Proper Nonsense

We started Proper Nonsense because most greeting cards are lying. They’re too cheerful. Too sincere. Too optimistic about human behaviour. And far too willing to pretend that birthdays, relationships and life in general are magical rather than… tolerable. So we made cards that feel more honest. The sort of cards you’d give to someone you actually know. Cards that acknowledge effort, survival, mild disappointment, and the quiet triumph of getting through things without making a scene. Our designs are rooted in British humour — dry, restrained, and occasionally brutal — with a fondness for vintage illustration, mid-century restraint, and saying less to say more. No glitter. No forced sentiment. No inspirational quotes pretending to help. Just properly written nonsense. All our cards are designed in the UK and made for people who appreciate understatement, awkward truths, and humour that doesn’t need explaining. If you’ve ever stood in a card shop thinking none of these feel right, you’re in the right place. Say it properly. Or don’t say it at all.