Friendship is one of those rare treasures in life that deserves to be celebrated in the most personal way possible. Over the years, I’ve realized that nothing captures the depth of a bond better than ink on skin. While relationships may come and go, the memories you share with a true best friend stay permanent — just like a tattoo. That’s why Small Bestie Tattoos have become one of my favorite ways to honor friendship.
For me, every tattoo tells a story. Sometimes it’s about late-night laughs, sometimes about standing together during storms, and other times it’s just a reminder of the silly inside jokes that no one else will ever understand. The beauty of choosing small tattoo ideas for best friends is that they don’t have to be big or flashy to mean something. A tiny symbol, a delicate word, or even a shared design can carry more weight than a full sleeve ever could.
What I love most about Small Bestie Tattoos is how versatile they are. Whether you’re the type of friends who share a love for food, astrology, or just matching minimalist designs, there’s always a way to make your tattoo feel personal. These designs are easy to place on visible spots like the wrist, ankle, or collarbone, but they can also be tucked away in hidden places if you want them to stay private.
At the end of the day, tattoos aren’t just about art — they’re about meaning. And when you get inked with your best friend, it becomes more than a design; it becomes a living memory. In this guide, I’ll share 20 Small Bestie Tattoos that hold deep meaning, along with placement tips and personal reflections that might inspire your own piece of friendship ink.
Table of Contents
01. Simple Lightning Bolts
When I think of friendship, the first thing that comes to mind is energy. My best friend and I always called ourselves a “power duo,” so small lightning bolt tattoos felt like the perfect choice. Every time I see that spark etched on my skin, it reminds me of our late-night talks, crazy adventures, and the fact that we’ve always had each other’s backs no matter what.
“Some friendships strike once, but light up forever.”
Placement/Design Tips: Lightning bolts are clean and sharp, which makes them perfect for ankles, forearms, or the back of the neck. I’d suggest asking your artist to keep the lines slightly curved for a natural flow. These Small Bestie Tattoos heal quickly since they’re minimalist, and their simple design makes them a timeless symbol of friendship.
02. Twin Flames
For me, twin flame tattoos symbolize more than just fire; they carry the warmth of someone who keeps your soul glowing even in the darkest times. My best friend and I went through years of distance and still managed to find our way back. Tiny twin flames inked on our wrists became a reminder that no matter how far apart we are, we’ll always burn brightly for each other.
“True friends don’t fade, they ignite.”
Placement/Design Tips: These Small Bestie Tattoos look stunning on the wrist, collarbone, or behind the ear. Adding a little flicker detail at the top of the flame can make the design more personal. If you want to explore more small tattoo ideas, twin flames are both meaningful and minimalistic, perfect for best friends who want something eternal yet subtle.
03. Foodie Friends
Every friendship has its flavor, and ours is food. My bestie and I bonded over countless coffee runs and midnight pizza slices, so we decided to ink matching tattoos of tiny coffee cups. For me, this isn’t just about caffeine; it’s about every story we shared across a table, every laugh that echoed in small cafés, and every moment we celebrated with food.
“Food tastes better when shared with your best friend.”
Placement/Design Tips: Food-inspired Small Bestie Tattoos work perfectly on the inner wrist, fingers, or even the ankle. I’d recommend keeping the design simple — like a coffee cup outline or a mini slice of pizza with just two dots of cheese. These tattoos stay cute, lighthearted, and heal fast since they’re small and easy to care for.
04. For a Trio
Sometimes friendship isn’t about two — it’s about three souls forming one bond. My trio of friends and I decided to get tiny triangles, each one representing us. I’ll never forget the moment we revealed them after the session, grinning like kids because we knew we’d carry this symbol forever. For me, it means balance, unity, and the kind of love that grows stronger when shared among more than two hearts.
“A triangle never breaks — it only strengthens.”
Placement/Design Tips: For trios, Small Bestie Tattoos shine on the forearm, wrist, or ankle. Ask your artist to make the triangle slightly tilted for a dynamic look. Another creative touch is filling one side of the triangle with a dot or line to represent individuality within unity. This tattoo is simple yet deeply symbolic for groups of three.
05. Drinking Buddies
Some friendships are built on endless coffee, and others are sealed with a cold drink in hand. My bestie and I have always had a ritual of celebrating milestones with a glass of wine, so tiny clinking glasses became our chosen tattoo. For me, it’s not just about drinking — it’s about the toasts, the laughter, and the promises whispered between sips.
