6 November 2023

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

By Ronald Smith

Hey there! Did you know that playing cards have been around for more than 1,100 years? It’s true! They’ve gone through quite a transformation during that time. Although there have been different types of decks created, the standard deck we’re familiar with hasn’t changed all that much.

Or so you might think! Believe it or not, there are some companies out there that have designed some truly special and extraordinary decks of cards. These decks can range from the odd to the beautiful to the downright useful.

So, whether you’re an avid card collector or just looking for the perfect deck to add to your collection, you’re bound to find something interesting on this list.

30 Awesome Gift Ideas for Geeks

Do you have a tech-savvy friend or family member who’s into gaming, superheroes, or just all-around geekery? Find the perfect gift for them. Read on to discover some brilliant ideas.

Contraband

Wow! Check out this deck! It’s super fancy and has its own unique style. It totally reminds me of a pirate ship that’s about to go underwater – it’s that cool!

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

Can you believe it? The deck only costs $7.95, which is a really affordable price. And guess what? There’s also the option to get the moody book lamp for $149.95. I know, it might sound a bit pricey, but here’s the thing – each book lamp is specially made by hand and has a hidden compartment that can hold two Contraband decks. Pretty cool, right?

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

The website’s design is truly remarkable, enhancing the look of the deck to a whole new level. It’s like experiencing a perfect match between the two. You should definitely get your hands on Contraband – it’s not just a set of cards, but a genuine masterpiece.

Banned Beverages

Although I’m not much of a drinker, I must say that I’m absolutely captivated by the Prohibition collection. This set, consisting of six decks, pays homage to various alcoholic beverages in the most exquisite way.

Absinthe, Disparos Tequila, Rebellion Rum, Moonshine, White Wolf, and 52Proof Whiskey come together in a beautifully slim box, forming an extraordinary ensemble.

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

When you see each deck, you’ll be blown away by their stunning and one-of-a-kind designs. Trust me, it’s not easy to pick just one favorite!

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

Hey there, guess what? You can snatch up the whole shebang for only $125 over at ellusionist.com! And let me tell you, that’s an incredible deal. Why, you ask? Well, because you’ll be getting not just one, but six decks of cards, all bundled up in a gorgeous wooden box!

What’s the Mystery Box?

Have you ever heard of the Mystery Box? If you haven’t, go check out J.J. Abrams’ Ted Talk about it – it’s pretty mind-blowing. You see, Abrams absolutely adores secrets, and his company, Bad Robot, wanted to infuse that sense of mystique into a deck of cards. And let me tell you, they succeeded. These cards look absolutely stunning, and at only $9.95 each, they’re an absolute steal.

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

You know what I absolutely adore? It’s this incredible thing called The Lockbox, and guess what? It’s up for grabs at the oh-so-steep price of $149.95. Yes, I know, it’s a bit expensive, but let me tell you why it’s worth every penny.

First of all, imagine having a piece of history right in your hands. The Lockbox is made from 100-year-old reclaimed wood, which means it has a story to tell. Just think about all the adventures and secrets it must have witnessed over the years!

And let’s not forget about the iron hardware. This adds a touch of ruggedness to the Lockbox, giving it a unique and vintage charm. It’s like a window into the past, reminding us of simpler times when craftsmanship was everything.

But that’s not all. When you purchase The Lockbox, you also receive a special letterpress note and a wax seal. These little details may seem small, but they truly elevate the whole experience. They make you feel like you’re part of something special, something exclusive.

So yes, The Lockbox may be a bit pricey, but when you consider all the love and care that went into creating it, it’s easy to see why. It’s a testament to the beauty of old-world craftsmanship and a nod to a time when things were made to last. And hey, if you’re a fan of history and appreciate the finer things in life, then this is definitely the lockbox for you.

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

When you buy this awesome deck, you’re not only getting a fantastic product, but you’re also supporting a cause that promotes creative writing in schools across the USA. By donating $1 for every deck sold to 826 National, a non-profit organization, your purchase becomes an investment in the future of young writers.

A Deck for a Cause

This deck may not be as flashy as some others you’ve seen, but it has something special. When you purchase this deck, the entire amount you spend goes directly towards providing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations through Charity: Water.

If you’re someone who spends hundreds of dollars on card collections, why not take it a step further and contribute an extra $5 per deck to this amazing cause? Not only will you have a unique and stylish deck, but you’ll also be making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

Although it may not be as flashy, I really appreciate the simplicity and clearness of the water tank logo in the design. By purchasing a deck now, you can help improve access to clean drinking water!

Introducing Bruce Lee Playing Cards

When I first sat down to write this article, I never expected to talk about Bruce Lee! However, I was captivated by this deck and found it to be quite impressive.

The cards are designed in the same vibrant colors as Bruce Lee’s iconic yellow jumpsuit, which might be a little unconventional for card games. However, I genuinely admire the overall design and feel of this deck, especially how the quotes are presented in a manner reminiscent of a black belt – a perfect tribute to the legend.

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

AVES Playing Cards – LUX Edition

Hey there! I’ve got something super cool to share with you: the AVES Playing Cards – LUX Edition. It’s a deck of cards that combines the elegance of fine art with the beauty of birds. And let me tell you, it’s absolutely stunning!

These cards were designed by the talented Russian artist, Karina Eibatova. She really knocked it out of the park with this one. When you fan out the deck, the back design is a bit trippy, but in a totally awesome way. It’s like a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors and patterns.

