No matter your goals in life, it’s important to practice gratitude. Being thankful for the things you have helps you create a positive outlook for the future ahead. One of the best ways to express your feelings is through tattoos and body art. This is why we compiled the ultimate list of unique gratitude tattoo ideas with symbols and quotes.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Small Gratitude Tattoos With Symbols
- Gratitude Tattoo Ideas With Quotes
- Gratitude Tattoo Ideas for a Hand or Wrist
- Gratitude Tattoo Ideas for a Foot
Just as grief tattoos have risen in popularity, so have gratitude tattoos. We all have our own things to be grateful for, no matter the cards we’ve been dealt in life. From our relationships to our possessions, what are you thankful for?
Are you looking for a tattoo design inspired by gratitude and mindfulness? If so, you’re in the right place. These are sure to have you inspired every time you look at them.
Small Gratitude Tattoos With Symbols
When life gets busy, it’s easy to forget the importance of taking a moment to yourself. Still, you might not be ready for a big tattoo to express yourself. These small gratitude tattoos use symbols to show what matters the most to you.
1. Sweet peas
First, sweet pea flowers are a universal symbol of gratitude. This subtle flower is a way to show your thanks, so it makes the perfect minimalist tattoo to honor what you’re thankful for. Compared to other flower tattoos, sweet peas are a unique choice.
2. Hydrangeas
For another flower that symbolizes gratitude, look to the hydrangeas. These come in so many different colors, so they’re easy to customize. Also associated with grace and beauty, these are lovely flowers when they’re blooming bright.
3. Gift boxes
The present truly is a “gift,” pun intended. This is one of the most obvious ways to recognize gratitude and thankfulness. Why not get yourself the gift of a gratitude tattoo? You can communicate a message of joy and happiness in a simple package.
4. Spirals
In many cultures, spirals are a symbol for growing inwardly or outwardly. It’s also used to suggest eternal gratitude and appreciation. There are no limits to your feelings, they’re as deep as an endless staircase.
5. Hummingbird
Though most people don’t know this, hummingbirds are a symbol of joy and happiness. They’re fluttering, free creatures that seem to live on their own terms. This might be the perfect way to capture what you’re feeling.
6. Buffalo
For a more masculine, strong symbol of gratitude, why not choose a buffalo? This is one of the strongest animals in the animal kingdom. Associated with force, strength, and freedom, they’re also a way to express gratitude and abundance. In many cultures, buffalo are spiritual beings.
7. Dolphin
Aside from being beautiful, intelligent creatures, dolphins are amongst the cheeriest animals. Built with finely tuned instincts, these are some of the most sensitive animals when it comes to relationships. This is why they’re often seen as a way to express sensitivity and gratitude.
8. Hands
If you want to lend someone a hand, you’d be seen as quite the helper. A hand or palm symbol is a way to show you’re grateful for all those who helped you along your own journey. Even a small helping hand goes a long way.
9. Circles
One of the most easily recognized symbols of gratitude is the circle. Like an infinity symbol, it connects us to the universe. Like nature, a circle never ends. There is no beginning, no middle, or no final point. It’s smooth, and it’s endless.
10. Tree of life
Finally, the tree of life is a cultural symbol that inspires many to live life with gratitude. We should all be thankful for the blessings we have. This image of a thick tree with branches is intertwined through a circle at the roots, creating an endless loop of abundance.
Gratitude Tattoo Ideas With Quotes
Just as how you might use thank you quotes to honor someone special, these gratitude quotes are perfect for a tattoo. The right gratitude tattoo idea with quotes might be found in these ideas below.
11. “Gratitude”
Of course, why over-complicate it? A simple reminder to be grateful every day could be enough to help you live in the moment.
12. “Inhale grace, exhale gratitude”
This reminder helps you take life moment by moment. When you inhale grace through spirituality or religion, you’re grateful for what you have. Gratitude is how you express yourself.
13. “Embrace what may come”
It’s a hard lesson to learn that you can’t predict what’s next around the corner. This reminder to embrace life as it comes is a way to welcome life’s challenges. Come what may, you’re ready for anything.
14. “Hakuna Matata”
This quote from Disney’s The Lion King encourages you to forget your worries. The phrase itself refers to letting things go, living in the moment, and being who you are. This is a reminder worthy of a tattoo!
15. “No better time than now”
Lastly, encourage yourself to live in the moment. One of the main goals of gratitude is to be confident in yourself and where you’re at. There is never a better time than right now. Tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Gratitude Tattoo Ideas for a Hand or Wrist
Next, there has been a rise in hand and wrist tattoos in recent years. As tattoos become more mainstream, people no longer shy away from tattoos in visible places like on the hand or wrist.
16. Semicolon
To begin, a semicolon tattoo carries a very significant meaning. Today, it’s a sign of support for all those who struggle with mental illness and suicidal thoughts. It’s a reminder that you’re still here. Your story could have ended, but it didn’t. You’re grateful for every moment.
17. Heart
Another simple tattoo idea is a heart. We all carry those we love with us, and this heart takes on a lot of different meanings. A heart is a sign of thankfulness and togetherness.
18. Key
In some cultures, gratitude is seen as the key to life. If you want to be happy, you don’t need to seek validation externally. You have to find peace and happiness within yourself. The sooner you accept this, the sooner you have your own key to happiness.
19. Star
The universe is a vast place. When we look at the night sky, we’re reminded that we play a small role in the greater space. This might be intimidating, but it’s also an invitation to be grateful you’re here.
20. “Grateful”
The last idea is a classic. If you’d prefer a simple word to remind you to be grateful, don’t overthink it. Recently, there has been a trend to create simple, minimalist tattoos to honor your own wishes.
Gratitude Tattoo Ideas for a Foot
Last but not least, if you want to keep your gratitude tattoo on your foot, there are plenty of options for you. A foot tattoo is more discrete, but it’s still something you see every day. See how these ideas fit your own style.
21. Clover
A four-leaf clover is a universal symbol of good luck. While we might seek our own brightness, we all have our own ideas about luck. If you’re positive, optimistic, and grateful, everything else falls into place. Find your own four-leaf clover within.
22. Heartbeat
Your heartbeat is a symbol of life, but it’s not guaranteed. We’re all living with the limited time we have. A heartbeat tattoo is a reminder to always live life to the fullest. You don’t know when your next breath will be your last.
23. Feather
Another subtle foot tattoo idea is a feather. Seen as a symbol for hope and guardian angels, feathers carry a lot of significance. Not only is this a delicate, beautiful image, but it’s also an invitation to look for hope in the world around you.
24. Sun
The sun rises every day, even when we can’t see it. Even if it’s behind the clouds, sunshine is never too far away. A sun tattoo is a simple yet special way to make the most of the days you’re given—even if they’re rainy.
25. Yin and yang
Finally, a yin and yang symbol is perfect for anyone who cherishes balance and harmony. This isn’t always easy to achieve, especially with daily stresses. It’s still something worth striving for
Find the Right Gratitude Tattoo For You
From gratitude books to journal prompts, there are so many ways to challenge yourself to live life with gratitude. This is easier said than done, and it’s hardly one-size-fits-all. We’re all given our own blessings, and these don’t take the same form. As long as you’re living life with open arms, you can feel confident in any of these tattoo ideas above.
A gratitude tattoo is a small way to keep your focus on being present in the moment. Whether your tattoo reminds you to take time to yourself or say “thank you,” it’s doing its job. Don’t be afraid to find your own meaning behind these symbols above.