In short: Our handmade backgammon, chess and 2-in-1 chess and backgammon sets can be engraved free of charge with a name, a date or a short message of up to 80 characters. We engrave the text inside the board on the same day, so an engraved order still ships within 3–7 business days, tracked and insured.
A board with a personal message is more than a game: it marks a birthday, a wedding or years of evenings spent playing together, and the message is there every time the board is opened. Below you will find how the engraving works, message ideas for every occasion, which set to choose and when to order.
How the free engraving works
- Choose a set from our personalized backgammon sets, personalized chess sets or chess and backgammon sets.
- On the product page, type your text in the "Personalized engraving" field: up to 80 characters, including spaces.
- Check the spelling, add the set to your cart and check out as usual. We engrave exactly what you type, inside the board, free of charge.
- Engraving is done on the same day, so your order ships within the usual 3–7 business days.
Latin letters, numbers and simple punctuation work best. If you would like the text in another alphabet, such as Armenian or Cyrillic, or would like a game table personalized, please contact us before you order.
Engraving ideas for every occasion
A name, the occasion and the year: this formula always works. Every idea below fits within 80 characters, so you can use it as it is or adapt it.
Birthdays
- "Happy 60th birthday, Dad – your move! 2026"
- "For Levon on his 40th – may every roll be a double six"
- "Happy birthday, Anna – with love from all of us"
Weddings and engagements
- "Anna & David – 14.06.2026 – partners for life"
- "Two players, one team. Congratulations on your wedding!"
Wedding anniversaries
The fifth wedding anniversary is traditionally the wood anniversary, so a carved wooden board is a fitting gift.
- "5 years of us – happy wooden anniversary, 2026"
- "Still my favourite opponent – 10 years together"
Father's Day and grandparents
- "For Grandpa Aram – the champion of our family"
- "Happy Father's Day – rematch any time!"
Retirement and farewells
- "Happy retirement, Karen – now there is time for a game"
- "Thank you for 25 years – from your whole team"
Graduations and first boards
- "Congratulations, Mia – class of 2026. Always think ahead!"
- "For Leo – your very first chess set. Play bold!"
Clubs, teams and companies
- "Spring Chess Open 2026 – 1st place"
- "With thanks to our partners – 2026"
Looking for Christmas messages? See our personalized Christmas gifts, with Christmas engraving ideas and order-by dates.
Which set to choose
| Gift for… | Our suggestion |
|---|---|
| A first board or a young player | Classic Backgammon Set, 30 cm or Classic Chess Set, 40 cm |
| Everyday play at home | Classic Wooden Backgammon Set, 60 cm |
| Someone who loves both games | Classic Chess & Backgammon Set, 70 cm |
| Family game nights | Chess Set for Three Players, 60 cm |
| A collector or a milestone | Walnut backgammon sets or Mount Ararat backgammon sets |
Not sure about the size or the wood? Our guides to backgammon board sizes, choosing a chess set and walnut vs. beech will help, and our gift finder suggests a set in a few clicks.
When to order
Every order is engraved, checked and packed within 3–7 business days. Delivery then takes 8–16 business days with free standard shipping to the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and several other countries, or 2–5 business days with express delivery by FedEx or DHL. Every parcel is tracked and insured. For a birthday, a wedding or another fixed date, order at least five weeks ahead with standard shipping, or three weeks ahead with express delivery.
We also offer gift wrapping: just ask us via live chat or by email.
Frequently asked questions
Is the engraving free?
Yes. Engraving of up to 80 characters is free on our backgammon, chess and 2-in-1 chess and backgammon sets.
Where is the text engraved?
Inside the board, so the message appears every time the board is opened for a game.
Does engraving delay delivery?
No. We engrave on the same day, so engraved orders ship within the usual 3–7 business days.
Can I return an engraved set?
Personalized items cannot be returned unless they arrive damaged or defective, so please check names and dates carefully before you order. See our refund policy for details.
Can the text be in another alphabet?
Latin letters, numbers and simple punctuation work best. For Armenian, Cyrillic or another alphabet, please contact us before you order.
How long does delivery to Europe take?
Orders ship within 3–7 business days. Standard delivery to the European Union then takes 8–16 business days and is free; express delivery with FedEx or DHL takes 2–5 business days.
Ready to choose? Browse our personalized backgammon sets and personalized chess sets, or find more ideas in our gifts for backgammon players and gift ideas for chess players.
