In short: choose the set for the man and the occasion: a classic 60 cm board for a father or grandfather, a personalised set with a date for a husband, a compact 30 or 40 cm board for a traveller and a two-sided or 2-in-1 set for a collector. Add a short engraved message inside, and for a fixed date order about five weeks ahead with standard delivery, or two and a half weeks ahead with express.
A backgammon set is one of those gifts that gets used rather than put away. In many families it comes out after dinner, travels to the country house and is handed down, so a well-made board can stay in play for decades. Below are ideas by recipient and occasion, a few rules for choosing size and wood, and engraving texts you can borrow.
Who is the gift for?
A father or grandfather
Choose a classic 60 cm board, the size most players grew up with. Walnut looks solid and dignified, and motifs with meaning, such as Mount Ararat or the eternity sign, give the set a story to pass on. See our large backgammon sets.
A husband
A personalised set turns a board into a keepsake: a name, a wedding date or a few words engraved inside will be read every time the board is opened. Our personalised backgammon sets take up to 80 characters, and the free laser engraving is done the same day.
A friend who travels
A 30 or 40 cm board fits in a bag and is still enough for a full game on a train or at a hotel table. Look at our small and travel backgammon sets.
A boss or colleague
For a business gift, choose a restrained design in natural wood, or a 2-in-1 board with chess on the other side, so it suits a player of either game. Browse our chess and backgammon sets.
A collector
Two-sided boards, inlay, epoxy resin and painted designs stand out in any collection. Our luxury backgammon sets bring together the most elaborate models.
Gift ideas by occasion
- Birthday or milestone birthday: a large board with an engraved date or age.
- Father's Day: a classic board with a message from the children.
- Christmas and New Year: a set the whole family can play over the holidays.
- Wedding anniversary: a personalised board with both names and the date.
- Retirement: a large board for the long games there will finally be time for.
Size, wood and design
The classic size is 60 cm, which suits a table at home; 70 cm boards are for those who like room, and 30 or 40 cm boards travel well. Walnut is darker and richer, beech lighter and more even; our guides to walnut and beech and to board sizes go into detail. For the design, think about the man himself: heritage motifs for someone proud of his roots, classic ornament for a traditionalist, epoxy resin and bold shapes for someone who likes modern design. Men with Armenian roots often choose our Armenian designs.
What to engrave
A short text works best, and you have up to 80 characters. A few ideas:
- “To Dad, the best player at our table”
- “Happy 60th! May the dice always be kind”
- “Your move. With love, Anna”
- “To my husband, my partner in every game. 12.06.2015”
- “From the whole team, with respect”
- Simply a name and a date
The engraving is free and done by laser inside the board, between the hinges, on the same day. More ideas are in our article on engraved gift ideas.
When to order
Each set ships within 3–7 business days. Standard delivery then takes 8–16 business days and express delivery 2–5 business days, both tracked and insured. That makes 11–23 business days in total with standard delivery and 5–12 with express, so for a birthday or holiday order about five weeks ahead, or two and a half weeks ahead with express. Gift wrapping is available.
Frequently asked questions
What backgammon set should I give a man?
For most men a classic 60 cm board in walnut or beech is the safest choice. Add a meaningful motif or an engraved name, and choose a compact board for someone who travels or a 2-in-1 set for someone who also plays chess.
What size is best for a gift?
60 cm is the classic size for playing at home. A 30 or 40 cm board is better for travel, and 70 cm suits players who like a large board.
What can be engraved on a backgammon set?
A name, a date or a short wish of up to 80 characters. The engraving is free, done by laser inside the board on the same day.
Will the gift arrive in time?
Allow 11–23 business days with standard delivery and 5–12 with express, counting the 3–7 business days before shipping.
Is backgammon a good gift for a beginner?
Yes. Add a link to our rules for beginners or the nardi lessons, and he can play his first game the same evening.
