Why we opened Kismet + Kaur
We opened Kismet + Kaur to create the kind of shop we wished existed — a playful mix of South Asian stories, culture, gifts and little treasures that feels familiar without feeling predictable.
Harman Kaur Dhillon — Founder
The books we grew up without
We grew up loving books that didn’t always feel like they were made with us in mind. Where were the nani-approved stories, the Diwali lights, the family words, and all the little details that made home, well… home?
So we made Kismet + Kaur.
A bookshop filled with South Asian stories, characters, culture, and a few delightful extras along the way. From first words and picture books to books for grown-up readers, we’re here for every kind of reader — and every kind of shelf.
You’ll also find playful gifts and goodies inspired by traditions, celebrations, and everyday life. Think books you’ll want to read, gifts you’ll want to give, and little finds that make you say, “Yep. This is so us.”
Everything is handpicked with a simple rule: if it sparks joy, connection, curiosity, or that little bit of feeling of home, it’s worth a spot at Kismet + Kaur.
Good questions, happy answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kismet + Kaur?
Kismet + Kaur is a curated shop celebrating South Asian stories, culture, gifts and little treasures. We bring together books, playful finds and meaningful goodies for readers, families and anyone who loves discovering something a little different.
How do you choose the books you carry?
Every book is thoughtfully handpicked and read before it earns a spot on our shelves. We look for stories that are engaging, well-made and offer South Asian characters, experiences, languages or perspectives in ways that feel authentic and enjoyable.
Do you sell books for adults too?
Absolutely! While we love our little readers, Kismet + Kaur is for everyone — from first words and picture books to chapter books, young adult reads and books for grown-up readers.
What kinds of gifts and treasures do you carry?
A little bit of everything we think is worth discovering. You’ll find South Asian-inspired gifts, festival goodies, accessories, stationery, playful finds and other treasures that are fun to give — or keep for yourself.
Do you carry books in South Asian languages?
Yes! Our collection includes bilingual and language-focused books featuring languages such as Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu and Bengali, with more being added as we grow.
Do you offer gift wrapping?
Yes! We want opening a Kismet + Kaur package to be part of the fun, so orders are carefully packed and may include a little something extra along the way. For specific gift-wrapping requests, customers can contact us before ordering.
How much does shipping cost?
We offer straightforward flat-rate shipping at checkout, so you know the shipping cost before completing your order. Orders over a certain amount may qualify for free shipping, when offered.
How long will my order take to ship?
Most orders are packed and shipped within 3-5 business days (or even sooner!). Once your order is on its way, you’ll receive tracking information so you can follow its journey.
What if something I want is sold out?
If you see “Sold Out,” it means we’re currently out of stock. Some favorites will be restocked, while others may be limited finds, so keep an eye on the site or sign up for updates to hear about new arrivals and restocks.
Do you accept returns or exchanges?
We want you to love what you order, but at this time all sales are final as we are an itty bitty small company. If something isn’t quite right, please contact us at hello@kismetandkaur.com within 3 days of receiving your order, and we’ll be happy to try and help figure out a solution.
Do you sell at pop-up events?
Yes! We pop up at festivals, community events and other gatherings throughout the year. Follow us on social media to see where we’ll be next. If there is an event coming up for which you think a Kismet + Kaur Pop-Up would be a good fit, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we love leads!
Can I request or suggest a specific book or product?
Absolutely. If there’s a South Asian title, author, language or product you’d love to see at Kismet + Kaur, let us know. We’re always looking for our next great find.
A little note goes a long way
Have a question? We’d love to hear from you
What we care about
- Stories where desi children are simply children, not a lesson.
- Treasures for birthdays, festivals, and the occasional “just because." For yourself included.
- Festivals the way they actually feel — loud, sticky, full of relatives and never enough mithai.
Browse The Shelves
Doorways into our South Asian library, from first words to adult novels and everything in between.
Children's books
First words in Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu and Bengali
Chapter books
Folk tales and fairy tales for newly confident readers
Young adults
Brave desi teens, big feelings, familiar kitchens
Festival shelf
Diwali, Vaisakhi, Eid, Pongal and Navratri picture books
Adult titles
Stories of connection, family and belonging
Gifts
Books, bundles and little treasures made for giving
The Kismet + Kaur Way — How It Makes The Cut
Handpicked, never random
Not everything makes the shelf. We pick the stories, treasures and finds we'd be excited to discover ourselves.
Traditions we grew up with
The festivals, foods and everyday moments that are the soul of South Asian culture.
Wrapped with love
Carefully packed, happily sent, and ready for its next adventure — with a little something extra tucked inside.
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