Help Center

What are the cards like? They are 3” by 3” and on a thicker stock than normal playing cards. The cards will feel like a stack of durable matte polaroids more than a deck of regular playing cards.

Are there other components inside for all the different games? There are numerous ways to use OuiSi, some of which require different components. To keep the the price of OuiSi down as much as possible (and to reduce packaging and waste), we decided that things like tokens, a blind, pencils, markers etc. could be easily found around the house. Also, we are adding new games as we go (with those instructions on our website), and we can't account for potential components.

Who took the photos? All photos are original. We took the photos over a two-year period, admiring the small details in our everyday lives. Sometimes we specifically looked for patterns, shapes and colors for matches to photos we had already selected. Sometimes, it was serendipity.

Where are the games made? The design work was done in Brooklyn, and manufactured in China. We looked hard for a local solution, but the technical ability and quality found with our overseas manufacturer was second to none globally. They've done a great job and we are proud to work with them.

Do OuiSi cards really foster mindfulness? Our cards capture small marvels of the "everyday," from the beautiful lines of a crushed pop can to the pattern of shadows created from construction fencing. OuiSi games and activities encourage players to explore the small marvels in their own world. On our blog, we write about this topic in depth, like this post.

How can a game build empathy? A big piece of empathy is seeing through someone else's eyes (vs our own). OuiSi games and activities require creativity and perspective, and allow players to experience these qualities in others. On our blog, we explore this topic in greater detail. Try this article out.

I struggle with meditation. Ideas? Yes! We have struggled with meditation too, though we fully believe in how powerful it can be. Sometimes, we need a stepping stone and encouragement, however. Noticing is bitesized mindfulness, and our cards are a nudge in that direction. With OuiSi it doesn't require a ton of discipline to get a mindfulness practice going. Check out this post we wrote about OuiSi and mindfulness.

My kids get lost in their screens. How can OuiSi help? We aren't technophobes. Indeed, OuiSi first started as an app years ago! However, we believe in tech as a tool sometimes, rather than as a "destination" unto itself. Some of our activities like Scavenger have the option of using technology as a creative tool to capture a creative adventure. Using tech as a tool like this can help build healthy tech habits.

Does OuiSi come in languages other than English? No. While the instructions for OuiSi are in English only, the games are simple to learn and intuitive and not dependent on a command of the English language.

What do you mean by "visual language?" In some ways, it goes back to hieroglyphics. To this day we still communicate visually, e.g. emojis. With OuiSi, the piece of visual language we capture is the idea of visual connections, or "this reminds me of that."

Can OuiSi bridge different languages? YES! Our dream games involve players from across backgrounds and generations.

What about language-learning? OuiSi is actually a terrific aid in learning new languages, especially the collaborative activities and even competitive games. For example, in activities that require players to explain how cards visually connect, they can make that explanation in a language being learned. More specifically, a French Immersion student trying to explain that two cards connect because they are both yellow and have an oval, might say "jaune et ovale" (the visual cues helping other players understand the communication of those words).

Do you test OuiSi for safety? Yes! We've done extensive testing on OuiSi Original and OuiSi Nature to ensure they comply with the most up-to-date global standards for safety. In particular OuiSi was tested for and passes tests for ASTM and EN-71 in addition to tests for phthalates and heavy metals.

What are your environmental practices? The paper products in OuiSi are sourced from an FSC®/™ certified supplier. We make OuiSi durable to last for many years with classrooms and families, reducing waste and recycling in favor of reuse. On that note, we ask that you donate your copy of OuiSi to a local public school should you ever decide you are done with your copy. Note that we donate our returns to schools, rather than trying to recycle them prematurely.

Additional comments from our manufacturer (Panda Games): At Panda, we have a commitment not only to produce the best quality games in the industry, but to operate in a sustainable and ethical manner. We believe in producing the highest quality games in the industry, so you, your friends, and your family can play them for years to come. We also believe in reducing the environmental impact of producing games. Some steps we’ve taken in that direction include using eco-friendly inks, glues, varnishes, and wraps, as well as sourcing wood from providers who use responsible forestry practices. We also feel strongly about recycling. Our standard cardboard components are made from 30% recycled material, our shipping cartons are crafted from 100% recycled paper pulp, and we take great care to recycle all excess plastic and paper materials instead of simply discarding them.