Now, let’s talk about the aces. They are hands down some of the best-designed aces I’ve ever seen, especially the ones for clubs. They’re sleek, stylish, and just plain cool. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re as excited as I am about these cards, you can get your hands on a deck for just $12. That’s a steal for a deck of this quality. So head on over to Lux Playing Cards and treat yourself to a little bit of luxury.

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

MailChimp

If you’re into geeky stuff like me, you’ll love these cool playing cards that were created in collaboration with a web app. The MailChimp playing cards are a perfect choice for all the geek enthusiasts out there.

When I first got these cards, I thought they would be filled with MailChimp logos and be just another marketing gimmick. But to my delight, I discovered that the only place where the logo appeared was on the elegant gold closing tape, which added a nice touch.

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

I’m not sure about you, but I think it’s pretty cool that you have options when it comes to choosing your Mailchimp cards. You can either go with the black pack or the red pack, and they’re both priced at $9.95 each. But if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even get a 12-pack brick for $125. Now, that’s a lot of cards! Personally, I don’t think I’d need that many, but having a black one in my collection would be awesome.

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

If you buy them, you’ll also be supporting the Fugees Academy. It’s a member of the Fugees Family, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children who have survived war.

The Design Deck

I really love design, even though I can’t do it myself. That’s why this deck resonates with me. It allows you to play cards and learn about different aspects of design like typefaces, fonts, and art-deco.

Each of the 52 cards teaches you something valuable. It’s a bit of a shame that they don’t offer a second deck with more colors. Maybe this could be the future of design education! You can purchase a deck from Art Of Play for just $20.

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

The Amazing Dan And Dave Variety Box (Winter Ed.)

Hey there! Have you heard about the incredible Dan And Dave playing cards? Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorites – the variety box, especially the Winter Edition. It’s so cool because it takes inspiration from the beautiful colors of Yosemite in the fall and winter.

Guess what? You can get the whole set for just $149.95! That means you get 12 decks of cards for only $12.50 each. And let’s not forget about the amazing box it comes in – it looks absolutely awesome!

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

Bonus: Some Extra Designs

Let me introduce you to a few more unique playing card designs that are worth mentioning.

Bacon

Did you honestly believe there wouldn’t be any bacon involved? Trust me, I won’t disappoint you with this one. Picture this: a deck of cards inspired by the savory, mouth-watering goodness of bacon. Can you resist the temptation? Believe me, you won’t regret spending $12 to get your hands on this masterpiece from Art Of Play. Because bacon. Need I say more?

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

The Goonies

Hey, do you remember that awesome movie called The Goonies? Well, guess what? Someone really smart on Kickstarter had the brilliant idea that the whole world would want a deck of cards inspired by it. And you know what? The world has proven them right!

You can get your hands on this amazing deck at Albino Dragon for just $14.99. Now, I’m not saying you should rush out and buy it, but let me tell you, the artwork is absolutely flawless. It’s worth every single one of those 15 bucks, especially if you’re a fan!

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

A Deck Of Playing Cards By Pedale Design

Hey there! Have you heard of the incredible deck of playing cards by Pedale Design? It’s a real gem, and I must say, I’m pretty impressed. These cards were featured in a successful Kickstarter project that was funded to a whopping 2300%! Can you believe it?

Now, what makes these cards so special, you ask? Well, let me tell you. They boast a pixel-perfect design that is just stunning to look at. Pedale Design really knows how to make every detail count. In fact, they have a couple of variations available on their Misc Goods Co website. One deck is sleek black, while the other is a bold and vibrant red. Both are absolute beauties!

And guess what? You can get your hands on one of these decks for just $15. Yep, you heard it right. For such a reasonable price, you can enjoy the thrill of playing with these exquisite cards. It’s a steal, if you ask me.

So, whether you’re a fan of precision design or simply love collecting unique playing cards, this deck by Pedale Design is definitely worth checking out. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors 10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

The Distant Early Warning Card Deck

Hey, guess what? There’s this awesome card deck called the Distant Early Warning deck, and it was designed by Eric McLuhan. You might not know him, but he’s a real pro when it comes to media and communications. Oh, and get this: he’s actually the son of Marshall McLuhan, who was a super famous academic and media theorist. Cool, right?

So, here’s the deal. The Distant Early Warning deck is up for grabs on Eric McLuhan’s products page. And get this, it’s only gonna cost you CAD65. I know, it sounds like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth every penny. If you wanna check it out for yourself, just click on this link to see the whole deck. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

10 Awesome and Unique Playing Cards for Collectors

Glitch

Let me tell you about this cool thing called Glitch. It all started with a Kickstarter campaign, where people got together to support this project and make it a reality. And guess what? They succeeded! Glitch is a one-of-a-kind card set that adds a whole new level of uniqueness to classical designs.

But here’s the thing – it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re the kind of person who gets easily bothered by imperfections or wants everything to be just right, playing with Glitch might be a bit challenging for you. You see, these cards intentionally have glitches, which can be a little frustrating if you have OCD or a strong need for perfection.

That said, if you’re open to embracing the unexpected and appreciate the beauty in imperfections, Glitch could be a really interesting and intriguing addition to your card collection. You can find it on Amazon for an affordable price of around $14. So go ahead, give Glitch a try and let it add a twist to your gaming experience!