Background:

The classic Eames toy, made of images of what the Eameses called "good stuff." 

Each card depicts a different familiar object from the animal, mineral, or vegetable kingdoms. Six slots on each card interlocks with one another.

They are printed heavy paper cards, comes with a sturdy carrying box and can be used to build anything you can imagine, or you can even make up your own games, use them as makeshift playing cards, or design puzzle pieces.  They could be a perfect gift that gives your child that extra modern style advantage while playing.

History:

The Eames Office actually produced five different sets of the House of Cards:

 
Small house of cards (Small: 2 3/8“ x 3 1/2”+54 cards)is the original, made in 1952. It actually had two decks, the Picture deck and the Pattern deck.

Medium House of Cards (Medium: 4 5/8" x 6 7/8"+32 cards) was made that is a set of selections from the Pattern and Picture deck. 

Giant House of Cards in 1953 (Giant:  H11" W7"+20 cards)

and finally 2 sets that are no longer in production:

Computer House of Cards (1970)

Newton House of Cards for the 1974 Nobel Laureates..

So far I have been able to track down these online stores that carry the cards.  If you want to support the Eames you can buy the cards from the Eames Foundation .  Otherwise I would suggest Design Within Reach: $45 medium set for good quality and fast payments, etc.  If neither of those fit your fancy you can look at the stores below.  Also check out our Sales + Specials page to see if a sale or special is happening.