

Small Cross Tattoo

This cross makes such a cute tiny tattoo idea. If you want to display your faith in a fun design, this is a great way to do so.

Minimalist Small Tattoo

Looking for a simplistic design? These three dots are perfect. You can place them anywhere, but we love the finger as shown above.

Lemon Small Tattoo

When life gives you lemons, get them tattooed on your finger. This one is super realistic while still being tiny.

Daisy Small Tattoo

We’re obsessed with this tiny daisy tattoo. It’s located on the finger but can be placed anywhere on the body.

Wishbone Small Tattoo

If you’re looking for luck, why not carry it around with you with this wishbone? It’s one of our favorite tiny tattoo ideas picks, but the meaning behind it is mighty.

Matching Hearts Small Tattoo

Looking for a fun tattoo to get with a friend? Matching hearts are perfect. This are single needle and very fine, but still cute.

Book Small Tattoo

If you’re a lover of books, this little tattoo would be perfect. This example is located on the wrist, but you can get it situated anywhere you want.

Watermelon Small Tattoo

These three watermelons make such a cute, simple tattoo. Whether it’s your favorite fruit or you just want something to remind you of summer, it’s a great option for a small tattoo.

Cloud and Lightning Bolt Small Tattoo

A small tattoo can really be anything you want. This cloud and lightning bolt tattoo can serve as a reminder that hard days aren’t permanent.

Colorful Rainbow Small Tattoo

Up high on our list of cute small tattoo ideas? This rainbow. It’s located on the forearm, and we love that it integrates white to really make the colors pop.

Palm Tree Small Tattoo

We can’t always be on vacation, but vacation can always be on us with this simple palm tree tattoo. Whether it was a vacation you loved or you just love the tree, this small tatoo is super cute.

Peach Small Tattoo

This cool small tattoo is a reminder that everything is just peachy. Whether you’re like Justin Bieber and get your peaches from Georgia or you just love the fruit, this small tattoo is as cute as can be.

Lightning Bolt Small Tattoo

Small and simple tattoos don’t get any better than this lightning bolt. This one is located on the thumb but could be placed anywhere.

Snowflake Small Tattoo

This simple tattoo is a great reminder that you’re one in a million, and no one else is truly like you. Get it on your ankle or somewhere more noticeable; the choice is up to you.

“Wild” Small Tattoo

Stay wild with this small and simple tattoo. Place it above your hip or anywhere your heart desires. Whether it’s describing you or a memory, we love this small script tattoo.

Twig Small Tattoo

It doesn’t get much simpler (or cuter) than this tiny twig tattoo. You could opt for a sprig of herbs you favor or even go for a small flower.

Detailed Cross Small Tattoo

If you’re looking for twist on a simple tattoo idea, we love this detailed cross. It’s intricate but still small.

Bird Outline Small Tattoo

This bird is one of our favorite tiny tattoos. You could get the outline of your favorite kind of bird or something simple that reminds you of a loved one.

“Carpe Diem” Small Tattoo

Keep a subtle reminder close with this “carpe diem” tiny tattoo. The phrase means seize the day and serves as a reminder to always make the most of each day.

Family Script Small Tattoo

Still searching for cute, small tattoo ideas? This cursive “family” tattoo is perfection. Show off your core values right on your arm.

Nature in a Bottle Small Tattoo

Wish you could keep nature bottled up in a jar? How about getting it as a simple tattoo?

Rock On Small Tattoo

This tattoo serves as a reminder to always keep it rocking. Whether you’re a fan of rock music or just love saying “rock on” every chance you get, this is the perfect small tattoo.

Simple Balloon Small Tattoo

This tiny balloon is such a cute small tattoo idea. Whether it represents childhood dreams or a fun memory, this cut tiny tattoo looks great positioned anywhere.

Eye Small Tattoo

This eye is a great example of a simple tattoo idea. It’s a small eye that can symbolize a plethora of things, depending on your interpretation.

“I’ll Rise Up” Script Small Tattoo

Need a reminder that you’ll always get through tough times? This quote makes a great tiny tattoo. Place it on your wrist where you’ll see it every single day.

Ocean Wave Small Tattoo

Love the ocean? A wave makes a perfect simple tattoo idea. Show your love with a tiny tattoo placed on the wrist, just like this one.

“Girl Power” Small Tattoo

Spice up your life with this “Grl Pwr” tiny tattoo. You don’t have to be a Spice Girls fan to want this one, either. It’s for everyone.

Star Cluster Small Tattoo

This grouping of stars makes such a cute, simple tattoo idea. Get it in the shape of your favorite constellation or get something completely random.

“Love Yourself First” Small Tattoo

What better way to remind yourself to love yourself than with this simple tattoo idea? It will sit on your body in a place where you can see it every day, so you never forget that you come first.

Favorite Number Small Tattoo

Whether you have a favorite number or date in mind, a numerical tattoo is always a good idea. This one is tiny and located on the ankle, but you can place it wherever you want.

Rose Small Tattoo

This intricate rose makes the perfect small tattoo. Even though it’s done with a single needle, the detail is still there.

Smiley Face Small Tattoo

Want a tattoo that only you know about? This tiny smiley face tattoo situated on the bottom of a big toe is absolute perfection.

Heart Hand Small Tattoo

Show someone (or yourself) love with this tiny heart tattoo. Get it on your ring finger in place of a wedding band, or get it anywhere you desire.

Skeleton Hand Small Tattoo

This skeleton hand is one of our favorite cute small tattoo ideas. It’s in the “hang loose” position, which is a great reminder to just chill out.

Music Notes Small Tattoo

If you’re a music lover, consider these music notes our pick for the perfect small and simple tattoo. You can get the notes to a song you love or just random notes that interest you.

“Blessed” Small Tattoo

This small and simple tattoo serves as a daily reminder, whether you choose to go with the word “blessed” or opt for something else.

Two Butterflies Small Tattoo

Sifting through tons of simple tattoo ideas? We’re obsessed with these butterflies. Use them to represent you and a loved one, or just a fun memory.

Stars and Moons Small Tattoo

If you’ve been thinking about getting finger tattoos, our top picks are these stars and moons. They’re dainty but make the perfect decoration on the hand.

“I Am Enough” Small Tattoo

Small quote tattoos are always stunning. This “I am enough” tattoo serves as a great reminder.

“Angel” Small Tattoo

You’re an angel on earth, and this tattoo won’t let anyone forget it. Get it in a “cheeky” spot if you’re feeling daring (pun intended).

Bats Small Tattoo

Whether you’re a fan of Halloween or just love the animal, this tiny bat tattoo is as cute as can be. This version is located behind the ear, which makes it easy to hide if you want.

Tulips Small Tattoo

The ear is a great location for a tiny tattoo, and getting one in this location is just as fun as getting new earrings. We love the way these tulips curve just like the ear does.

Sabrina Park is a PS contributor.

Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.

TattooWe
TattooWe
Articles: 130

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *