The First Step to Buying Chess Gifts (Even If You Don’t Play Chess!)
So, you need to buy a gift for a chess player, but you don’t know a bishop from a knight? No problem! Buying the perfect chess-themed gift isn’t about knowing all the rules—it’s about knowing what kind of gift fits the player in your life. And that’s where we come in.
Chess gifts can be broken down into a few key categories, and once you figure out which one suits your recipient best, you’re well on your way to picking out something they’ll love.
Plus, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you—we’ve scoured Amazon reviews, Google reviews, Reddit threads, and Quora discussions to separate the truly great products from the duds. If you ever feel stuck, you can always ask us for specific recommendations!
Step 1: Choose the Right Category
Not all chess gifts are created equal. The perfect gift depends on what kind of chess enthusiast you’re shopping for. Here are the main types of chess gifts:
1) Improvement Gifts (For Players Who Want to Get Better)
Some players love studying the game as much as they love playing it. If your gift recipient is serious about improvement, a well-chosen book, course, or training tool can be a fantastic choice. However, chess learning materials are not one-size-fits-all—what’s great for a beginner could be frustrating for an experienced player.
- Beginners (Just learning the rules or casual play): Books like How to Win at Chess or apps like Chess.com’s lessons are great.
- Intermediate players (Club level, improving, understands strategies): Look for books like Silman’s How to Reassess Your Chess or online courses tailored to this level.
- Advanced players (Tournament regulars, very competitive): High-level strategy books, deep analysis tools, or training memberships (like Chessable or Lichess studies) are ideal.
2) Chess-Themed Clothing (For Those Who Love to Show Their Chess Passion)
From witty t-shirts with chess puns to hoodies featuring iconic chess positions, there are loads of great options to help your chess-loving friend show off their passion. Some fun ideas include:
- “I’d Rather Be Playing Chess” hoodies
- Hats with minimalist chess piece designs
- Funny chess meme t-shirts – like this one:
3) Chess Equipment (For the Players Who Need Gear)
This is where things get interesting! Chess players have very specific needs when it comes to their equipment, and it’s important to consider a few key details.
- Chess Sets: Some players prefer elegant wooden tournament-style sets, while others want a roll-up board for travel. If they’re in the U.S., tournament players often bring their own chess set to events, while in many other countries, sets are provided.
- Chess Clocks: If they play competitively, a quality chess clock (like the DGT 3000) is a must-have.
- Digital Boards: If they love online play, a digital board like the DGT Pegasus or Square Off could be an exciting gift.
4) Other Fun Chess Gifts (For the Chess Fan Who Has It All)
Not every chess lover is obsessed with improvement or tournaments—some just love the aesthetics and history of the game. If that sounds like your recipient, consider:
- Chess Art & Posters: Stylish chess-themed prints can be a great addition to their space.
- Chess-Themed Mugs: A classic gift that’s always a hit.
- Chess-Themed Puzzles & Games: Variants like 3D chess or chess-inspired strategy games can be a fun twist.
Step 2: Choose Based on Their Personality & Playing Level
Once you’ve picked the right category, think about how serious they are about chess. Are they a casual player who just enjoys the game, or are they competing in tournaments? That little detail can make a big difference in picking the right gift.
Step 3: Let Us Help You Decide
We know that choosing the perfect chess gift can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Every product we recommend has been carefully reviewed, and we’re always happy to answer questions. If you’re unsure what to get, just reach out, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
With so many great options, you’re sure to find something that will delight the chess player in your life. Happy gift hunting!