From floral and portraits to sweet messages, there are so many grandma tattoo designs for you to check out!
Grandma tattoos have to be some of my favorites! This is because my clients will always tell me these beautiful and moving stories about their grandmothers and the amazing relationships that they had. So, it always ends up being a wonderful appointment.
I have included the top grandma tattoo ideas for you and have given you some insight into what the various designs can mean!
A Note About Grandma Tattoos
Before I show you all the various tattoo designs for you to choose from, I do want to let you know that not all grandma tattoo concepts have to be memorial tattoos. You can absolutely get a tattoo simply to celebrate how awesome your grandmother is and how much you love her.
I have included all types of designs to ensure that you find what you are looking for.
The Best Grandma Tattoo Designs
Here are the top grandma and memorial tattoo ideas for you to consider:
Floral Grandma Tattoos
If you are looking for a simple tattoo design, then you may want to consider this concept. Here, you get a flower inked on you and along the stem, you have the word grandma written on it.
Image by @sedavis_tattoos via Instagram
Despite being simple, this can be a beautiful tattoo idea, especially for small memorial tattoos. This is because the flower can help to remind you of a time when your grandmother was a bright, blossoming feature in your life.
Image by @voodouxtattoux via Instagram
In case you would like to make this tattoo even more special, use your grandmother's favorite flower. Another idea would be to go with a flower that represents some personality trait or characteristic of your grandmother.
Image by @albina_tattoo_toronto via Instagram
As you may be aware, each flower has its own meaning. For instance, lavender is calming and soothing while sunflowers are associated with light and a sunny disposition. So, you can choose a flower that best represents your grandmother as you remember her.
Image by @burningheartstattoo via Instagram
Another option that you have with this kind of tattoo design is to use her birth flower. These flowers also have special meanings and can increase the significance of your tattoo.
Grandma Portrait Tattoos
If you want a more unique or custom reminder of your grandma, then you should consider a portrait tattoo as a memorial tattoo.
Image by @shannonwolftattoo via Instagram
As the name suggests, a portrait tattoo is a recreation of a photo of your grandmother. Now, if you want, your tattoo can only include a picture of your grandmother. Or, you can choose a photo that features both of you to add sentimental value.
Image by @carlo_mangione_artist via Instagram
One of the things that I like about grandma tattoo concepts like these is that they can be as simple or as complex as you like. In case you prefer a simple design for your memorial tattoo, then you can get an outline of the portrait of the photo.
Image by @judithwhite via Instagram
In fact, if you would like a meaningful tattoo but also want to do something a little unique or different, then you can consider an abstract version of this tattoo as well.
Image by @lunar_tattoostudio via Instagram
Of course, you can also get a more complex design - this makes for a wonderful tattoo if you want to capture the true essence of your grandma or the relationship that you shared together.
Image by @libbyguytattoos via Instagram
Just keep in mind that you will likely need a really talented or experienced tattoo artist to bring this kind of tattoo to life. So, make sure to choose yours carefully!
Image by @freiheitink via Instagram
Grandma Youthful Portrait Tattoos
When you think of your grandmother, you likely think of her from your perspective. The kindly woman who took care of you gave you treats and shared fun times with you.
Image by @ninaxmala via Instagram
In reality, though, your grandmother lived a full life before you were even born! She may have had adventures, take part in some crazy hobbies, or have met some truly interesting people. In fact, there may be things about your grandma's life that you have yet to discover.
Image by @u.zofka.ink via Instagram
If you would like to capture this element of your grandmother, then you can consider a portrait grandma tattoo. However, with these grandma tattoos, you take inspiration from photos that were taken during her childhood or youth.
Image by @magdalenasky via Instagram
Such grandma tattoos can be a lovely way to keep her memory alive but also remind you of what a truly incredible person she was.
Image by @edit_paints via Instagram
Holding Hands with Grandma Tattoos
This kind of grandma tattoo represents the relationship between the two of you. While you reached out to her for love, guidance, wisdom, and courage, she reached out to you to get your help in navigating the modern world around her. And, as she aged, she likely required your help in the same way that she used to help you when you were little.
Image by @lazzoner via Instagram
One of the nice things about this kind of grandma tattoo is that it can be designed in a way that it is very small or on the larger end. In turn, this helps to find the perfect tattoo placement for this design.
