A handmade chess or backgammon set is one of the few Christmas gifts that gets used on Christmas Day and is still on the table decades later. Every board from our workshop is made by hand, most are carved from beech or walnut, many have cast bronze hinges and locks, and you can add a name, date or short wish that we engrave inside the board free of charge. Below you will find gift ideas sorted by budget, a quick guide to who they suit and the dates to order by so your gift arrives in time.
Order-by dates for Christmas delivery
Every order is checked and packed within 1–3 business days. Standard delivery then takes 8–16 business days and is free to the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union; express delivery with FedEx or DHL takes 2–5 business days. Engraving is done on the same day, so it adds no extra time. To be on the safe side, we recommend ordering by these dates:
| Delivery before… | Standard shipping (free to the US, UK and EU) | Express (FedEx or DHL) |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas, December 25 | Order by November 25 | Order by December 11 |
| Armenian and Orthodox Christmas, January 6–7 | Order by December 4 | Order by December 21 |
Customs checks can add a few days, so the earlier you order, the calmer your December will be.
Christmas gifts under $100
Small, meaningful presents and stocking stuffers for players who already own a board they love:
- A wooden pomegranate. Our 9 cm and 12 cm wooden pomegranates are hand-carved keepsakes and a traditional symbol of abundance and good fortune.
- A bronze and marble miniature. The small horse and the turtles are desk-sized gifts that last. See all sculptures and souvenirs.
- Dice in a gift box. Good dice are used in every game: choose the bone dice set or the billiard ball dice set, both in a gift box.
Christmas gifts under $300
Complete, ready-to-play sets that make a first heirloom board:
- Classic Chess Set with an expanded playing field, 40 cm: one of our best-rated sets, with 4.8 out of 5 stars from 18 reviews.
- Classic Backgammon Set, 30 cm: a compact board for travel, the office or a first game.
- Chess and Backgammon Set with Mount Ararat, 30 cm: two games in one small board.
- Backgammon Set for Three Players, 30 cm: a gift that changes family game night.
- Classic Ornamental Chess and Backgammon Set, 60 cm: a full-size 2-in-1 board.
Christmas gifts from $300 to $600
Full-size boards with richer carving, for the player who plays every week:
- Mount Ararat Chess Set, 50 cm, carved from one piece of beech wood with our copyrighted Mount Ararat outline.
- Chess and Backgammon Set with the Eternity Sign, 40 cm.
- Pomegranate Tree Epoxy Backgammon Set with Ararat, 40 cm, where carved wood meets coloured resin.
- St. Gayane Church Backgammon Set, 60 cm.
- Armenian Carpet Chess and Backgammon Set, 60 cm, inspired by traditional carpet patterns.
Christmas gifts from $600 to $1,500
Statement boards for a special person or a gift from the whole family:
- Classic Chess and Backgammon Set, 70 cm: our large size, for players who want room on the board.
- Chess and Backgammon Set with Mount Ararat Carving and a Wavy Edge, 60 cm.
- Chess Set for Three Players, 60 cm: three armies, one board.
- World Map Backgammon Set with the Ararat Outline, 60 cm.
- Backgammon Set with the Armenian Alphabet, 60 cm.
- Classic Chess and Backgammon Set with Braid Ornament, 60 cm.
Luxury Christmas gifts ($1,500 and up)
Heirloom pieces made to be handed down:
- Walnut Chess and Backgammon Set with All-Over Braid Carving, 60 cm.
- Walnut Backgammon Set with Geometric Pattern, 60 cm.
- Chess and Backgammon Set with Tree Slices and Epoxy, 60 cm.
- A piece of furniture that becomes the heart of the living room: our chess tables and backgammon tables.
Make it personal with free engraving
On our backgammon, chess and 2-in-1 sets you can type a name, a date or a short wish of up to 80 characters on the product page, and we engrave it inside the board free of charge. A few Christmas ideas: "Merry Christmas, Dad – your first opponent, 2026", "The Hakobyan family – Christmas 2026" or "Roll the dice, make memories". For more messages and tips, read our guide to personalized Christmas gifts.
Which gift suits whom?
| For… | Consider |
|---|---|
| a dad or grandfather who plays every day | A full-size 60 cm set with his name engraved |
| a couple or a family | A 2-in-1 chess and backgammon set or a three-player board |
| a young or new player | A 30–40 cm classic set and our chess or backgammon rules for beginners |
| a collector or design lover | A walnut or epoxy resin board |
| Armenian family and friends | A board with Mount Ararat, pomegranates, the alphabet or a church from our Armenian gifts |
| someone who already has a board | Dice in a gift box, decorative checkers or a wooden pomegranate |
Frequently asked questions
When should I order a chess or backgammon set for Christmas?
For delivery before December 25, order by November 25 with standard shipping or by December 11 with express delivery. For January 6–7, order by December 4 (standard) or December 21 (express). Engraving is done on the same day, so these dates are the same with or without engraving.
Is shipping free?
Standard delivery is free to the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. For other countries, the shipping cost is shown at checkout. Customs duties, where they apply, are paid by the recipient.
Are the sets ready to play?
Every backgammon set includes checkers and dice, and most chess and 2-in-1 sets come with their pieces. Check the "What's included" list in each listing.
Is engraving really free?
Yes. Engraving up to 80 characters is free on backgammon, chess and 2-in-1 sets; we engrave on the same day, so it does not delay your order.
Looking for more ideas? See our gifts for backgammon players, gift ideas for chess players and the handmade gift guide for every occasion.
