Estimated read time: 4 minutes
The room was quiet. A soft stillness, like the world had paused.
A woman gathered her family together. Her father was in hospice—his final hours winding down.
There had been tension. Some family members were stepping out of the room when others entered.
That's when she pulled out a deck of Cards for Connection.
She invited everyone to play together. And somehow, they began to listen even in the middle of sorrow. Not just to the prompts—but to each other. With compassion. With presence.
She told me later, "It was a truly magical moment for our family. When we came together to play, my dad passed in peace."
They took turns answering it for him.
naming the qualities he had instilled in them, the ways he had shown up, the love he had offered. It was playful. It was emotional. It was holy.

I learned about this moment when she approached me at an event. She handed me a thank you card and told me what had happened.
Awe, at the magic that could come from something as simple as a card deck.
Awe, at her bravery—bringing her family together in such a raw, tender moment.
And awe at what I had created.
It reminded me that this little deck wasn't just a tool for connection. It was a bridge. A permission slip. A sacred technology that could turn silence into truth and grief into presence.
That moment lit a fire in me. I launched a crowdfunding campaign to print the new versions of Cards for Connection—four decks, hundreds of prompts, and a growing community around the mission of meaningful human connection. We created a movement from that spark.
Not every card pull happens in a hospice room. But every question holds the potential to open hearts, bring people closer, and leave us feeling more whole.
Whether navigating tender moments with family, wanting more meaningful conversations with friends, or looking to bring warmth and laughter into a gathering, this deck is your invitation to connect more authentically.
✨ Get your Cards for Connection deck here ✨
xoxo, Erin, the Connectress
These cards are so intentionally made! Each pack is made with love and deep care, it's so obvious. These are such a great gift and activity to bring to events and spaces to help cultivate more connection amongst participants. I can't wait to see what deck she makes next!
I use these cards at our community gatherings and leave them out on tables for people to create connection in otherwise uncertain / unfilled moments. They give people a sense of belonging and community, and I always find that I learn things I never would have known about others! These are truly a special creation and I have multiple different decks. It’s rare to find something that’s so easily accessible (no instruction or rules needed) and also profound at creating authentic connection with others 🙏🏼✨
It's a lifesaver for events! I set them out for people to play at the snack table. I loved hearing people laugh together while I was welcoming other guests. By the time we officially started, everyone was already making friends with each other. 100% recommended for any size gathering.
The best game for connection! I love the ability to pull a card out and make friends! The questions are deep and fun and really brings more connection in the world.
They were so much fun that I didn't want to stop playing. They even spiced things up for me by the end.
I had never played any game like this and was pleasantly surprised by how much fun it was and how much we could learn from each other, and also learn more of ourselves. This game creates space for emotional connection, fun, exploration, sensuality, and sexuality, and allows us to get out of our comfort zone but also interpret things in our own way and do what makes sense for us, allowing us to still be our unique selves and continue to learn and grow.
We felt motivated to come up with new and exciting ideas together. This game isn't just fun; it's about deepening your bond in ways you can't imagine!
After trying other games we were skeptical about this one. But the Come Closer card game, surprised us! It made us laugh, made us feel so connected. And the romance stayed for days after! This is a must have for deeper connection, and rekindling romance in your relationship. The prompts encouraged open and honest communication, making us feel like we were dating again. Highly recommend it to any couple wanting to spice up their relationship.
Be blessed daily, or when you need a word of encouragement. These cards really impact me and my family, I have my favorites hanging on the fridge, in the car, on the bathroom mirror. So well written, so intuitive to help you feel the intended blessings and grow in strength to new blessings! Every day, multiple times a day, such a wonderful deck!
In intimate and in first meetings, these decks provide Amazing connections. They are deep and wide and beautiful. Erin’s thought and intention in building these is so true and wonderful and you feel it as soon as you pick them up. Thank you for this gift.
My beloved purchased a pack at a women's circle a few years ago, before I ever met her. Since then had the habit of gifting an infinite blessing card to certain people. Everyone who received them seemed to be wholeheartedly blessed. It was even a huge hit at Burning Man
These cards are really fun to play with at festivals! The Connectress will help you do just that, bringing new friends together and old friends closer. Highly recommended this game!
I've been playing Cards for Connection as I've been traveling all summer and fall. I felt a bit shy asking to play them at first, but I've learned that it's always a great experience for all involved! From digging deeper with my boyfriend and old friends, to playing with my dad and strangers while waiting in line to see The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, to getting to know friends' parents and facilitating compassion for each other in the process, Cards for Connection is joyful, cathartic, and brings deeper understanding and empathy. Inevitably, every game ends with new players asking where they can get their own deck...the true test of a great product!
I have been using Cards for Connection for over a year and have experienced nothing but blessings everywhere I go. I have made amazing new friends and deepened my friendSHYPs and family relationSHYPs.
I recently just utilized the magic of these cards in my fundraiser. I co-created an event the featured cacao ceremony and friendSHYP connection. During the friendSHYP connection part I lead a group through dancing flow and 7 different games/activities. Each activity was aligned with the chakras starting from root to crown. I also paired one complete rainbow � of Cards for Connection to compliment the 7 chakras. This aloud me to deepen the intention of our event and create a space for the participants to connect in curated yet organic fashion.
At the end of the event everyone was so happy and shared how powerful it was to feel comfortable sharing responses to the selected cards. People felt they were perfect because it allows them to have many levels of depth within one card.
These cards are amazing and I can't wait to take them with me as I continue to to spread my friendSHYP mission in schools, youth organizations, businesses, correctional facilities, festivals, and more.
So glad Erin shared these with me! Let's conquer the world with CONNECTION!!!!