Chess gifts can support the way someone already enjoys the game, whether they study openings, play face to face, or like chess-inspired objects for everyday use. Consider their space, current equipment, and how they spend their time with chess.
17 Christmas Gift Ideas for Chess Players
1. WE Games 27-Inch Teaching Demonstration Board
For the Club Instructor
WE Games 27-Inch Teaching Demonstration Board
- Large vinyl board has 2.75-inch squares for clear demonstrations.
- Includes 34 chess pieces, six star pieces, and extra queens.
- A carrying bag with adjustable strap supports transport between lessons or clubs.
Best For: Coaches and study groups who review positions together.
2. 7.6-Inch Magnetic Folding Travel Chess Set
For Chess on the Go
7.6-Inch Magnetic Folding Travel Chess Set
- The 7.6-inch board folds into a case that stores the pieces.
- Magnetic pieces help keep play steady during travel.
- Its playing area offers more room than pocket-size boards.
Best For: Players who want to play or solve positions on trips.
3. DGT3000 LE Chess Timer
For Timed Practice
- Limited Edition design has a wooden look.
- The display shows seconds from the start.
- It offers five settings.
Best For: Club players and tournament participants who practice with a clock.
4. Husaria Staunton No. 4 Chessmen and Box
For a Piece Upgrade
Husaria Staunton No. 4 Chessmen and Box
- Handcrafted larch wood pieces follow Staunton standards.
- Two extra queens are included for promoted pawns.
- A felt-lined beechwood box has a decorative metal clasp.
Best For: Players replacing missing pieces or upgrading a set.
5. DGT Centaur Chess Computer
For Solo Games
- The chess computer adjusts to the player's level.
- Weighted pieces and lighted move indicators are included.
- The board measures 17.5 by 15.8 inches.
Best For: Players who want an adjustable opponent at home or in a club.
6. Chessnut Air Electronic Chess Board
For Connected Practice
Chessnut Air Electronic Chess Board
- The board recognizes moves with sensor-chip pieces and built-in LEDs.
- Compatible apps and integrations support play on Chess.com and Lichess.
- The Chessnut App supports AI practice, game review, and analysis.
Best For: Players who like digital practice and reviewing recorded games.
7. MegaChess 25-Inch Giant Chess Pieces
For Outdoor Play
MegaChess 25-Inch Giant Chess Pieces
- The set includes 32 oversized black and white pieces; the board is sold separately.
- HDPE pieces are described as waterproof and UV-protected.
- Bases can be filled with sand or water for added stability.
Best For: Chess fans with a yard, patio, or spacious game room.
8. Antique Copper Roman Chess Set
For the History Enthusiast
Antique Copper Roman Chess Set
- Metal pieces depict Roman soldiers and are handmade.
- The board has a marble pattern on MDF wood, not actual marble.
- The set includes a 17-inch board and metal chess pieces.
Best For: Players who enjoy historical themes and distinctive display pieces.
9. GSE Wooden Chess, Checkers, and Backgammon Table
For the Game Room
GSE Wooden Chess, Checkers, and Backgammon Table
- The reversible tabletop has chess and checkers on one side and backgammon on the other.
- Storage beneath the tabletop holds game pieces.
- The 29-inch-tall table requires some assembly.
Best For: A dedicated player who wants a permanent place to play.
10. 20-Inch Wooden Staunton Chess Set
For Home Over-the-Board Games
20-Inch Wooden Staunton Chess Set
- The wooden board folds in half for storage.
- Classic Staunton pieces include two extra queens.
- The listed king height is 4.5 inches.
Best For: Players who want a large wooden set for home games.
11. Fundamental Chess Openings
For Opening Study
- Covers chess openings with verbal explanations of plans for both sides.
- Focuses on ideas and basic variations rather than masses of lines to memorize.
- Written by Paul van der Sterren, a two-time Dutch champion.
Best For: An improving player building an opening repertoire.
12. Decorative Chess Bookends
For the Chess Bookshelf
- The pair is made of painted resin.
- Each bookend measures 7 by 4 by 7 inches.
- Designed to support books, CDs, DVDs, and similar items.
Best For: A chess fan who displays books or game collections.
13. GSE Sapele and Maple Tournament Chessboard
For a Refined Playing Surface
GSE Sapele and Maple Tournament Chessboard
- The board uses maple and sapele wood inlays.
- Algebraic coordinates mark the borders.
