Getting a gift for a tattoo artist may not be the easiest task in the world. Every person has their own taste, and with an artist, your task may even be more complicated. Because while you don't want to reduce their gift to something general to their niche, you also want to play it safe.
Don't panic, though. There are a few solutions for everyone's budget that will make any tattoo artist happy.
I've curated a list of gift ideas for tattoo artists to make your search easier.
If you don’t know what to offer as a gift for your tattoo artist, go with music. That’s an evergreen idea for a gift.
Find out what they’re listening to and buy them a vinyl or a CD. It’s personal, and they will surely appreciate it.
Plus, they will also enjoy the artwork from the covers.
If your tattoo artist is a smoker, you can give them one of those cool, vintage cigarette case holders.
The even cooler part of this cigarette case holder is that its owner can also use it to carry IDs, credit cards, or money.
Because they’re tattoo artists, they probably know a thing or two about the history of tattoos. This doesn’t mean they won’t appreciate a book dealing with a subject related to their work.
Here are a few examples, but feel free to look up anything else. Maybe you found out about a specific title while getting inked, and you now have the chance to buy a thank you gift for your tattoo artist.
Your tattoo artist is probably handling all the appointments on their phone. Not to mention the pictures they want to take to show the world their work in progress and the tattoos' final results.
You can help them by making these tasks more comfortable with a pop socket that has a special design.
Like these, for example:
If they don't have one already, help them give their saloon a vintage look with a tattoo led sign.The sign will also give a warm, fuzzy vibe to their place.
A wood sign for a tattoo shop can harmonize the vibe from outside the shop with the one from the inside.If that sign is custom made with the salon or the owner of the salon’s name, it will make an attentive gift.
If you’re asking me, a vintage metal plaque is one of the best gifts for tattoo artists and not only. It’s a timeless piece that anyone would appreciate.Here are some examples.
Have you ever seen a tattoo artist without tattoos? Me neither. This means one of the greatest yet affordable tattoo artist gifts is a balm for their tattoo aftercare routine.
The aftercare cream will help with the healing of new tattoos and brighten old tattoos to keep them fresh and good looking.
Some of the aftercare creams come in really cool packages, like this one:
This one is a symbolic gift for tattoo artists. It contains tarot cards with beautiful illustrations made by the author of Tattoo Postcards and the best–selling Tattoo Colouring Book.
It also includes a booklet for interpreting the cards and conducting your own readings.
Another possible symbolic gift is jewelry with black tourmaline, which is believed to protect people from negative energies and relieve them from stress and anxiety.
A great gift for a tattoo artist made by another tattoo artist. Kat Von D has a line of vegan beauty products surely made to impress.
I have a KVD Everlasting Liquid Lipstick, and I’m totally obsessed with it.
You can go for Legendary Icons Set and give one of the best gifts for tattoo artists.
Among the most thoughtful gift ideas for tattoo artists, you can surely place this one. It’s a vintage poster representing O'Reilly’s invention of the tattoo machine.
Who wouldn’t love it?
Another way to display O’Reilly’s invention of the tattoo machine is on a mug. It looks cool, and it makes a perfect thank you gift for your tattoo artist.
If you’re still not decided on tattoo artist gifts, maybe you can create a custom made rug with the saloon’s name on it.
This is a fun idea that will undoubtedly be appreciated.
Who doesn't love Frida and her paintings? The woman is iconic! So, this one will surely make a cute thank you gift for your tattoo artist.
The Tattooed Lady is known as a circus performer and the first known female tattoo artist in the United States. Now she is a symbol in the tattoo industry, and it helps with customizing almost every gift you want to make.
Here’s an example.
This gift for your tattoo artist will help them feel comfy while waiting for their next customer.
Besides, it also stands for a nice piece of decoration in their salon.
If you're thinking of buying a birthday present for a tattoo artist or a wonderful token of appreciation, a magnifying floor lamp may be the answer.
This lamp was designed to help with close-ups and to see small details, while its dimmer switch will help set the perfect light. It certainly can be placed on the list of great tattoo artist gifts.
Now, this is one of the best gifts for tattoo artists out there. By offering them something like this, you’re helping them with their sketching & drawing projects.
Tattoo artists often go to tattoo artists conventions, which means a travel mug may come in handy—maybe even a personalized one.
Something like this:
Another thoughtful gift for your favorite tattoo artist would be a custom-made apron with a text or a catchphrase that characterizes its future owner.
Most of the tattoo artists will also draw and color for practicing or for getting new design ideas. Therefore, an ink pen set is an excellent choice. You can even buy a more professional set, used by those who need accuracy and precision, such as an architect, an illustrator, or, of course, a tattoo artist.
As you can see, you don't have to go the extra mile to offer a thoughtful gift for your tattoo artist. The idea is to get them something that shows you appreciate them.
I hope this list is a good source of inspiration for you, and now you know exactly what to buy as a birthday present for a tattoo artist or a little something while passing by their salon.
You may be interested in finding out more about the best tattoo shop marketing ideas this year.