55 Creative Small Tattoo Designs for Men and Women

Small tattoos are the most delicate and prudent, a nicest way to add to your ink collection. Whether it’s a small butterfly tattoo designs done on your shoulder, a pinwheel etched on your nape or a tiny heart hidden on your wrist, or a small Pisces fish on your ankle, whatever and wherever…..

The best thing about small tattoos is they are the perfect alternatives for the ones who love simple tattoos, or for the ones who do not want to overdo their tattoo, or for the ones who want to have tattoos but do not want to flaunt it. Though, there are many advantages of getting small tattoos and the biggest advantage is, they are cost effective!! Besides, hiding a small tattoo is very easy, if you don’t love to flaunt your tattoos then small tattoos are for you. Also, they come with less pain and take less effort, and yes, removing them is relatively easy.

In addition to it, later if you want, you can even get your small tattoo seamlessly convert into a whole new image or design. Most common small tattoo designs include abstract lines, symbols, pinwheels, flowers, miniature quotes, small Pisces and Dolphin fish, names, initials, heart, numbers, stars, flowers, leaves, rainbows, butterfly, bumblebee, and many more.

Small tattoo designs are best suitable for those who do not want to go for a permanent ink on their bodies in 2023, still want to try their hands.

Small tattoo ideas with meaning

1. Small Pinwheel Tattoo

Pinwheel tattoos make for a small tattoo designs, which look great when done wither on your shoulder blade or on your wrist. Pinwheel tattoos look gorgeous and cute when done in black ink, if you want you
can give it a try. Best part is it can be done on any part and suits almost all skin tones.

2. Small Red Heart Tattoo

An outline of heart done with red ink will look amazingly beautiful on your arm. Heart tattoos make for perfect small tattoo designs. Apt for those who do not want to overdo their tattoos. You can also have it on your pinky finger!! A little heart tattoo will look awesome on your pinky finger, also it will be unique to have it there, especially in the front. Your heart tattoo will be almost invisible to the world because its placement is such. Suitable for all skin tones!!

3. Small Pisces Fish Tattoo

Pisces fish looks very cute, and when you get them etched on your ankle they will make for a beautiful small ankle tattoo. This tattoo can be done in black or any other ink of your choice, as it looks good in black or in colors as well. Suitable for all skin tones.

4. Small Star Tattoo

Star tattoos seriously make for the prettiest small tattoos in the world. And the best thing about star tattoos is, they can be done anywhere on your body but wrist will be the best place for this small tattoo, believe you me. This tattoo design looks simple, yet beautiful. If you want to have a small tattoo, then this is the design! Suitable for all skin tones.

5. Small Flower Tattoo Ideas

A small flower, in fact very small flower in red ink etched near your elbow will make for a sexy small tattoo design. Trust me, this one looks amazing. Besides your elbow, you can get a small flower tattoo on your wrist, ankle, finger, ear, nape etc. This one looks cute and elegant. Apt for all skin tones.

6. Three Small Stars Tattoo

Get these cute small three stars on your ring finger, amazing piece of artwork. These stars will be in series from smallest to biggest. They will vary in size and will be in a line. They really look cute and wonderful on ring finger. Besides, you can get them on your wrist or near the ear. Suitable for all skin tones.

7. Small Name Initials Tattoo

Initials of your name or your loved one’s on your body will be apt to flaunt your love for the person. Initials make for a common tattoo design though, but trust they look really very, very cute. Whatever your name or your loved one’s name, just pick up the first letter of the name and get it inked on your thumb or wherever you want. You can get name initials in lower case or upper case. Suitable for all skin tones.

8. GIRL POWER Tattoo

Small GIRL POWER tattoo for all the girls! Girl Power tattoos look sexy, especially when you get them etched either on your thigh or on your rib . Small girl power tattoo is for all the girls who want to flaunt their way out to the world. Suitable for all skin tones. Get this one done in black on your thigh or wherever you want.