- Chessmen are not included; the board is sized for kings 3 to 3.5 inches tall.
Best For: Someone who already owns pieces and wants a wooden board.
14. Men’s Chess-Piece Cotton Crew Socks
For a Wearable Chess Nod
Men's Chess-Piece Cotton Crew Socks
- The crew socks feature chess pieces including knights, rooks, and pawns.
- Fabric is listed as 65% cotton and 35% spandex.
- The design has a seamless toe.
Best For: A chess fan who enjoys hobby-themed everyday clothing.
15. The World Chess Championship: 1948–1969
For a Chess History Reader
The World Chess Championship: 1948–1969
- This English-language book covers world championships from 1948 to 1969.
- The listed edition is a first edition published by Harper & Row.
- The book is listed at 191 pages.
Best For: A fan interested in chess culture and championship history.
16. Creature Cups Chess Queen Ceramic Mug
For a Chess-Themed Coffee Break
Creature Cups Chess Queen Ceramic Mug
- A hidden 3D queen appears at the bottom as the drink is finished.
- The ceramic mug holds 11 fluid ounces.
- Listed as dishwasher safe and microwave safe.
Best For: A player who enjoys small chess-themed accessories.
17. Creative Crafthouse Throne the King Puzzle
For a Solo Brain Teaser
Creative Crafthouse Throne the King Puzzle
- Players use standard chess moves to guide the king to his throne.
- The 7.5-inch square wooden puzzle has laser-engraved pieces.
- Designed for ages 14 and up.
Best For: A chess player who enjoys tabletop puzzles and logic challenges.
Choosing a Gift for a Chess Player
Start with how the recipient spends time with chess. Someone who teaches or reviews games with others may appreciate the large demonstration board, where positions are visible across a room. A player who studies alone may get more use from an opening book, the wooden king puzzle, or an electronic opponent that adjusts to their level. For people who mainly enjoy social games, a full set or multi-game table could bring chess into regular gatherings.
Think about what they already own before choosing equipment. If they have a reliable set of pieces, a separate board can refresh the playing surface without duplicating the whole setup. If their pieces are incomplete or worn, replacement Staunton chessmen address that need directly. A clock suits timed practice, but it is most useful when the recipient already plays games with time controls. For someone who travels, a folding magnetic set is easier to pack than a large board.
Match the Gift to Your Budget
Small accessories and books make approachable gifts when you want something easy to store. The chess socks, mug, bookends, and championship history book all connect with the game in different ways, without taking over a room. A puzzle can offer a hands-on activity without requiring an opponent. These choices can also work well as stocking gifts or as part of a larger chess-themed present.
Boards, clocks, and complete playing sets generally make more substantial gifts because they shape how the person plays. Before choosing a larger item, consider whether the recipient has space to leave it out or store it. A wooden board, a foldable set, and a chess table each serve a different living situation. Giant outdoor pieces need an appropriate open area, and the listed MegaChess set does not include its board, so account for that when deciding whether it fits.
Check Compatibility and Personalization
For a standalone board, check piece dimensions and whether pieces are included. The GSE tournament board is sold without chessmen and is sized for kings 3 to 3.5 inches tall. The Husaria No. 4 pieces have 3-inch kings, while the 20-inch wooden set includes its own Staunton pieces. Matching the size of a recipient’s existing pieces to a new board helps avoid an awkward fit.
Electronic gifts have their own compatibility questions. The Chessnut Air uses compatible apps and integrations for online play, including Chess.com and Lichess, and its listed analysis features use the Chessnut App. Consider whether the recipient would enjoy connecting a physical board to digital play. For a clock, think about whether they want timed games and whether five settings meet their needs. Personal touches can be practical: choose a themed Roman set for someone who enjoys history, or a classic tournament board for a player who prefers an uncluttered look.
Timing and Last-Minute Decisions
For a last-minute choice, prioritize gifts whose fit is easy to judge from the recipient’s interests and space. A book, mug, socks, or puzzle does not require matching board dimensions or setting aside room for a table. If selecting a board or pieces, review the stated measurements and included components before ordering. A large teaching board or outdoor set may also need a suitable place to use and store it.
For Christmas, a gift that supports the recipient’s existing routine can feel more thoughtful than one that asks them to adopt a new hobby habit. A regular club player may value a clock or portable set; a history reader might prefer championship coverage; a home player may enjoy a handsome wooden surface. Choose based on the games they already play, the equipment they have, and the kind of chess time they look forward to.