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 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

01

Small Tattoo Ideas: Rose on Hip

This intricate rose makes the perfect small tattoo.

02

Small Tattoo Ideas: "Blessed"

This small and simple tattoo serves as a daily reminder.

03

Small Tattoo Ideas: Butterfly

Sifting through tons of simple tattoo ideas? We're obsessed with these butterflies.

04

Small Tattoo Ideas: Stars and Moons

If you've been thinking about getting finger tattoos, our top pick are these stars and moons.

05

Small Tattoo Ideas: Music Note

If you're a music lover, consider these music notes our pick for the perfect small and simple tattoo.

06

Small Tattoo Ideas: Rock On

This tattoo serves as a reminder to always keep it rocking.

08

Small Tattoo Ideas: Self-Love

Don't forget to give yourself daily self-love, and this tattoo will help you remember to do so.

09

Small Tattoo Ideas: Deathly Hallows

If you're a big Harry Potter fan, this Deathly Hallows tattoo is such a cute small tattoo idea.

10

Small Tattoo Ideas: Starfish

Lover of the sea? Let everyone know with this tiny starfish tattoo.

11

Small Tattoo Ideas: Diamond

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

12

Small Tattoo Ideas: Three Hearts

We love these three hearts as a simple tattoo idea.

13

Small Tattoo Ideas: Cross

This cross makes such a cute tiny tattoo idea.

15

Small Tattoo Ideas: Small Heart

Show someone (or yourself!) love with this tiny heart tattoo.

16

Small Tattoo Ideas: Lemon

When life gives you lemons, get them tattooed on your finger.

17

Small Tattoo Ideas: Moon

This intricate moon single-needle design makes such a great tiny tattoo.

18

Small Tattoo Ideas: "I Am Enough"

This "I am enough" tattoo serves as a great reminder.

19

Small Tattoo Ideas: Wishbone

If you're looking for luck, why not carry it around with you with this wishbone -- one of our favorite simple tattoo idea picks.

20

Small Tattoo Ideas: Bats

Whether you're a fan of Halloween or just love the animal, this tiny bat tattoo is as cute as can be.

21

Small Tattoo Ideas: "Angel"

You're an angel on earth, and this tattoo won't let anyone forget it.

22

Small Tattoo Ideas: Flowers on Ear

The ear is a great location for a tiny tattoo.

23

Small Tattoo Ideas: Matching Hearts

Looking for a fun tattoo to get with a friend? Matching hearts are perfect.

24

Small Tattoo Ideas: Book

If you're a lover of books, this little tattoo would be perfect.

25

Small Tattoo Ideas: Watermelon

These three watermelons make such a cute, simple tattoo.

26

Small Tattoo Ideas: Cloud and Lightning Bolt

This cloud and lightning bolt tattoo can serve as a reminder that hard days aren't permanent.

27

Small Tattoo Ideas: Rainbow

Up high on our list of cute small tattoo ideas? This rainbow.

28

Small Tattoo Ideas: Palm Tree

We can't always be on vacation, but vacation can always be on us with this simple palm tree tattoo.

29

Small Tattoo Ideas: Seashell

Whether you're a mermaid lover or just an ocean stan, this tiny seashell tattoo is as cute as can be.

30

Small Tattoo Ideas: Peach

This cool small tattoo is a reminder that everything is just peachy.

31

Small Tattoo Ideas: Lightning Bolt

Small and simple tattoos don't get any better than this lightning bolt.

32

Small Tattoo Ideas: Tiny Heart

We're obsessed with this tiny heart tattoo.

33

Small Tattoo Ideas: "Joy"

This "joy" tattoo will hopefully bring just that into your life.

34

Small Tattoo Ideas: Snowflake

This simple tattoo is a great reminder that you're one in a million.

35

Small Tattoo Ideas: "Wild"

Stay wild with this small and simple tattoo.

36

Small Tattoo Ideas: Twig

It doesn't get much simpler (or cuter) than this tiny twig tattoo.

37

Small Tattoo Ideas: Detailed Cross

If you're looking for twist on a simple tattoo idea, we love this detailed cross.

38

Small Tattoo Ideas: Bird Outline

This bird is one of our favorite tiny tattoos.

39

Small Tattoo Ideas: Eye

This eye is a great example of a simple tattoo idea.

40

Small Tattoo Ideas: "Carpe Diem"

Seize the day with this "carpe diem" tiny tattoo.

41

Small Tattoo Ideas: Ocean Wave

Love the ocean? A wave makes a perfect simple tattoo idea.

42

Small Tattoo Ideas: Family

Still searching for cute small tattoo ideas? This cursive "family" tattoo is perfection.

43

Small Tattoo Ideas: Nature

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

44

Small Tattoo Ideas: Balloon

This tiny balloon is such a cute small tattoo idea.

45

Small Tattoo Ideas: "Girl Power"

Spice up your life with this "Grl Pwr" tiny tattoo.

46

Small Tattoo Ideas: "Love Yourself First"

What better way to remind yourself to love yourself than with this simple tattoo idea?

47

Small Tattoo Ideas: Stars

This grouping of stars makes such a cute simple tattoo idea.

48

Small Tattoo Ideas: "I'll Rise Up"

Need a reminder that you'll always get through tough times? This quote makes a great tiny tattoo.

49

Small Tattoo Ideas: Favorite Number

Whether you have a favorite number or date in mind, a numerical tattoo is always a good idea.

50

Small Tattoo Ideas: Skeleton Hand

This skeleton hand is one of our favorite cute small tattoo ideas.

51

Small Tattoo Ideas: Smiley Face

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