Okay, picture this: you and your best friend — the one who answers your 3 a.m. texts, who knows your weird laugh, who will absolutely accompany you to the tattoo shop for moral support (and maybe snacks). Matching tattoos are the cutest little way to freeze that kind of love in ink. Whether you both want something tiny and secret or bold and goofy, there’s a design that’ll feel like it was made just for you. Here are 24 of my favorite BFF tattoo ideas to spark that creative energy. Grab your bestie, scroll together, and start plotting.
Little bees that mean a lot
Credit: @ilyaframetattoo
Bees are tiny but mighty — totally the vibe for a friendship that’s loyal, dedicated, and always showing up. They’re simple, sweet, and pack a lot of symbolism without shouting. Honestly, if your friendship feels like home and hustle at the same time, a little bee could be perfect.
Match on the fingers — tiny and perfect
Credit: @smoltattoosbyellejay
Finger tattoos are the cutest because they show up in the small gestures — holding hands, snapping photos, stealing fries. They’re tiny, a little secretive, and give you that giddy feeling whenever you notice them. Thinking of word ideas? “Always” is a classic, but pick something that makes you both smile.
Anchors when you need to remind each other to stay grounded
Credit: @fork_spit
Anchors are sweet because they represent commitment and safety — like that one friend who keeps you steady. Get matching anchors if your friendship is the kind that brings you back down to earth in the best way when life gets messy.
One word that says everything
Credit: @bluestonebabe
Picking a single word can be surprisingly powerful. Maybe it’s a word that sums up your vibe, or two different words that play off each other — opposites that actually make sense together. Short, meaningful, and honestly kind of elegant.
Small flowers for something timeless
Credit: @katelynnicholeshay
Flower tattoos are forever on trend for a reason: they’re pretty, symbolic, and flexible. Whether you go for the same bloom or different flowers that reflect your personalities, it’s a sweet, wearable way to celebrate beauty and friendship.
Foot tattoos — subtle and meaningful
Credit: @tinytattoo_official
Feet are a cozy spot for matching ink. People don’t always see them, but when they do it feels intimate and intentional. A tiny typewriter word or a short phrase in that classic font can feel nostalgic and quietly iconic.
Fish (yes, really) for luck and grit
Credit: @maiko.only
Fish tattoos, especially koi, bring in themes of luck, perseverance, and strength. If your friendship has weathered storms or you two are constantly rooting each other on, a fish motif could be a meaningful reminder of how far you’ve come.
Lock and key — the platonic love edition
Credit: @aureoroma
Lock and key tattoos are romantic in the classic way, but they work beautifully for best friends too. It’s sweet, a little cheeky, and basically says, “You hold a piece of me.” Give each other the key — metaphorically and in ink.
Tiny hearts, big feelings
Credit: @zaya
Tiny heart tattoos are just… adorable. They’re simple, universal, and always feel like a warm hug when you glance at them. No explanation needed — hearts are hearts.
Paper planes for the dreamers and travelers
Credit: @jackpoohvis
Paper planes shout childhood nostalgia, big dreams, and wanderlust. If you and your friend have travel plans or a history of planning wild adventures together, this is a playful and symbolic pick.
Waves for going-with-the-flow friendships
Credit: @ami.tats
Wave tattoos are mellow and pretty. They work whether you love the ocean or just appreciate living in the moment. Matching waves can mean you ride life’s ups and downs together.
Feathers for freedom and strength
Credit: @zaya
Feathers can be as simple or as specific as you want — a generic feather for freedom, or the feather of a particular bird to change the meaning. Either way, it’s a soft reminder to spread your wings.
Matching “LOL” — because your friendship is laugh-first
Credit: @zeke.tattoo
If your friendship is equal parts chaos and comedy, “LOL” is a hilarious little badge of honor. It’s playful, light, and perfect for friends who never stop cracking each other up.
Spicy matches: jalapeño energy
Credit: @joannamroman
A jalapeño tattoo is quirky and absolutely memorable. Maybe your friendship is more spice than sugar, or maybe you both just can’t resist hot sauce. Either way, it’s bold and fun.
Butterflies for transformation and freedom
Credit: @joannamroman
Butterflies might seem basic, but they’re classic for a reason: transformation, freedom, and growth. You can match exactly, mix different species, or pick designs that reflect how you’ve both changed over time.
Script tattoos — lyrics, quotes, or inside jokes
Credit: @almondbee__
Getting a line of lyrics or a tiny quote in a pretty script is the kind of move that feels personal and a little dramatic in the best way. Whether it’s your anthem or a prank (Rick Astley, anyone?), it’ll make you smile every time.
Crowns for the queens who run the world together
Credit: @joannamroman
If you and your bestie call each other queens (or should), crown tattoos are an iconic pick. They’re about power, triumph, and showing up like you own the room — together.
Portrait tattoos — wildly personal and bold
Credit: @bluedoestattoos
Portrait tattoos of each other are the ultimate statement. They can be realistic, fine-line, or sketchy outlines — whatever captures your friendship best. It’s a major commitment, but also a beautiful one if you’re both into it.
Hand hearts — a tiny, creative twist on the classic heart
Credit: @there.ttt
Hand-heart tattoos feel playful and modern. Instead of a plain heart, this adds movement and personality — like your friendship expressed in gesture form.
Matching symbols from your favorite band
Credit: @joannamroman
If your friendship started at a concert or your bond deepened over the same playlist, getting a band symbol is such a sweet nod to how you met. It’s a little story inked on your skin: “we were here” and “we belong.”
Raccoons for the mischievous partners in crime
Credit: @bruciexbruce
Raccoons are adorable and a bit sly — perfect if your friendship is full of late-night sneaks, shared snacks, and mischief. They’re a quirky, lovable symbol for two curious souls.
Constellations — cosmic and connected
Credit: @thehermittattoo
Matching constellation tattoos like a Big Dipper and Little Dipper are poetic and gentle. They speak to a bond that feels written in the stars, kind of like your friendship has a cosmic stamp of approval.
Roses — classic and meaningful
Credit: @joannamroman
Roses are timeless for a reason: love, loyalty, and beauty all rolled into one. If you want something safe but stunning, roses will never steer you wrong.
Sunflowers to end on a bright note
Credit: @mhxbones
Sunflowers are sunshine in tattoo form — hope, happiness, and a little bit of optimism. Matching sunflowers say you lift each other up and bring light even on the rough days.
Wrap-Up
That’s the list — 24 little ideas to help you and your ride-or-die pick something that feels true. Whether you go tiny or go full portrait, pick something that tells your story. Also: take lots of photos after, celebrate with snacks, and promise to get touch-up appointments together (because commitment). If you end up getting one, tell me which — I want to hear the whole story.
