There’s a set of cards in the shop I keep recommending. They’re called Invisible Things, Feelings Flash Cards, and they’ve quietly become one of my favourite things we stock.
They’re designed to help name feelings. That’s it. That’s the whole point. And honestly, that’s why they’re so useful. I recommend them for parents, for teachers, for therapists, and for anyone who has feelings and occasionally struggles to name them. So… most people.
For parents
If you’ve ever tried to comfort a child who can’t quite say what’s wrong, or is still learning how to name the sadness and frustration, you’ll understand the value of a tool like this. The cards are visual, soft, and open-ended. There’s no right or wrong. You just pick a card that feels close to what you’re feeling. Or you don’t. Sometimes they just start a conversation.
They can be part of a bedtime routine. Something to flick through in the morning. A quiet thing to offer when your kid is crying and neither of you really knows why. They don’t solve anything. They don’t need to. They just make space.
It’s a beautiful, practical gift for parents. When it seems like they have everything these cards are something useful, creative, and gentle. We often include them in care bundles for new parents, and they’re one of our favourite parenting tools in the shop.
They are also delightfully thick and durable! They're closer to the thickness of a board book rather than a playing card.
For creative people
I think they’re just as useful for adults, especially sensitive ones. Creative ones. People who are always soaking in what’s happening around them and don’t always have the time or energy to process it.
In an episode of Creative Pep Talk, Andy J. Pizza (who co-created the cards) talks about how hard it can be to carry that kind of sensitivity. He says:
“You're a sponge… and that sensitivity makes you vulnerable to the pain of the world. But it doesn't end there. The only job of the sponge is not just to soak up the mess. It also soaks up the good stuff.”
That line stayed with me. These cards don’t try to fix how you feel, they just help you notice it. And when you remember the full spectrum, it becomes easier to trust that you can soak up the good, even when the hard stuff feels heavy.
I find myself shuffling through the deck behind the counter and just enjoying holding them. They're a wonderful reminder to check in with yourself.
One card in particular
The Gratitude card in this set is illustrated with a sun.
We chose a sun shape when I designed the window at Thinkers & Makers. The sun sits alongside a heart, a star, a flower and a moon. They weren’t random. They were picked with care. Each one holds meaning. Symbols of joy, connection, reflection, and love.
That little yellow sun on the card felt like it was already part of our story. There is also a Jazzed card, and as the wife of a Jazz musician he was a familiar face too haha.
Where to find them
We have the cards online, and we usually keep a few sets in the shop (though they tend to disappear quickly).
If you're building a bundle for someone who's going through something, or you just want something small and meaningful to include, the Invisible Things Feelings Flashcards are always a good choice.
Not every feeling needs to be explained. But sometimes naming it is enough.
These cards help with that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are feelings cards for kids?
Feelings cards are illustrated prompts that help children identify and name their emotions. They're often used by parents, educators and therapists to support emotional development.
Are these cards a good gift for new parents?
Yes. They’re one of our favourite gifts for new parents. Gentle, useful, and designed to support emotional regulation and early communication.
Can adults use feelings flash cards too?
Absolutely. These cards are popular with creatives, sensitive adults, and anyone exploring emotional wellbeing or mindfulness in a low-pressure way.
Where can I buy Invisible Things Feelings Flash Cards in Australia?
You can find them at our Melbourne-based gift shop, Thinkers & Makers, or order online from our website here.
About Thinkers & Makers
We’re a family-run gift shop based in Caulfield North, Melbourne. Our focus is on thoughtful gifts — the kind that are beautiful, useful, and a little bit surprising. Everything we stock is carefully chosen to help people feel seen, supported or celebrated.
From parenting tools and self-care rituals to gifts for big feelings and little moments, we try to make choosing a present feel less overwhelming and more joyful. We offer free gift wrapping, local delivery, and same-day dispatch across Australia.
