Business Details
15 Years
experience
Creative South Asian Inspired Greeting Cards & Crafts
Founded in 2011, The Playful Indian is a female and POC-owned creative enterprise based in Manchester, UK. Our founder, Dina, brings over two decades of graphic design and illustration expertise to craft products that celebrate South Asian identity through bold, joyful design. Specialising in greeting cards, enamel pins, and home decor, we challenge cultural norms while empowering women through our distinctive aesthetic. Our work, supported by the King's Trust, merges contemporary creativity with traditional influences to deliver unique, conversation-starting items.With a focus on quality and cultural authenticity, we've evolved from a passion project into a respected brand that continues to push creative boundaries. Our commitment to innovation ensures every product reflects our dedication to artistic excellence and cultural representation. By blending modern design sensibilities with heritage elements, we create pieces that resonate with diverse audiences while maintaining our core values of inclusivity and authenticity. This approach has established us as a trusted name in contemporary South Asian-inspired design.
Services
Greeting Cards
Enamel Pins
Coasters
Mugs
Tea Towels
Prints
Stationery
Notepads
Stickers
Calendars
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- Founder with 20 years of creative experience since 2003
- Celebrates South Asian identity through contemporary design
- Empowers women through culturally authentic artwork
- Female and POC-owned business since 2011
- Specialises in unique, conversation-starting products
Associations and certifications
- King's Trust
What people say
Bold, joyful designs
Culturally authentic artwork
High-quality prints
Unique greeting cards
Empowering women's themes
Services
Greeting Cards
Our greeting cards combine South Asian cultural elements with contemporary design in categories ranging from birthday to wedding celebrations. Each card features playful puns and bold illustrations that challenge stereotypes while maintaining cultural authenticity. Customers appreciate the unique designs that stand out from mainstream greeting cards.
Enamel Pins
Handcrafted enamel pins showcase South Asian motifs like spices, deities, and cultural symbols in vibrant colours. These wearable art pieces allow customers to express cultural pride through fashion accessories. The collection includes both single pins and themed sets that tell cultural stories.
Tea Towels
Cotton tea towels feature large-scale illustrations of South Asian pantry essentials and cultural icons. The designs serve both decorative and educational purposes, celebrating everyday items with artistic flair. Customers use them as kitchenware and wall decorations alike.
Coasters
Coasters combine practical functionality with artistic expression through food-themed designs and cultural references. Available as singles or themed sets, they protect surfaces while adding decorative touches to homes. The range includes both humorous and traditional motifs.
Art Prints
Risograph prints feature bold, layered colours depicting South Asian food items and cultural themes. These limited edition prints use traditional printing techniques to create distinctive wall art. Customers appreciate their collectible nature and vibrant visual impact.
People
Dina
Founder & Illustrator
Dina is the founder and illustrator behind The Playful Indian. With a graphic design background since 2003, she launched the brand in 2011 with support from the King's Trust, focusing on bold designs celebrating South Asian culture and empowering women.
Questions
What makes your greeting cards different from mainstream brands?
Our cards combine South Asian cultural references with contemporary design, featuring bold illustrations and playful puns that challenge stereotypes while celebrating cultural identity.
Do you offer custom illustration services?
Yes, we provide commission services for businesses and publications seeking unique illustrations that reflect South Asian cultural themes and contemporary design aesthetics.
Are your products ethically produced?
We prioritise ethical production practices, working with suppliers who maintain fair labour standards while ensuring our designs promote positive cultural representation and empowerment.
How do you incorporate cultural education into your products?
Our designs often feature educational elements about South Asian culture through visual storytelling, combining traditional motifs with modern contexts to create meaningful connections.
What workshops do you offer?
We conduct creative workshops for teams and communities focusing on cultural expression through design, including yarn art and illustration sessions that celebrate South Asian heritage.
How are your products packaged?
We use eco-friendly packaging materials that reflect our commitment to sustainability while ensuring products arrive safely, with all packaging designed to complement our brand's bold aesthetic.