9. “I AM” Tattoo

This small tattoo design looks really gorgeous! Phrase I AM is Hebrew phrase which means “I am everything #positive #happy #healthy #inspired #driven #unique #blessed #alive and everything where I need to be.” This tattoo reflects positivity and positive attitude of a person towards life. If you also want to flaunt your positive attitude to the world then this one is for you! Suitable for all skin tones, get it done on your wrist in black for the best results.

10. Small Anklet Tattoo

Just three fine lines encircling your ankle, the tattoo will look like you are wearing and anklet or a black thread. Yeah, you must have seen some girls wearing anklets or black thread on ankles, this tattoo looks like that only. After having this one, you will never want to wear anything else on your ankle. Because this one will be enough…. Suitable for all skin tones.

See More: Ankle Tattoo Ideas

11. Hand Poked Moon Phase Tattoo

Hand poked moon phase tattoo makes for a beautiful small tattoo design. If you are seriously looking for something unique and extraordinary, then go for this one. Get this tattoo either on your rib or on your feet, wherever it will look mesmerizing! Get this in black. Suitable for all skin tones.

12. Small Name Tattoo

You may be thinking what’s so special in it, but trust this one looks so beautiful in italics…. You can get your name etched on your arm, wrist, or finger in a different language. This one makes for an eye catching tattoo as nobody will understand what’s written. And everybody will be curious to know the meaning of the word in a different language.

13. Small Sailboat Tattoo Designs

Sailboat tattoos in small size looks great. It is definitely a unique small tattoo options for those looking for something unique. Get this one in black on your wrist or wherever you want. Suitable for all skin tones.

14. Small Band Tattoo Idea

This tattoo design is very simple, but make for a unique tattoo, when done on your finger. This small band tattoo will appear as if you are wearing a permanent ring. This tattoo looks very cute and unique. The only matter of concern in getting this one is, finger is a bit sensitive place so you may find it a bit painful. But all in all it’s a wonderful small tattoo design. Suitable for all skin tones.

15. Small Double Heart Tattoo

Double heart tattoo when done in small size makes for a beautiful tattoo design. This tattoo looks cute, you can get this design on your wrist or on your nape. It will look perfect, wherever you get it etched on your body. A symbol of love! You can get this one in black or red ink. Suitable for fair skin tones.

16. Small Rose Tattoo

Small rose tattoo not only looks beautiful, but also make for a “PERFECT” small tattoo design. However, you can get it anywhere on your body, but it looks best when etched on ankle. It looks sexy, especially when you wear shoes without socks, it will just add to your style. Get it in red ink; however, black also looks beautiful. Suitable for fair skin tones.

Also See: Black Rose Tattoos

17. Small Pine Tree

Pine trees are every popular as Christmas trees though, but they make for a perfect small tattoo design as well. Small pine tree tattoo etched on your wrist with green ink will make for an eye-catching tattoo. The tattoo will have beautiful shades of green, giving it an appearance of real tree on your arm. Suitable for fair skin tone. A perfect and unique small tattoo design.

18. Small Music Symbol Tattoo

This one is specifically for the music lovers! This small tattoo is a perfect design for music lovers to flaunt their love for music, especially for the ones sensitive about music, who knows how to express their love for music without showing it off on a large scale to the world. Small symbol of music note on your thumb, or on the knuckle will look super cool and stylish. Besides, it can be done on your wrist, ear, near the ear, chest, etc. Suitable for all skin tones.

19. Small Sunflower Tattoo

A beautiful sunflower tattoo etched on your nape will look mesmerizing. Get this beautiful tattoo in combination of yellow and green, so that it appears as if real flower kept on your nape. This small tattoo design is for those who love nature and want to stay connected to it. You can get this on your nape, ear, wrist, or thumb. Suitable for fair skin tones.