“Every toast becomes a memory worth keeping.”
Placement/Design Tips: These Small Bestie Tattoos look amazing on the forearm or wrist, where the clinking gesture feels natural. Ask your artist to add a small sparkle between the glasses for a celebratory vibe. Minimalist drink outlines heal quickly, making them a fun and low-maintenance choice for drinking buddies.
06. Classic Butterflies
I’ll admit, butterfly tattoos may seem common, but when shared with a best friend, they take on a whole new meaning. My bestie and I chose small butterflies because they symbolize transformation — and we’ve grown together through every stage of life. Every flutter inked on my skin reminds me of how she pushed me to spread my wings when I was too afraid
“Friends are the wings we forget we have.”
Placement/Design Tips: Butterflies work beautifully on ankles, collarbones, or wrists. If you want your Small Bestie Tattoos to stand out, ask your artist for delicate linework and maybe a dot-work trail connecting the butterflies. They’re timeless, feminine, and meaningful without needing much detail.
07. Animal Lovers
For us, love for animals was the glue of our friendship. My bestie and I met at a shelter, so paw print tattoos became the perfect tribute. For me, it’s more than ink — it’s a reminder of the countless strays we helped, the pets we adored, and the compassion we shared. Every time I look at my paw print, I think of her and the unconditional loyalty of true friendship.
“A best friend’s love is as pure as a dog’s eyes.”
Placement/Design Tips: Paw prints are versatile Small Bestie Tattoos that fit nicely on wrists, ankles, or behind the ear. If you want to personalize them, you can add initials inside the paw pads. Small paw designs heal fast and always stay cute — plus, they’ll never go out of style for animal lovers.
08. One for the Girl Squad
Some bonds are so strong, they can’t be contained by just two people. My girl squad of four decided to ink tiny stars, each one representing a different personality but shining together in the same sky. For me, it was about more than friendship — it was about celebrating our shared sisterhood, strength, and late-night talks that carried us through heartbreaks and dreams.
“Stars don’t compete; they shine together.”
Placement/Design Tips: Group Small Bestie Tattoos look stunning on the forearm, ankle, or collarbone. I’d suggest aligning the stars in a curved constellation pattern so that each member feels connected. These designs are subtle, classy, and a perfect tribute to girl squads who want something meaningful yet stylish.
09. A Quote
Words have always carried power in my life, and with my best friend, there are certain phrases that became “ours.” We chose a small matching quote tattoo — half on her skin, half on mine. When we stand together, it reads whole. For me, it’s not just a tattoo, it’s a bond inked in words that only we truly understand.
“Some sentences never end; they just live on skin.”
Placement/Design Tips: Quotes make incredible Small Bestie Tattoos when placed on the forearm, collarbone, or wrist. To make it personal, pick a font that reflects your vibe — soft cursive for tenderness or bold typewriter for strength. Shorter quotes age better on skin and heal faster with fewer touch-ups.
10. For Kings and Queens
Every friendship has its own royal energy. My bestie and I always joked about being a king and queen of our little world, so we went for tiny crowns. For me, it’s a symbol of respect — we rule together, no competition, just loyalty. Every time I see that crown, I remember the confidence my best friend always gave me.
“Real royalty isn’t about thrones, it’s about loyalty.”
Placement/Design Tips: Crown-themed Small Bestie Tattoos look classy on the wrist, ankle, or even the finger. Adding a tiny jewel detail or initials inside the crown gives it a personal touch. Keep the design simple with clean lines — it makes the tattoo timeless and elegant.
11. Delicate and Dainty
Sometimes friendship doesn’t need bold statements — just soft reminders. My bestie and I went for delicate flowers, thin lines, and gentle curves. To me, this tattoo feels like the quiet strength of our friendship — not loud, but always present. It’s the kind of design that whispers, “I’m here for you.”
“Some bonds bloom quietly but last forever.”
Placement/Design Tips: Dainty designs are perfect Small Bestie Tattoos for wrists, collarbones, or behind the ear. Ask your artist to use single-needle detailing for fine, elegant strokes. These tattoos heal beautifully and are subtle enough for people who want something minimal but meaningful.
