Playing cards and a little bit of magic

I’m long past the age of believing in Santa Claus or the tooth fairy (or even a perfectly folded fitted sheet, if we’re being honest). But I still believe in magic. Not the kind where you pull rabbits out of hats or coins from behind ears (though I gave my childhood magic kit a very solid try!).

I mean the kind of magic sparked by the smallest, most unexpected things: when you and a friend share the same thought without saying a word, when life resolves itself in ways you never could’ve planned, or when you feel those rare moments of pure grace and clarity. If you’ve noticed, these magical moments usually share one thing in common - friendship and connection.

For me, nothing brings people together quite like two things - a deck of cards and snacks. While ya’ll already know about my early love for great food, cards have also been a part of my life since I was a little kid. Some of my earliest memories are of playing Memory with the face cards or bluffing (terribly) through endless rounds of (the aptly named card game) Bluff. As I grew older and moved across the world, I picked up new games everywhere I went - Rummy in India, Schnapsen in Germany, President in France. Wherever I’ve been, a simple deck of cards has always been the bridge between strangers, friends, and family.

This is what makes a deck of cards more than just a deck of cards. It’s a gateway to laughter, connection, and memories - whether you’re giggling over silly mistakes, bluffing through a game of poker, or even learning your first magic trick.

That’s why I’m so excited to reintroduce PODI life’s South Indian Playing Cards - a stocking stuffer that’s as delightful to look at as it is to play with.

It celebrates all those magical moments of love and connection while also being a love letter to South Indian food and culture. From jackfruit and coconuts to kanakambaram flowers and dosas, every card tells a story. And, of course, Peeku - our curious, farm-loving mascot - makes joyful appearances throughout the deck! 

The thing is - the art we surround ourselves with matters. It shapes how we feel and what we imagine for the future. This isn’t just a pretty deck of cards—it’s a celebration of culture that’s fun, approachable, and a little educational too (you’ll find the names of each motif printed on the cards). 

Oh, and did you know these cards are printed on thick stock, perfect for faro shuffles? (That’s when the cards interweave perfectly, edge to edge.) A magician friend of mine even called the one-way spiral design “brilliant for magic tricks!” Whether you’re pulling off a card trick, playing Rummy with family, or teaching your kids a memory game, this deck is packed with possibilities.

So whether you’re planning a cozy game night, stuffing stockings, or looking for the perfect gift for your hardest-to-shop-for friend, this deck has you covered. Pair it with some PODIs to keep the magic going in the kitchen, too!