20. Small CARPE DIEM Tattoo

It’s a Latin phrase, which is simply used to urge someone to make the most of the present time and give little thought to the future. If you also think that you live in the present, then this beautiful phrase tattoo is for you, which makes for a perfect small tattoo design. You can get this one on your inner wrist, arm, side palm, etc. Suitable for all skin tones.

21. Small Quote/Phrase Tattoos

Though there are many quotes, but you choose the one which you think represent you the best. You can get a quote on your finger or on your wrist done in italics or in running font. It will look beautiful done anywhere. Also, you can choose quote in any language, the only thing you need to take care is to know the meaning of the quote particularly. Because when people see your tattoo, they will definitely ask for its meaning. So, it is crucial that you know its meaning.

22. Small Heart Stretched With Heartbeats Tattoo

This small tattoo is for those who wants to have a little more than a heart. This small tattoo will have a heart with a heartbeat or a line stretching from the endpoint of heart and at a little distance the line will break and will have a small gap. This design looks really cool when done in black. Suitable for all skin tones.

23. Small Butterfly Tattoo

Butterflies really makes for a cute small tattoo designs. You may get them in color or in black only. Though, you can get your butterfly tattoo anywhere on your body, but trust this small butterfly sitting on your neck will be a hit! And the best part is on the neck you always have privilege, whenever you want you can flaunt, whenever you wish you can hide it with your hair. This one is suitable for all skin tones.

24. Small “FREEDOM” With Birds Tattoo

Simply for those who love to be free from any bond, attachment, negativity, etc. Who are absolutely themselves, who love to live life to the fullest even when life doesn’t present them with beautiful things… Freedom is for free people. If you think you are also amongst them, then go for this one on your wrist or arm or wherever you want. Have word freedom etched in running font with some birds flying from there in black ink. Suitable for all skin tones.

25. Small Wishbone Tattoo

A wishbone is V shaped bone located between the breast and neck of the bird. After the bird like turkey is cooked, there will be a fun competition to grab the biggest part of the wishbone. It is time honored American tradition. If you have some association with this tradition then this one is a good tattoo design for you. Get this on your arm, or near elbow in black. Suitable for all skin tones.

26. Small Feather Tattoo

If you love feather, then trust they make for a wonderful small tattoo design as well. Feathers simply represent freedom that is incomparable. Feathers, however, look meaningful and enigmatic. If you wish you can make it look artistic or realistic, the tattoo looks great. This tattoo will look great on your shoulder blade. Besides, you can have it on your wrist, leg, or near the ear. It looks great in color or in black. Suitable for all skin tones.

27. Small Pizza Tattoo

It may sound bizarre, but there are pizza tattoo designs as well. If you love pizza like anything then small cute pizza tattoo design is for you. Get this one either on your thigh or on your wrist, it will look beautiful. Get this small tattoo in black. It is suitable for all skin tones.

28. Small Direction Tattoos

An amazing small tattoo design! If you are amongst those who have their own ways to live and lead their lives, then this one’s for you. You can get all the four directions defined by arrows inked on your neck just near your ear. Besides, you can get it on your wrist, shoulder, forearm, or palm. The design will look mesmerizing, make sure it is small in size. Suitable for all skin tones.

29. Small Paw Tattoo

It is for those who love their pets. You can get this one in the memory of your beloved dog also. Paw-fect Feet. It is very simple—let your dog “brand” you by pressing their paw onto your skin or on a piece of paper. Then, take it to your tattoo artist and have them translate it onto your skin. This tattoo design looks cute and elegant. Get this one in black on your arm, wrist, etc. Suitable for all skin tones.

Also See: Pet Tattoo Ideas

30. Small Angel Tattoo

An angel etched on your body will look beautiful and stunning. It will be an eye-catching tattoo design, especially when etched on your shoulder blade. Angel tattoos are girls’ most favorite tattoo designs. They never lose their charm, come what may. If you also love angels and want one for yourself too, then get the one in black on your shoulder blade, chest, shoulder, or neck, it will look mesmerizing. Suitable for all skin tones.

