About Us
Our Purpose
Kose was founded with a simple belief.
In a world designed to keep us constantly distracted, deeply restorative moments away from screens matter more than ever.
Modern life rarely allows us to truly switch off. We move from screen to screen, constantly stimulated yet rarely restored. Through books and offline rituals, Kose exists to create calmer and more intentional moments in everyday life.
Every box is thoughtfully curated with exceptional books and journals, artisanal treats, gourmet drinks, puzzles, and refined lifestyle pieces — chosen for their quality, craftsmanship, and ability to transform ordinary moments into something memorable.
From the very beginning, giving back to children's education was always intended to be part of Kose. We know education can be transformative across just one generation, so we do our small part by donating 10% of every Kose purchase to children’s education initiatives through Save the Children.
Why include a book?
Unlike digital content which is consumed in short bursts, books, more than anything else in society, invite us to focus, ponder and connect with stories and ideas.
They allow us to step in the lives of others and see the world from perspectives different to our own, particularly important in today's world where we are fed information based on our narrow algorithms.
Books demand our sustained attention and contemplation. And if nothing else, a great book is wonderful to read.
Meet Our Founder
I’m Shay, founder of Kose. You can find me choosing books, packing boxes, wearing cosy socks and drinking tea.
Kose began during a period of burnout while working in a high-pressure role. Like many people, I struggled to truly switch off. I was constantly on, saying yes to everything, and rarely slowing down long enough to properly take care of myself.
Eventually, it caught up with me. I became chronically sick, with my doctor repeatedly telling me I needed complete rest.
Even after long days, I found myself endlessly scrolling, believing it was helping me unwind when in reality, I never felt properly restored. Around me, friends and colleagues were experiencing the same thing. Exhaustion and burnout, pronounced by constant stimulation.
During that time, I became increasingly drawn back to simpler offline moments. Reading a great book, discovering a new hobby, sharing tea with friends, or spending a few quiet hours away from screens entirely. Those moments felt restorative in a way modern life rarely does.
I started wondering, what if those moments could be thoughtfully curated and delivered like a gift? A gentle reminder that the world can wait.
And so, Kose was born.
How We Came Up with the Name 'Kose'
We wanted a word that captured how we hope people feel when they experience Kose - calm, cosy, restored, and deeply content.
That’s when we discovered the Norwegian concept of “koselig”.
koselig
/ˈkuːʃli/
A feeling of warmth, contentment, and wellbeing found in life’s simple pleasures.
It’s the quiet evening in while a storm rolls outside. Woollen socks under a cosy throw. A book paired with a warm cup of tea. A slow coffee enjoyed after a long walk.
Koselig is less about perfection, and more about presence — finding joy in small, meaningful moments.
A few people told us “koselig” sounded a little too much like an IKEA furniture collection, so we shortened it to Kose.
And thankfully, it worked.