12. For a Fire Friendship
Every friendship has that fiery spark — and mine definitely does. My best friend and I are the type to hype each other up, chase wild dreams, and never back down from challenges. Tiny flame tattoos became our symbol, reminding me that she’s the fire when I feel dull, and I’m hers when she’s low.
“Best friends are the flames that never burn out.”
Placement/Design Tips: Flames are bold yet simple, making them standout Small Bestie Tattoos for the wrist, forearm, or ankle. To add depth, ask your artist for a little shading at the base of the flame. These tattoos are quick to heal and instantly carry a strong, powerful vibe.
13. A Tiny Wishbone
For as long as I can remember, my bestie and I have shared every wish — from childhood secrets to grown-up dreams. That’s why we chose matching wishbone tattoos. For me, this little design isn’t about luck alone; it’s about the unspoken belief that we’ll always be each other’s biggest supporters. Whenever I see it, I’m reminded that our bond is already the wish that came true.
“Some friendships are the luck you didn’t know you needed.”
Placement/Design Tips: Wishbones make delicate Small Bestie Tattoos that fit beautifully on wrists, ankles, or behind the ear. A single-line design keeps it clean, but adding a tiny sparkle detail can make it feel more magical. These tattoos are quick to heal and stay meaningful without needing much space.
14. Astrology Lovers
My best friend and I have always looked up at the stars, reading horoscopes and laughing at how accurate (or totally off) they can be. So, star sign tattoos felt natural. We inked each other’s zodiac symbols instead of our own, as a reminder that we carry each other’s energy everywhere we go. For me, it’s like having her constellation mapped on my skin.
“True friends are written in the stars.”
Placement/Design Tips: Zodiac-inspired Small Bestie Tattoos look stunning on the wrist, collarbone, or ankle. Minimalist linework or constellation dots keep them classy. For a more personal twist, add your birthstones’ color in tiny dots — it makes the design pop without losing simplicity.
15. First Friends
There’s something irreplaceable about your very first friend — the one who’s seen you grow, stumble, and find yourself. My childhood bestie and I decided to ink tiny matching hearts, a simple tribute to the love we’ve carried since playground days. For me, this tattoo is like a timeline etched in skin, proof that some bonds survive every stage of life.
“First friends are forever friends.”
Placement/Design Tips: Hearts are classic Small Bestie Tattoos that work perfectly on fingers, wrists, or ankles. If you want something more unique, ask your artist to draw an imperfect, hand-sketched heart. It reflects real friendship — not perfect, but always genuine.
16. A Color Moment
Most people choose black ink, but for me and my bestie, color was essential. We picked tiny watercolor splashes, each in our favorite shade, blending slightly when placed side by side. For me, this tattoo isn’t just pretty — it’s a celebration of how our differences create something brighter when we’re together.
“Friendship adds color to the canvas of life.”
Placement/Design Tips: Watercolor Small Bestie Tattoos shine on the wrist, forearm, or ankle. Since colors fade faster than black ink, make sure to ask your artist about touch-ups. Keep the design minimal — small splashes or strokes look better long term and heal smoothly.
17. Flower Power
Flowers have always been my go-to symbol for growth and beauty, but sharing one with my bestie made it even more meaningful. We chose tiny daisies — simple, pure, and cheerful, just like our bond. For me, every petal reminds me of the way she always brings sunshine into my darkest days.
“Friendship is the garden where love always blooms.”
Placement/Design Tips: Floral Small Bestie Tattoos look stunning on the wrist, ankle, or collarbone. Daisies and sunflowers work great with fine line detailing. If you want to personalize it, ask your artist to add a single colored petal or a tiny stem curve.
18. A Manifesting Duo
My best friend and I are both dreamers, constantly manifesting better days and bigger goals. That’s why we went for matching crescent moons with little sparkles around them. To me, it’s a reminder that we’re not just wishing, we’re building a future together — supporting every step, every leap, every risk.
“Two souls, one vision — always manifesting more.”
Placement/Design Tips: Moons and stars make elegant Small Bestie Tattoos on wrists, behind the ear, or ankles. Minimalist crescent lines with tiny dot-work sparkles look classy and heal quickly. If you want to add depth, a small shaded curve on the moon gives it more dimension.
