How to give a tattoo as a gift without choosing it for them

If you want to give someone a tattoo, a tattoo gift card is the best choice, not a ready-made design. Let the person decide what to get, where and with which artist. All you need to bring is the nudge and the amount.

Surprise them, or ask first?

If you're not sure they really want a tattoo, ask. A tattoo isn't a scarf you can put away in a drawer. If they've been talking about it for years, a surprise will land well. But if they only mentioned once that it would be cool, the gift can turn into pressure, and the card will go unused.

With a card, they don't have to decide straight away. Still, it's not worth putting off for too long: the card has an expiry date, and the most popular artists can have a waiting list.

Why not choose the design for them

You might think you know what they'd like. But a tattoo stays for life, and it's their skin, not yours.

Besides, at our studio the artist draws every design for the client personally, based on what they talk through at the consultation. The design you had in mind would most likely end up looking different anyway.

If you want to add something personal, write on the card why you think a tattoo would suit them. They'll keep that longer than any sketch.

How much to put on the card

The minimum price at our studio is €60, and that already includes the drawing and a touch-up if one is needed. The consultation is free. So a €60 card covers a tattoo at the minimum price. What that gets them, the artist will explain at the consultation. A €20 or €50 card won't cover a tattoo on its own; it works as part of the amount or for products at the studio.

A bigger piece costs more, and the artist can only give an exact price once they know the idea. If you know what they want, ask how big it should be and where.

If you have no idea what they'd get, choose an amount that feels like a good gift to you. Even if the tattoo ends up costing more, the card will be a good reason to finally book.

How the Rīgas Tinte gift card works

• Buy the e-gift card on our gift card page. It arrives by email as a PDF with a QR code.
• You can pick up a printed card at the studio. Call +371 67 22 50 55 to arrange when to come.
• Online you can choose a €20, €50, €60, €80, €100, €150, €200, €250, €300 or €500 card.
• The card isn't personal, so anyone can use it: for a tattoo or for products at our studio.
• The card can't be exchanged for cash and isn't replaced if lost, so keep it like you would cash.

What happens next for the person receiving it

With the card in hand, everything works the same as for any other client. They book a consultation through the booking form, by phone, email or WhatsApp. The consultation is free, and they go through the idea, size, placement and price with the artist. Then they agree on a session date and pay for the tattoo with the gift card.

Not sure which artist to go to? They can choose „Jebkurš meistars” (any artist) in the booking form, and we'll help find the right one. For a first tattoo, our article is worth a read too: what to know before your first appointment.

What if they change their mind

It happens, and there's nothing wrong with it. Better to pass the card on to someone who wants a tattoo than to get one without wanting it. The card can be given to someone else because it isn't personal. You won't get it back as cash, though.

For couples and friends

Tattoo artists often cover up partners' names that were tattooed years ago. It isn't forbidden. Just agree on it together, and this is no place for a surprise. If the other person hesitates, don't push. A tattoo done to please someone else rarely brings joy.

Couple or friendship tattoos are a different case. If you want a shared design, come to the consultation together. A good artist will suggest a design where each half looks complete on its own, just in case the relationship ever ends.