Image by @ihatemilkalot via Instagram
If you do have a closeup image of your grandma's hand then you can get a replica of this. If not, a detailed hand will do - just work with the right tattoo artist.
Then, it is just a matter of deciding how the hands will be clasped together.
Symbols of Grandma Tattoos
A lot of people remember their grandmothers based on the hobbies or quirks that they had. For instance, was your grandmother really good at cooking, sewing, knitting, or another activity?
Image by @ignacroce via Instagram
If so, then you can get a meaningful memorial tattoo based on these things. It can be a great way to honor your beloved grandmother in a truly personal way. After all, such grandma tattoo designs tell you a bit about who she was as a person and this is a beautiful way to preserve your grandma's memory.
Image by @erinodea via Instagram
Another thing to consider is any belongings of your grandmother that remind you of her or the special moments that you shared together. This could be a tea set, a rocking chair, or anything along those lines.
Image by @magssnake.tattoo via Instagram
It can also be a way to pay tribute to her and all that she has done for you.
Now, if you want, you can simply have a tattoo such as a ball of yarn along with knitting needles to commemorate her. Or, if you want it to feel more like those grandma RIP tattoos, then you can also add in some other details. This includes her name or date of passing.
Image by @robo_bas via Instagram
Image by @ericalvinotattoo via Instagram
Religious Grandma Memorial Tattoos
If you are or your grandmother was quite religious, then it only makes sense for you to include religious elements in your grandma tattoo.
Image by @byraminktattoo via Instagram
Now, the elements that you include for such RIP grandma tattoos all depend on how large you want the tattoo to be as well as how complex you would like the finished look to be.
Image by @justincariaga via Instagram
In case you would like to keep it simple with your tattoo ideas or want a small tattoo, then you can only include a cross, perhaps an angel tattoo along with her name or date of passing.
Image by @manzur.g.tattoos via Instagram
If you would like your tattoo artist to include more detail in your grandma tattoo, then you can include as many religious elements as you like. This includes heavenly light, angel wings, doves, and anything in between!
Message Tattoos
When someone you love passes away, it can often feel like there were so many things left unsaid. Many people wish that they had a little bit more time to tell their loved one or their grandmother how they truly felt.
Image by @tobster_321 via Instagram
If this is something that you are experiencing, then it may be cathartic for you to get a message tattoo for grandma.
This could consist of things that you would have liked to say to her. Or, it could be a comforting passage. Or, this kind of tattoo can be a dedication to her in the form of her favorite poem, verse, or even lyrics.
Image by @pigmentera_ink via Instagram
There is another approach that you can take with such tattoo ideas if you want. It is quite likely that your grandmother may have written you a note, birthday card, or even a letter throughout the years.
Image by @justineproulx via Instagram
You can take an important section from any one of these correspondences and get it inked on you. This can be a beautiful way to pay homage to the special bond between you and her as well.
Image by @tattoovasquez via Instagram
If you want, you can simply have the script as your grandma tattoo. If you would like a more intricate tattoo, then you can add any other design elements that you like.
Image by @charles_memphis via Instagram
This can range from something as simple as a heart or heartbeat to a portrait of her. There are plenty of options for you to choose from!
Grandma and Grandpa Tattoos
Of course, there is no denying that grandma and grandpa are quite the team! And, in life as in death, they are still a package deal. So, it only makes sense for you to get a grandma and grandpa tattoo to honor both of your grandparents.
Image by @shannonwolftattoo via Instagram
Such a tattoo also works to shine a light on the beautiful relationship that your grandparents have worked so hard to create.
Image by @dark_arts_tattoo via Instagram
One of the cool things about this kind of tattoo is that there are lots of ways to have fun with it. You can get cartoon-like figures of your grandparents or you can choose to go with a portrait instead. Or, you can get caricatures of them as well!
Image by @bluestattoosstudio via Instagram
Of course, if you would like a more sentimental tattoo, then you can certainly include various elements from their lives to add even more meaning to the design.
Image by @willrodrigues.tattoo via Instagram
Image by @waters__bailiam_.tattos via Instagram
As you can tell, there are a lot of grandma tattoo concepts for you to consider. It doesn't matter if you want something beautiful and meaningful, something a little sentimental, or even a tattoo that is a bit funny. You will find everything that you need here and more!
Once you have gone through these tattoos, all that is left for you to do is determine which design is a good fit for your granny as well as you. It really is as simple as that!
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