19. A Forever Promise
Every friendship has that one pinky-promise moment — the unspoken vow to never leave each other. My bestie and I turned that into matching tattoos of two tiny hands linking fingers. For me, this isn’t just a tattoo, it’s proof of a promise that no distance, fight, or time apart can ever break.
“Some promises are better written in ink.”
Placement/Design Tips: Promise-hand designs make heartfelt Small Bestie Tattoos for forearms, wrists, or ankles. Go for clean line art to keep it timeless, and ask your artist to slightly curve the fingers for a more natural look. These tattoos age well and always carry deep emotional weight.
20. Through Thick and Thin
Friendship isn’t always easy — there are highs, lows, and messy middle parts. My bestie and I wanted a tattoo that captured our resilience, so we inked two parallel lines: one thin, one thick. For me, it’s the simplest yet most powerful reminder that we’ve stood side by side in every season.
“Real friends walk with you through it all.”
Placement/Design Tips: Line-based Small Bestie Tattoos are subtle and versatile, perfect for wrists, ankles, or collarbones. They heal super fast and hardly fade. To make it more personal, you can tilt the lines slightly or add a tiny dot connecting them at the base — symbolizing unity.
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Don’t miss out on creative updates – follow my WhatsApp Channel! My Favorite Small Bestie Tattoo: The Twin Flames
If I had to choose just one bestie tattoo that holds the deepest place in my heart, it would be the twin flames. There’s something magical about two tiny flickers of fire drawn side by side — each flame unique, yet connected. For me, it represents the warmth and energy that my best friend has always brought into my life. I got this tattoo during a phase when I felt lost, and it became a reminder that even in the darkest times, our bond would keep burning bright.
Whenever I see the delicate flame on my wrist, it feels alive — like it’s gently reminding me of late-night talks, shared dreams, and the spark of encouragement my best friend gave me when I doubted myself. Its size may be small, but its meaning is huge. Placed on the wrist, it flows naturally with movement, almost like the fire is always in motion.
What makes it my favorite is its duality — it’s subtle enough to stay personal, but powerful enough to tell a story when someone notices it. For anyone searching for small tattoo ideas that are symbolic, intimate, and timeless, twin flames make a perfect choice for best friends who feel like they’re each other’s guiding light.
“Even the smallest flame can warm the coldest night.”
FAQs About Small Bestie Tattoos
1. What are Small Bestie Tattoos?
Small Bestie Tattoos are matching or complementary tattoo designs that best friends get to symbolize their bond, memories, and connection. They’re minimal, meaningful, and often deeply personal.
2. Where’s the best placement for Small Bestie Tattoos?
Popular placements include the wrist, ankle, collarbone, or behind the ear. These spots are visible, heal quickly, and allow friends to show off their tattoo bond easily.
3. Do Small Bestie Tattoos hurt?
Pain depends on placement, but since these tattoos are small and minimal, discomfort is usually mild. Wrists and ankles may sting slightly, but healing is quick.
4. How much do Small Bestie Tattoos cost?
Prices vary by artist and design. On average, small tattoos cost between $50–150. Simpler outlines are cheaper, while detailed or colored designs may increase the price.
5. Can Small Bestie Tattoos fade over time?
Yes, like all tattoos, they may fade, especially on areas exposed to sunlight. Choosing bold lines, proper aftercare, and occasional touch-ups keeps them looking fresh.
6. What designs are best for Small Bestie Tattoos?
Popular choices include hearts, stars, lightning bolts, flames, flowers, or matching quotes. The best designs are personal symbols that reflect shared memories and friendship meaningfully.
7. Are Small Bestie Tattoos only for girls?
Not at all. Small Bestie Tattoos are for everyone — men, women, or groups. The designs can be customized to match different personalities, making them universal.
8. Do Small Bestie Tattoos need to match exactly?
No, they don’t. Some friends choose identical tattoos, while others prefer complementary designs, like sun and moon or fire and water, to reflect individuality within unity.
9. How long do Small Bestie Tattoos take to heal?
On average, small tattoos take about 2–3 weeks to fully heal. With proper aftercare, including moisturizer and avoiding sun exposure, they settle beautifully in the skin.
10. What should I consider before getting a Small Bestie Tattoo?
Think about long-term meaning, placement, and comfort. Choose a design both of you love, research artists carefully, and discuss aftercare to ensure the tattoo lasts.
