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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/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, quality and professionalism 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 OuiSi? 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 "verbal language?" In some ways, it goes back to hieroglyphics. To this day we still communicate visually, from silent films and graphic novels to 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).

What are your environmental practices? Our manufacturer believes in reducing the environmental impact of producing games. Some steps they’ve taken in that direction include using eco-friendly inks, glues and wraps. They also feel strongly about recycling. Their standard cardboard components are made from 30% recycled material, their shipping cartons are crafted from 100% recycled paper pulp, and they take great care to recycle all excess plastic and paper materials.

In other words, we are doing okay, but we can do better. For future prints we are looking for sustainably-forested certification on all of our paper products, and alternatives to our already-light plastic wrapping. Please feel free to reach out with feedback at info@ouisi.co with ideas on how we can improve. Keep on us; likewise, we are keeping on it too. Thanks!

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.

Imaginate: Win over friends with your creativity by coming up with an answer to: “What else does this look like?” It’s like finding shapes when staring at clouds (“that one looks like a herd of sheep!”). Find an uncompetitive and collaborative version of Imaginate in the Guide to Creative Play.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

How does pre-order shipping work? It's pretty simple. As soon as our product arrives in August, we will send them out to you using standard shipping. You will receive a notification from our fulfillment partner once they've left our warehouse.

When do you charge me for the August pre-order? We process payment right away. We offer the large discount for the August pre-order because we take payment in advance. And we do that because it helps this small business of ours manage cashflow better. Otherwise, we would just wait to sell once back in stock in August at a regular price. 

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 to the US and Canada without incurring duties. Note that we can ship elsewhere, but shipping will be more expensive for you and could incur duties depending on the country you live in. Unsure how to proceed? Email us at info@ouisi.co and we'll see if we can find a good solution for you.

When will OuiSi get here? US orders take 4-8 business days to be delivered and we will ship within 3 business days of the order. In Canada, orders take 6-10 business days to be delivered. Other destinations will vary depending on location, shipment method and other factors. Email us with your specific destination at info@ouisi.co.

What does shipping cost? We charge a shipping cost of $6.95 for US orders. Orders elsewhere will incur a $30 shipping cost (and you may be charged duties/VAT by your government). Full price will be displayed at checkout.

I want to buy three copies, but send them to different places. Can I use the discount code for that? Codes can only be used per order. Since these would be placed as three separate orders, the discount code is unavailable.

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 & PayPal. 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 about foreign exchange fees? An additional exchange fee may apply if your currency is other than US dollars (this is a Shopify/PayPal/Card fee, not one we collect).

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/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

Shipping during Coronavirus outbreak: We have halted shipments outside of the US. We simply can't ensure that our product will arrive outside of the US, and don't want to put our international friends through a tough shipping process. We will update this when we feel it is safe to resume. Thank you.

I'm from outside the US. Will I be hit with additional taxes or duties? International taxes/duties might be applied depending on your country's taxes policy. Currently, we are shipping direct from fulfillment partners in the US, EU and Canada which means no extra duties or VAT in those places. For duties outside the US, EU and Canada, the customs duty is calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the goods, which is made up of the price paid for the goods, the insurance cost and the shipping cost.

Do you have teacher discounts? Yes! Email us at info@ouisi.co and tell us briefly about your school/classroom (we love to hear about where OuiSi lands next). Then we'll send you a code. We have additional codes for purchasing multiple copies, so If you pool a bunch of teachers together then we can provide an even greater discount.

Do you have codes for multiple copes? Also yes! For three or more copies, use WESEEOUISI10. For six or more copies, use WESEEOUISI20.

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.