31. Small Solid Band Tattoo

Solid bands on forearm look mesmerizing and elegant as well. Solid bands are for those who are looking for something simple as armband tattoo design. This tattoo looks great when done in black ink. It is very simple yet very beautiful armband tattoo design . It suits all skin tones. Also, there can be variations in solid bands, like you can get two bands in different thickness like one thin and other relatively thicker.

32. Small Arrow Tattoo

Arrow not only makes for cute tattoo designs, but also they make for bold designs. Like star tattoos, arrow tattoos are also common. If you want to make it look archaic then you can add a bit of carvings and other details to it, but they look cool even without any addition to them. The best place for this tattoo is inside of your finger, otherwise your neck, wrist and shoulder will also do fine. It is suitable for all skin tones.

33. Small Shell Tattoo

Are you looking for some unique and extraordinary tattoo design for yourself? If it is so, then a small shell tattoo etched on your ankle will make for an amazing tattoo. Shell tattoos look cool. Besides ankle, a small shell can be etched on your wrist or neck. It is suitable for all skin tones.

34. Small Semicolon Tattoo

Simple yet elegant small tattoo design. A small semicolon etched on your wrist or on your favorite place will simply make for an amazing tattoo design. Get this beautiful, small, and cute tattoo in black. This is suitable for all skin tones.

35. Small Roman Number Tattoo

Roman number tattoo designs never go out of fashion. If you also have some lucky number, which you want to get inked on your body… Go for it. They really make cute small tattoo designs. Roman numbers stand for grace, elegance and boldness. Getting a roman number tattoo on your wrist will leave people awestruck. If you are not getting which number, think about it… You may surely get some idea about the number. Suitable for all skin tones.

36. Small Dots Tattoo

Another out of the box small tattoo design is this one. Having only three dots behind your ear will look mesmerizing and will make for an eye catching tattoo. Dots already looks good, and three dots near the ear will make for an amazing tattoo. Besides, you can get this one on your wrist, finger, palm etc. Suitable for all skin tones.

37. Small Sun Tattoo

Sun tattoos look cute and elegant. A small sun tattoo done on your arm or on your chest will make for a beautiful tattoo design. If you also think you possess qualities like Sun, then this cute tattoo is for you. Get this one in black. Suitable for all skin tones.

38. Small Half Moon Tattoo

Half-moon tattoos looks as beautiful as the real moon itself. Moon makes for a perfect small tattoo design. The best thing is – they can be etched anywhere on the body, from ribs to chest. A half-moon tattoo etched on your chest will look mesmerizing. Get this one in black along with shades of grey. Suitable for all skin tones.

39. Small Heartbeat Tattoo

Small heartbeat symbol tattoo when done on your neck or finger looks really cook. They make for simple and beautiful tattoo designs. A heartbeat symbol represents life, and how beautiful it is to have it. A heartbeat symbol is for the ones who really admire this life and value each second of it. This is amongst some of the out of the box tattoo designs. Get this in black. It is suitable for all skin tones.

40. Small Diamond Tattoo

Diamonds also make for a perfect small tattoo design. For making it an eye-catching tattoo, get it done behind your ear, it is the perfect place for your diamond symbol. You can even get two diamond symbols etched together. Besides, you can get it etched on your wrist, or thumb. You will love this one, go for it…. ☺ ☺. It is suitable for all skin tones.

41. Small Daughter’s Name Tattoo

Get your daughter’s name etched on your hand, or the name of your loved one. If you want to flaunt your love for your daughter or for your loved ones, get their name etched on your wrist. This one looks beautiful when done in italics and in black ink. It is suitable for all skin tones.

42. Small Mother Daughter Symbol Tattoo

A mother daughter symbol tattoo looks amazing. You can get this symbol either on your shoulder or on your forearms. For making it an eye-catching tattoo, you can even place it near your heart. This one looks cool in black ink. Just an outline will do wonders. It is suitable for all skin tones.