The rules for creative and collaborative activities in this section are not set in stone by design. Make them your own by finding new ways of playing, or use them as building blocks for unconstrained play. While these activities are built for kids as young as 4, they are great creative pursuits for people of all ages!

OuiSinoes (we-see-nose): Make photo-card connections in this engaging take on dominoes! Like a great conversation, everyone wins as each person adds something thoughtful to the board. Find a competitive version of OuiSinoes in the Guide to Competitive Games.

OuiSi Imaginate: Using a little imagination, each card in the deck looks like something else. It’s kind of like finding things when staring at clouds (“that cloud looks like an elephant!”). Check out the three examples below. Find a competitive version of Imaginate in the Guide to Competitive Games.

OuiSi Trainmaker: Players build a “train” of images one at a time, with each image visually connecting/matching to the one prior. Have fun with the shapes you might make, from circles to spirals to one long line. There are so many connection possibilities that we bet you’ll never make the same train twice.

OuiSi Storybuilder: Choose cards as prompts to craft your next written or verbal adventure. Use the Imaginate activity to come up with ideas from each card. Stories can be created on your own or with friends.

OuiSi Scavenger: Explore your world for OuiSi connections using the photo cards as prompts. Scavenger is great for mindfulness, photographers and for curious kids!

OuiSi Eye Spy: a fun take on the game I Spy (“with my little eye”) and a great alternative on a road trip.

OuiSi Draw: This activity turns the spark of a photo card into a full- blown drawing. This activity can be played in a number of ways, with others or on your own.

In the OuiSi guide book you will find for two competitive games (ages 10+) that demand visual acuity and strategic thinking.

OuiSinoes (“we-see-nose”): In this winner-takes-all version, make photo-card connections (a “match”) that wow opponents in the style of dominoes. Find an uncompetitive and collaborative version of OuiSinoes in the Guide to Creative Play.

Capture: All players work together against a common opponent represented by a penalty pile. Players take turns giving a one-word clue that visually describes five photo cards on a 5x5 board. Remaining players earn the whole team points for successfully guessing the clued photo cards, and are penalized for incorrect choices. Make the game easier or harder using the variations in the guidebook.

OuiSi’s unique images and visual connections make excellent ingredients for unconstrained play. Due to its very nature, we don’t want to add too many specifics that could limit experimentation. Instead, in our guidebook we offer suggestions to spark imagination and play.

Can I send items from a single order to multiple locations? Unfortunately, no. For every destination you must place a separate order.

Where will you ship? We currently ship in the US, EU and UK. Note that we have warehouses directly in each region, so customers won't need to deal with additional duties.

When will OuiSi get here? US orders usually take 5 business days (+- 3) to be delivered and we will ship within one business day of the order. UK Orders take 2-4 business days. In the EU, German orders take 2-4 business days and the rest of the EU take 5-10 business days.

Where do you ship from for UK and EU orders? We have warehouses in the UK (and soon in the Netherlands).

Will I pay any duties? Because we ship from within both the UK and EU, there are no additional duties. Our prices include VAT. Currently, we are only shipping to the UK from https://shop.ouisi.co.uk. 

What about Norway and Switzerland shipping? Soon, we will ship to these countries, but customers will likely need to pay additional duties. Unfortunately, we get charged a lot to ship to these countries, we apologize shipping isn't cheaper.

What are my payment options? You can select your preferred payment method at checkout. We accept secure payments for both local & international customers via Credit Cards, Debit Cards, ApplePay, PayPal, etc. Email us if you have a payment method you don't see here, we want to make sure you feel safe and that you pay the lowest fees possible.

What currencies do you accept? We customize the site to your location, and charge in local currency. For example, If you are in the UK we charge in GBP; in the US we charge in USD.

