Playing Cards for Consumer Advertising, Marketing & Promotion
Closely following the development of visual advertising in general, such as on labels, packaging, posters and TV commercials, advertising playing cards seek to find ways to associate products with our inner desires and longings, with our identity and who we want to be. Some packs are widely distributed as part of larger promotions, others are more exclusive. In some cases single cards are collected from inside the advertised product, thereby stimulating further sales to complete a full set.
Our Kings and Queens
An historical & educational card game designed and published by Mazawattee Tea Co., Ltd, London, c.1902
Pachimon Playing Cards
Quirky Pachimon playing cards from 1970s Japan, featuring unique monsters and aliens, given away with Kewpie mayonnaise.
Parkinson’s Happy Families
Parkinson’s Happy Families published by Parkinson’s of Doncaster, confectioners established in the early nineteenth century.
Pedro Domecq
Anglo-American pattern for Pedro Domecq Mexican brandy made by Productos Leo S.A., c.2000.
Pepsamar advertising playing cards
Anglo-American style advertising playing cards made in Peru by Litográfica del Perú, c.1975, for Sydney Ross S.A. / Winthrop Pepsamar indigestion remedy.
Permalon Ltd
Miniature playing cards advertising "Perma" smoking-related products featuring the "Perma Girl" on the backs and Joker.
Philips Arlita
Philips 'Arlita' advertising playing cards manufactured by Etabl. Mesmaekers Frères S.A., Turnhout, Belgium, 1925.
Playboy Fragrances, 2010
In 2010 Playboy Fragrances (Coty) released a 'gaming' set promotion comprising two decks of identical cards, one set of five dice and poker chips.