Buying a gift for a chess player can feel like a puzzle. A beginner needs something different from a club regular, and a collector seems to own everything already. The good news is that a beautifully made set, or one thoughtful accessory, delights players at every level. Here are ten gift ideas for chess players from our workshop, from a first set for a child to a chess table that becomes the centrepiece of a room.
1. A personalized chess set with an engraved dedication
The most meaningful chess gift is a board that carries their name. On our personalized chess sets you can add a name, a date or a short message of up to 80 characters, and we engrave it inside the board free of charge. Engraved orders need 4–5 extra working days, so plan ahead for birthdays and holidays.
2. A hand-carved heirloom chess set
For a serious player, the real upgrade is a board that feels special every time it opens. Many of our wooden chess sets are carved from one piece of beech wood, varnished and fitted with cast bronze hinges and locks, and the pieces are usually made of beech and walnut, with velvet on the base of each piece. Sizes range from 24 cm travel boards to 100 cm statement sets; for everyday play at home, a 40, 50 or 60 cm board gives comfortable room.
3. A chess table for the ultimate gift
A chess table turns a game into furniture. Our wooden chess table with drawers stands 63 cm tall with a 60 cm playing surface, has drawers on two sides for the pieces and comes with a full set of 32 chess figures. It is a gift for a milestone birthday, a retirement or a family that plays together.
4. A travel chess set
For the player who never leaves home without a game, our wooden travel chess set measures just 24 × 24 cm and weighs about 1 kg. Each piece has its own place inside the board, so nothing gets lost on trains, flights or picnics.
5. A first chess set for a child
A child's first set should be small, sturdy and inviting. Our mini wooden chess set for kids (24 cm, about 1.5 kg) is sized for smaller hands, with pieces that are easy to tell apart. Add our chess rules for beginners and you have a gift that teaches as well as entertains.
6. Collector's chess pieces
A player who already loves their board may treasure a new army. Our chess pieces and figures range from classic wooden sets to true miniature sculptures, such as the Greek mythology chess figures in walnut and beech and the cast-metal Trojan War chess figures. Most product pages state which board size the pieces are made for.
7. Chess for three players
Looking for a unique gift for a chess player who has seen it all? Our chess set for three players is carved as a special three-sided board, 60 cm across, with 48 figures in white, black and red, 16 for each player. It turns a familiar game into a brand-new challenge.
8. A chess and backgammon set in one
Plenty of chess players enjoy backgammon too. Our chess and backgammon sets combine both games in a single hand-carved board, with chess pieces, checkers and dice included, so one gift covers two classic games.
9. A statement-size chess set
For a living room, a club or an office, size makes the impression. Our large wooden chess set measures 100 × 100 cm, and the box-style chess set (70 cm) stands on carved legs, with a top that opens to store the pieces.
10. A walnut or Mount Ararat chess set
Wood and design make a set personal. Darker walnut chess sets suit classic interiors (see walnut vs. beech), while our Mount Ararat chess sets carry our signature outline, a meaningful gift for players with Armenian roots. Read the story behind the outline.
The right gift for every level
| Player | Gift ideas |
|---|---|
| Child or beginner | A mini chess set for kids or a 30 cm classic set |
| Traveller | A 24 cm travel chess set |
| Family or casual player | A chess and backgammon set or chess for three players |
| Club or serious player | A 50–60 cm hand-carved set with an engraved dedication |
| Collector | Sculpted chess figures, a chess table or a 100 cm statement set |
Engraving ideas for chess lovers
The engraving can be up to 80 characters. A few favourites:
- "Checkmate! Happy birthday, Dad"
- "To our grandmaster, with love, 2026"
- "To Levon, my favourite opponent"
- A club gift: the club name and the year of the championship
When to order for birthdays and holidays
In-stock sets usually ship within 48 business hours (Monday to Friday) by DHL Express. Typical delivery takes 2–4 days to the USA, 5–7 days to Europe and the UK and 4–10 days to Australia. Engraving adds 4–5 working days, so for Christmas or a birthday on a fixed date, order with a comfortable margin. Shipping costs are shown at checkout; customs duties, where they apply, are paid by the recipient.
Frequently asked questions
What do you get a chess player who has everything?
Something they cannot buy twice: a board engraved with a personal dedication, a set of sculpted collector's figures, or chess for three players.
What is a good chess gift for a child?
A small, sturdy board such as our 24 cm mini chess set, together with a simple guide to the rules.
Do your chess sets come with pieces?
Yes. Every chess set includes a full set of chess pieces, so it is ready to play as soon as it is unwrapped. Most of our boards also come with a 25-year guarantee certificate.
Is a chess set a good Christmas gift?
Yes, as long as you order early. Allow for engraving (4–5 working days) plus delivery: 2–4 days to the USA and 5–7 days to Europe and the UK with DHL Express.
Shopping for a backgammon fan as well? See our gifts for backgammon players and our handmade gift guide.