What's is the exchange and refund policy? Your 100% satisfaction is important for us. If you aren't satisfied with your purchase, the best thing to do is email us. Here is our 30-day Return & Exchange Policy:

• If a product gets damaged or was faulty upon a delivery - we offer 100% refund. Otherwise, to be eligible for a return, goods must be unopened, unused, undamaged and accompanied by proof of purchase. In this case, customers are eligible for a full refund, net of shipping fees incurred on our behalf (approx. $6.95 for standard shipping in the US).
• For returns, please email info@ouisi.co with the subject 'Returns' and include your order number, name and the reason for the return.
• We will provide the customer with instructions where to send returned goods. Customers are strongly recommended to get proof of postage when returning goods to avoid "lost packages" situations.
• Please note that customers are responsible for shipping costs of returned items.
• When the returned item is received and inspected, customer receives a confirmation email, notifying about the status of the refund.
• If the refund is approved, we will issue one via Shopify.
• When OuiSi is sold as a pre-order, the 30-day count in this policy begins after the fulfillment date (when OuiSi is shipped out), not the purchase date.

How do orders work? Simply add as many items as you wish to your shopping cart while browsing our store. Once you want to proceed with the order - do so by going to the cart and clicking "checkout". Follow the instructions by providing us with delivery information and select payment method the for goods - we will ship your package within 2 business days.

Why won't the system let me buy more than one copy? Unfortunately, the Buy It Now, Buy With ApplePay and GooglePay etc. only fast-track purchases of a single copy. For multiple copies, select "Add To Cart" and then proceed to the cart by either clicking on the pop-up window or selecting the icon in the upper right corner that looks like a bag (it will likely have a "1" inside it). From the cart, you can adjust the quantity and then checkout.

Why don't you have ApplePay? Well, we do! Unfortunately, ApplePay can be finicky on different devices and software. There isn't much we can do on our end as we check our payment systems regularly. We suggest:

• Try a different payment method (e.g. PayPal or credit card)
• Try updating your device's software (if it isn't already!)
• Try using a different device (e.g. tablet)
• Make sure your credit card is up to date in the Apple Wallet
• Email us and vent!

Why isn't my order working? There are so many potential reasons that it's best to reach out to us. Find us at info@ouisi.co

Do you have codes for multiple copies? Also yes! These are automatically applied in your cart. 10% off 2+, 15% off 5+, 20% off 10+. OuiSi makes an excellent and unique gift!

Please email us at paul@ouisi.co and introduce yourself! We'd love to hear about your store and are grateful that you would consider OuiSi on your shelves.

Can I add a gift note to the package? While this is a reasonable request(!), we sadly don't have the ability to add gift notes at this time. We are working hard to add this for 2021. We are sorry we can't be of more help in this instance.

This is a gift. Is a price tag attached? No, the recipient will not see the price of the item as we don't include a physical receipt in the package.

How can I reduce the price of OuiSi? We know that every penny counts, and things like shipping  and sales tax can add up (especially in the EU). While OuiSi is a high-quality product made to last for years and years, we want to make it as accessible as possible. Here are some ideas for reducing the price:

• Let us know if you are a classroom teacher! We have discounts for teachers purchasing OuiSi specifically for their classroom out-of-pocket. Email us at info@ouisi.co and we'll get you a code.
• Purchase with others! We have automatic discounts for multiple copies (e.g. 10% off 2+, higher discounts for more copies). And, we only charge a flat shipping fee. 

Other card games often cost $15-$20. Why does OuiSi cost more? We get this question a couple of times a month, and it's my favorite one to answer. We invested A LOT into OuiSi. The materials alone - from the incredibly-durable and gorgeous box, to the extra-thick photo cards (with a lush matte coating) - are far superior to anything you'll get with simple card games. Plus, there are years worth of carefully-selected photography, and nine games and activities in our guidebook. In other words, OuiSi is packed full of value, designed to last for years and grow with families and classrooms.