43. Small Leaf Tattoo

Believe it or not, but tattoos behind your ear really look sexy…. If you are also looking for something sexy then this one’s for you. A small leaf with shades of green will make for a perfect tattoo design. And yeah, this one is good for nature lovers to show off their love for it. Suitable for all skin tones.

44. Small Ribbon Tattoo

Cute little ribbon tattoo etched on your ankle will look beautiful. A unique and simple tattoo design for those who are looking for some simple tattoo design. Get this one in blue or color of your choice. It is suitable for fair skin tones.

45. Small Bumblebee Tattoo

A small bumblebee tattoo on your shoulder or maybe on your wrist in black ink will look stunning. Bumblebee make for a cute small tattoo design and look very beautiful. Perfect for those who do not want to flaunt big art works on their body. Suitable for all skin tones.

46. Small Strawberry Tattoo

For all the strawberry lovers, this one is a perfect tattoo design. A cute little strawberry outline tattoo etched in red and green with some red dots in the tattoo will make for a cute small tattoo design. Amazing tattoo design for girls. You can get it done on your thigh, wrist, or ribs. Suitable for all skin tone.

47. Small ‘ME’ Tattoo

‘ME’ tattoo for the ones who love themselves like anything. Get ‘me’ etched on your shoulder or on your wrist etched in italics. This tattoo looks cute and elegant when done in black. Suitable for all skin tones.

48. Small Triangle Tattoo

If you’re not able to decide any design for yourself, then a small triangle outline tattoo will do the needful. Triangle tattoos look cute and make for a perfect small tattoo design. Get this one in black on your wrist or at the end of the thumb. Suitable for all skin tones.

49. Small Palm Tree

A cute palm tree etched on your finger will make for a beautiful tattoo design. You will surely love this one…. Get this in black. Besides finger, you can get this on your wrist or neck. Suitable for all skin tones.

50. Small Hallow Symbol Tattoo

The Deathly Hallows symbol is a combination of circle, line, and triangle. These represent the three Deathly Hallows: the circle is the Resurrection Stone, the line is the Elder Wand, and the triangle is the Cloak of Invisibility. Hallows symbol looks really neat, this small tattoo is definitely a unique option for any age. Suitable for all skin tones

51. Small Olive Branch Tattoo

A unique option for those looking for something extraordinary. However, it looks good done anywhere, but the best placement for this is your finger. Get this one in black. Suitable for all skin tones.

52. Small OM Tattoo

The most sacred manta, which represents the beginning, middle, and end or the past, present, and future. If you believe it, get it on your ear! A unique placement for a unique tattoo. Suitable for all skin tones.

53. Small Zodiac Sign Tattoo Designs

Another beautiful small tattoo design is your zodiac sign. If you believe in signs and their planetary positions then this makes for a perfect tattoo design. Get your sign etched in black anywhere on your body. Suitable for all skin types.

54. Circle Tattoo Designs

A cute little tattoo is this, get a circle etched on your forearm or wrist. It will make for a gorgeous tattoo design. Suitable for all skin.

55. Small Lips Tattoo

A small lips tattoo designs are a convenient way of expressing a sweet message of love, sensuality, romance, and even conceit. Best thing is – they can be placed anywhere on the body as they can fit into the tiniest of spaces making for a suitable small tattoo design. The placement of a lip tattoo is really important. An imprint lips tattoo on the finger/hand will denote the same image of love but it does so in a much toned down way. Whereas, an imprint lips tattoo on the neck and breast are far sensual in their message. So, just be mindful of exactly the kind of message you want your tattoo to convey. Get this one in red. It is suitable for all skin tones.

To pan out…..
Thanks for reading!! I hope the list helps you find your favorite tattoo!!
Make sure you decide your small tattoo design and its placement before you step in to your tattoo parlor. Small tattoos look gorgeous. All they need is a creative mind and desire to get something unique.