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The Temporary Stick-On Tattoo Through the Years: From Chewing Gum to DIY

You may know a stick-on tattoo as a beloved souvenir from our childhood, often hidden in chewing gum wrappers. But have you ever wondered why these stick-on tattoos were such a hit? And how do they find their way into the chewing gum industry?


In this blog, we discover the journey of the stick-on tattoo. From a simple bubblegum surprise to a creative way to express yourself. Dive with us into the history of this trend and discover why stick-on tattoos are so popular again.


The stick-on tattoo is a marketing trick

In the 60s and 70s, stick-on tattoos became popular, often sold as an add-on to chewing gum. This was a clever marketing ploy by chewing gum manufacturers. They wanted to make their products more appealing to children and teenagers. By adding stick-on tattoos, companies could offer something extra without it costing them much more.


Stick-on tattoos attracted a lot of attention because they were temporary and colorful. By adding stick-on tattoos to chewing gum, companies made their products more attractive. This in turn led to increased sales and customer engagement. It was a win-win situation for both manufacturers and consumers.


The rise of the stick-on tattoo

Stick-on tattoos used to be seen mainly as children's entertainment. But nowadays, stick-on tattoos are back in fashion, and not just for children. More and more adults are discovering this trend. Why would you choose a permanent tattoo when you can also get a temporary stick-on tattoo? There are many advantages: they are painless, quick to apply, a lot cheaper than a real tattoo, and you can easily remove them and replace them with another design. But why is it that stick-on tattoos are making a comeback? We have investigated it for you.


1. Social Media and influencers

In recent years, many popular influencers and celebrities have worn temporary tattoos in their social media content. This has had a major impact on the popularity of temporary tattoos. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are powerful tools for spreading trends. If a well-known influencer with a big reach wears large temporary tattoos, it can quickly become a fad.

2. Festivals and events

Stick-on tattoos are often seen at festivals, music concerts, and other events. These events often attract a young and trend-sensitive audience. Stick-on tattoos are also used here to create a temporary look.

3. Fashion and design

The fashion industry has also embraced stick-on tattoos as a creative way to enhance outfits. They can be used perfectly as accessories. Some fashion brands have even collaborated with tattoo artists to create exclusive designs. This makes stick-on tattoos attractive to people who love fashion and want to add something unique to their style.

4. Nostalgia

The nostalgia factor should not be underestimated. Many adults who grew up in the 80s and 90s remember stick-on tattoos from their childhood. Now that stick-on tattoos are making a comeback, they can evoke a sense of nostalgia, making them appealing to a wider audience.

5. Accessibility and affordability

Stick-on tattoos are easy to obtain and affordable. They offer an easy way to wear a temporary tattoo without the expense and commitment of a permanent tattoo. This makes them accessible to people of all ages, which can help their popularity grow.

It is clear that a combination of social media, events, fashion, nostalgia, and accessibility have played a role in the resurgence of the stick-on tattoo. It is a trend that appeals to both old and new generations. This trend shows that stick-on tattoos are more than just a childhood memory.


DIY: Make your own stick-on tattoo

Did you know that you can even make your own stick-on tattoo these days? With special stick-on tattoo paper, you can print your own design at home. This way, you are no longer dependent on existing stick-on tattoos online. It works with all types of images, even photos. How about a photo of a friend or a funny meme? Everything is possible!


Conclusion: Stick-on tattoos are back!

As we have seen, the stick-on tattoo is more than just a nostalgic memory from our childhood. The resurgence of the stick-on tattoo is the result of a combination of factors. Think social media, festivals, fashion, and accessibility. This trend appeals to both young people and temporary tattoos for adults which offers a fun and temporary way to be creative.


The comeback of the stick-on tattoo shows how trends can evolve and reach new generations. With the ability to now even make your own stick-on tattoo, it's easier than ever to create unique temporary tattoo designs.


If you want a fun stick-on tattoo, try making one yourself! Ideal for that upcoming festival or theme party. What are you waiting for? Discover the special stick-on tattoo paper and start designing!