So, you need to buy a gift for someone who loves chess, but there’s just one problem—you don’t know anything about chess! Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Plenty of people find themselves in this situation, whether they’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion. To help you out, here are the top 10 questions non-chess players ask when looking for the perfect chess-related gift—and, of course, the answers!
1. What is the best chess set to buy as a gift?
That depends on the person you’re buying for!
✔ If they just play casually at home, a nice wooden or themed chess set can be a great choice.
✔ If they play in tournaments, a regulation-size set with a vinyl board is more practical.
✔ For travel lovers, a magnetic set works best.
✔ And if they’re into cool gadgets, electronic chess boards are an exciting option!
2. What chess gift should I buy for someone who already has a chess set?
Good news—there are tons of chess gifts that aren’t just another board. Think chess books, digital memberships (like Chess.com or Lichess premium), stylish chess clocks, or even merchandise from their favorite chess streamer (yes, that’s a thing!).
3. What is a good chess gift for a beginner?
Beginners benefit from books like Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess or The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Chess. There are also beginner-friendly sets with teaching guides, or even online courses that break things down in an easy-to-understand way.
4. Are electronic chess boards worth it?
If your gift recipient loves technology, then absolutely! Some electronic boards connect to apps, letting them play against AI or even real opponents online while moving physical pieces. They can be pricey, though, so they’re best for someone who’s really passionate about chess.
5. What’s a good chess gift for a kid?
For kids, fun is key! Consider themed chess sets (like Harry Potter, Star Wars, or superheroes), puzzle books, or beginner-friendly apps like ChessKid. Anything that makes learning chess exciting is a great choice.
6. What’s a good chess gift for a serious player?
If they’re serious about chess, they probably already have a board—so think beyond that! A high-quality chess clock, a book on their favorite opening, or a subscription to ChessBase (a powerful chess database) are all solid choices. You could also sponsor their entry into a chess tournament!
7. Are themed chess sets a good gift?
Themed chess sets (like Lord of the Rings or Marvel) make amazing gifts if the recipient loves both chess and the theme. They’re great for display or casual games, but they aren’t used in serious play. So, if they’re more of a collector, it’s a fantastic choice!
8. What do chess players wear?
Believe it or not, there’s a whole world of chess-themed apparel! T-shirts, hoodies, and hats with funny chess slogans or grandmaster quotes make for unique gifts. Many popular chess streamers even have their own merch lines featuring catchphrases and inside jokes—perfect if your chess fan follows a specific streamer like Hikaru Nakamura or the Botez sisters.
9. What’s a unique chess gift that isn’t a chess set?
There are plenty of chess-themed gifts beyond just sets! Chess-themed coffee mugs, posters of famous games, decorative chess-inspired artwork, and even chess-themed board games (like Knightmare Chess) are all great options. For something truly special, you could even arrange a coaching session with a chess instructor!
10. Where can I buy a chess gift online?
You can find great chess gifts on Amazon, Etsy (for handmade or custom items), and specialty chess shops like ChessHouse, The Chess Store, and the Chess.com shop. If your gift recipient follows a chess streamer, check their official website for exclusive merch!
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect chess-related gift doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even if you don’t know a pawn from a bishop! Whether you go for a practical tool like a clock, a fun themed set, or something unexpected like streamer merch, your chess-loving friend or family member will appreciate the thought behind your gift. Happy shopping!