21 cute mother–daughter tattoos to inspire some alternative familial bonding
Nothing says "I love you" quite like matching ink
There are many ways to pay tribute to your mum or daughter, but what’s more lasting than a mother-daughter tattoo?
Sure, you could go for manis or take a cooking class together, but there’s something extra special about going through the process of getting inked and knowing that, unless you go to great lengths to remove it, the art you’ve chosen or created together will be a permanent reminder of the connection you have.
Even just coming up with a tattoo to suit you both can be a fun bonding experience, especially with all the great options available. Many of which aren't exclusive to mothers and daughters and will work just as well for the maternal figure in your life or even your best friend.
Are you looking for a small tattoo that you’ll know is there but that will go unnoticed by others? Or does your idea of honouring one of the beloved women in your life involve a forearm-sized portrait of the two of you? Not quite sure? We’ve put together some of the most endearing mother-daughter tattoos in existence to get your creative juices flowing.
And if at the end of it all you’re still uncertain, there are more tattoo ideas and celebrity tattoos out there to inspire you.
Getting inked is a very personal decision, so whatever feels like the right way for you to declare your love for your mother or daughter is the best way to go. Happy tatting!
Butterflies: mother-daughter tattoos
Not only are butterflies très trendy at the moment, but they can also be tucked into a number of inconspicuous areas on your body should you want them to go unnoticed.
Blind contour drawing: mother-daughter tattoos
If you're not looking for something subtle, this blind contour drawing of mother and daughter is an incredible way to convey your connection with each other.
Tin can telephone: mother-daughter tattoos
Don’t have a sibling? Maybe consider finding a third willing candidate because these tatts look pretty phenomenal as a trio.
5. Fine line flowers: mother-daughter tattoos
I don't know about you, but I can’t seem to get enough of fine line tattoos. How stunning are these matching floral ones?
Wild flowers: mother-daughter tattoos
Another way to do flowers is in colour and along your collarbone where they can be easily admired. Just make sure the tattooist is qualified and uses coloured tattoo ink without harmful chemicals.
Tiny heart: mother-daughter tattoos
Small, sweet and subtle? I'm toe-tally into this tatt. Plus, if you're working on your stick and poke skills, this is a good place to start.
Anatomical heart: mother-daughter tattoos
A slightly more intricate version of the heart tattoo, this one won't be as quick but it will be worth it.
Flower script: mother-daughter tattoo
There are many varieties of this ink around, so it all depends on the style of writing and the type of flower you'd prefer. Best get your creativity cap on pre-parlour-visit.
Avocado: mother-daughter tattoos
I foresee these matching tatts being quite the hit with all the avo lovers out there. As for me? Sadly, my mum has a strong aversion to the fruit.
Mother and daughter share a swing: mother-daughter tattoos
I'm not crying. You're crying.
Peanut butter and jelly: mother-daughter tattoos
Mum, you really are the jelly to my peanut butter. You in?
Sun and moon saying: mother-daughter tattoos
You can even add imagery to match the saying you're going to share. The tattoo world is, after all, your oyster.
Ladybug love note: mother-daughter tattoos
A heart-shaped heartfelt message is pretty adorbs, and you can easily switch out the ladybug for another insect should it not be your all-time favourite six-legged creature.
Split saying: mother-daughter tattoos
Another popular option is to pick out a saying that means something to you both and split it between the two of you.
Special scenery: mother-daughter tattoos
Each got your own happy place in mind? Connect them with a matching border and a decent amount of time spent in the studio together.
Individual flowers: mother-daughter tattoos
Can’t decide on the same image? Why not pick separate ones? They might not be identical, but the memory of getting them done together is what will make them so special.
Sun, moon and star: mother-daughter tattoos
The sun, moon and stars are often used to denote family in tattoos, so if both your mum and sibling are eager to get inked, this could be a fun option. Good luck deciding who gets what, though.
Real-life inspo: mother-daughter tattoos
Here's hoping this mother-daughter duo inspires you to get creative with the camera and base your matching tattoos on a photo you take together.
Paperclip heart: mother-daughter tattoos
There's the link between the two paper clips, but there's also the shape of a heart they make whilst connected. We can't...
Pooh and piglet: mother-daughter tattoos
These tattoos look complete apart, but once they’re next to each other, you can see they’re connected. Winnie the Pooh for the win.
Courtney Smith is Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK, where she works across both print and digital. She has been in the fashion industry for over nine years, initially as a model and later as a fashion assistant and writer in media. When she is not assisting on shoots with the likes of Tom Daley and Raye or bringing about a surge in online hula hoop sales, she can be found at the ponds getting in some quality time with her one true love: swimwear.
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