Children's Tattoo Parlor Opens in Point Pleasant Beach

Tattoos have become as common as egg salad. Almost everyone you meet has some sort of tattoo. Whether it's a modest butterfly on a woman's shoulder, or a re-creation of the Sistine Chapel on someone's back, people love tattoos. Unfortunately, one group has been denied the joy of body art; that is, until now.

"I realized that kids were not being given the opportunity to experience tattoos," said tattoo artist Marcus Upp. "That's why I opened Tot-Too! Tats for Kids. It's the area's only tattoo shop that specializes in tattoos for children."

Since opening in March, Tot-Too! Tats for Kids has inked hundreds of shore area children. Even owner Marcus Upp has been surprised by the response. "I never realized how many kids really wanted tattoos and how many parents were willing to pay for it," he said. The price for a Tot-Too ranges from a low of $200 to as much as $2500. "It costs more because I have to work on a smaller canvas since it's a kid. And I try to make it as painless as possible, but it is done with needles so there is a lot of squirming. That means I have to be really careful. In the end, though, I always do a job that the kids and parents are happy with and promise only a small chance of a bad infection."

Maya Eenk of Brielle is one of the customers who is very happy with her Tot-Too. "Everyone in my family had tats," she said. "I felt left out. Then my mom took me to Tot-Too! and let me get inked all over my arm, just like her! It was pretty painful, and I cried a lot, but it was worth it!"


First grader Will Reegretdis of Point Pleasant Borough is really pleased with his pirate parrot Tot-Too. "I love pirate stuff," he said, "and Marcus gave me this cool parrot on my arm. My mom said that if I want, I can get another one on my birthday. I'm thinking of putting a pirate ship on my forehead next time."

This year, Tot-Too! Tats for Kids had a huge increase in business for Mother's Day. "Everyone loves their moms and tattoos," said Upp. "I must have done at least twenty Mom tattoos on kids from as young as 3-years-old. There are going to be some really surprised moms this year."


Marcus Upp hopes everyone will stop by Tot-Too! Tats for Kids located on Arnold Avenue in Point Pleasant Beach. "We have some specials going on for kids who want tattoos of their school logos. Even if you've never considered a tattoo for your kid, if you visit my shop, I bet you'll change your mind. Tattoos for kids are becoming almost as common as Stanley water bottles."

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