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 tiny tattoos. Whether you're seeking a deep, 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 small tattoo ideas.
— With Lauren Harano, Haley Lyndes, Macy Cate Williams, Marina Liao, and Renee Rodriguez
This intricate rose makes the perfect small tattoo.
This small and simple tattoo serves as a daily reminder.
Sifting through tons of simple tattoo ideas? We're obsessed with these butterflies.
If you've been thinking about getting finger tattoos, our top pick are these stars and moons.
If you're a music lover, consider these music notes our pick for the perfect small and simple tattoo.
This tattoo serves as a reminder to always keep it rocking.
We're obsessed with this tiny daisy tattoo.
Don't forget to give yourself daily self-love, and this tattoo will help you remember to do so.
If you're a big Harry Potter fan, this Deathly Hallows tattoo is such a cute small tattoo idea.
Lover of the sea? Let everyone know with this tiny starfish tattoo.
Not into a wedding band? What about a tiny diamond tattoo on your ring finger instead?
We love these three hearts as a simple tattoo idea.
This cross makes such a cute tiny tattoo idea.
Looking for a simplistic design? These three dots are perfect.
Show someone (or yourself!) love with this tiny heart tattoo.
When life gives you lemons, get them tattooed on your finger.
This intricate moon single-needle design makes such a great tiny tattoo.
This "I am enough" tattoo serves as a great reminder.
If you're looking for luck, why not carry it around with you with this wishbone -- one of our favorite simple tattoo idea picks.
Whether you're a fan of Halloween or just love the animal, this tiny bat tattoo is as cute as can be.
You're an angel on earth, and this tattoo won't let anyone forget it.
The ear is a great location for a tiny tattoo.
Looking for a fun tattoo to get with a friend? Matching hearts are perfect.
If you're a lover of books, this little tattoo would be perfect.
These three watermelons make such a cute, simple tattoo.
This cloud and lightning bolt tattoo can serve as a reminder that hard days aren't permanent.
Up high on our list of cute small tattoo ideas? This rainbow.
We can't always be on vacation, but vacation can always be on us with this simple palm tree tattoo.
Whether you're a mermaid lover or just an ocean stan, this tiny seashell tattoo is as cute as can be.
This cool small tattoo is a reminder that everything is just peachy.
Small and simple tattoos don't get any better than this lightning bolt.
We're obsessed with this tiny heart tattoo.
This "joy" tattoo will hopefully bring just that into your life.
This simple tattoo is a great reminder that you're one in a million.
Stay wild with this small and simple tattoo.
It doesn't get much simpler (or cuter) than this tiny twig tattoo.
If you're looking for twist on a simple tattoo idea, we love this detailed cross.
This bird is one of our favorite tiny tattoos.
This eye is a great example of a simple tattoo idea.
Seize the day with this "carpe diem" tiny tattoo.
Love the ocean? A wave makes a perfect simple tattoo idea.
Still searching for cute small tattoo ideas? This cursive "family" tattoo is perfection.
Wish you could keep nature bottled up in a jar? How about getting it as a simple tattoo?
This tiny balloon is such a cute small tattoo idea.
Spice up your life with this "Grl Pwr" tiny tattoo.
What better way to remind yourself to love yourself than with this simple tattoo idea?
This grouping of stars makes such a cute simple tattoo idea.
Need a reminder that you'll always get through tough times? This quote makes a great tiny tattoo.
Whether you have a favorite number or date in mind, a numerical tattoo is always a good idea.
This skeleton hand is one of our favorite cute small tattoo ideas.
Want a tattoo that only you know about? This tiny smiley face tattoo situated on the bottom of a big toe is absolute perfection.