Best Christmas Gifts for Chess Lovers | Jaques of London
Buying for a chess lover can feel like walking into a conversation already in progress. The pieces have a vocabulary, the boards have proportions, and the person you are shopping for almost certainly has an opinion about both.
The good news is that a well-made set rarely goes wrong. Chess has barely changed since its modern rules settled in Europe by the late 15th century, when the queen gained her sweeping movement around 1475 to 1480. A thoughtful gift today speaks the same language a player would have recognised centuries ago.
Where safety matters, particularly for younger players, look for sets and toys tested to UKCA and CE standards. Across our chess sets and our wooden toys, that testing is a quiet baseline rather than a selling point, which is how it should be.
What to Look for in a Chess Gift (So You Don't Buy the Wrong Thing)
Start with the pieces, because they decide everything else. The Staunton pattern, first made and sold by Jaques of London in 1849 and endorsed by Howard Staunton, became the international standard for a reason: each piece is instantly recognisable and balanced to play with. If you buy nothing else right, buy Staunton.
Next, consider size. The king's height should suit the board, and the board's squares should comfortably hold the base of the pieces without crowding. A 3.5 inch king is a sensible all-round choice for home and club play alike.
Then think about weight and finish. A weighted piece sits confidently on the square and feels deliberate in the hand. Boxwood and ebonised pieces are traditional; a lined casket or box protects them and makes the whole thing feel like a gift rather than equipment.
Material matters for longevity. A solid wooden set, properly cared for, outlasts plastic many times over and ages beautifully. Browse our chess sets to see how proportion and finish vary across editions.
Finally, match the gift to the recipient's reality. A collector wants provenance and a display-worthy casket. A club player wants reliable tournament proportions. A child wants something sturdy they will not be scolded for using. The same game suits all three, but the right set does not.
If you are buying for a very young family member instead, our board games and our traditional games offer gentler first steps toward the 64 squares of an 8×8 board.
The Best Chess Gifts by Level: Beginner, Club Player and Serious Enthusiast
Matching the set to the player's level is the surest way to give something that gets used rather than admired.
For a beginner or someone returning to the game, you want clear, honest Staunton pieces and a board with comfortable squares. The 1890 Edition 3.5" Chess Pieces in Beech Box is an excellent starting point: proper tournament proportions, a handsome beech box, and nothing to intimidate. It teaches good habits because it looks and feels like the real thing.
For the regular club player, the all-rounder earns its keep. The 1854 Edition 3.5" Chess Pieces in Mahogany Box pairs standard 3.5 inch play with a mahogany box that stands up to weekly use and still looks the part on a shelf. It suits someone who plays often and wants a set they will keep for decades.
For the serious enthusiast or collector, provenance and presentation matter as much as play. The 1855 Edition 4" Chess Pieces in Mahogany Casket is a statement gift, with larger pieces and a casket worthy of display. It is the kind of set a dedicated player remembers receiving.
There is a clean logic here: beginner, club player, enthusiast. If you are unsure where someone sits, err toward the 3.5 inch editions, which cover the widest range of use. Comparing them side by side in our chess sets makes the step between levels easy to see, and easy to choose.
Our Picks: Jaques of London Chess Sets, Boards and Accessories Worth Gifting
When you buy a Jaques set, you are buying the original Staunton lineage. Jaques of London first manufactured the Staunton pattern in 1849, and has produced chess sets since the 19th century, which is why these editions carry dates rather than mere model numbers.
For most people, the two 3.5 inch editions answer the question. The 1890 Edition in a beech box gives genuine tournament proportions at the gentler end of the range, ideal for a first serious set. The 1854 Edition in a mahogany box adds a richer case for the player who wants something more enduring on display.
Where budget allows and the recipient is a devoted player, the 1855 Edition in a mahogany casket is the heirloom choice. Larger pieces, a presentation casket, and the kind of weight that makes every move feel considered.
Remember that pieces and boards are separate decisions. The pieces carry the character; the board sets the stage. A board whose squares suit the base of the pieces is far more pleasant to play on than one chosen by looks alone.
Chess also makes a natural companion to other pastimes in the home. If your recipient enjoys variety, our traditional games and our board games sit happily alongside a good chess set, giving the household something for every mood and every age at the table.
Beyond the Board: Chess Books, Clocks and Gifts for Players Who Have Everything
Even the most devoted player can be hard to surprise, which is where the pieces around the game come in.
A good chess book rarely disappoints. The history alone is a gift: the World Chess Championship has run since 1886, when Wilhelm Steinitz defeated Johannes Zukertort to become the first official champion, and the modern governing body, FIDE, was founded in Paris in 1924. A player who loves the game usually loves its stories too.
A chess clock is the gift that turns casual games into real ones. It introduces the discipline of time, sharpens decision-making, and makes a familiar opponent feel newly dangerous. For anyone who plays regularly, it is a small object that changes how the whole game feels.
There is also a quiet case for the game itself as the gift that keeps giving. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2003 found that playing board games, including chess, was associated with a reduced risk of dementia in older adults. A set that gets used is a set doing good work.
For the player who already owns everything, think sideways. A spare set for travel, a second board of a different finish, or a different discipline entirely. Those shopping for younger relations in the same household might enjoy our guide to Christmas gifts for girls or, for the littlest ones, gift ideas for a three year old.
How to Care for a Wooden Chess Set So It Lasts a Lifetime
A solid wooden chess set is built to last generations, but only if it is treated as the object it is rather than left to chance.
Keep it dry and stable. Wood responds to its environment, so avoid radiators, sunny windowsills and damp cupboards. Sudden swings in temperature or humidity are what crack and warp pieces over time, not ordinary use.
Handle the pieces by the body, not the finial. The crosses, crowns and horses' heads are the most delicate points, and years of lifting a knight by its ears will tell eventually. Teach younger players this early and the habit sticks.
Clean gently. A soft, dry cloth removes dust and the natural oils from handling. Avoid household sprays and water, which can dull a finish or seep into joints. For boxwood and ebonised pieces, less is always more.
Store the set in its box or casket when it is not in play. The lining exists to stop pieces knocking against one another, and a closed case keeps dust and sunlight out. The caskets and boxes supplied with editions across our chess sets are made with exactly this in mind.
Finally, use it. A set that sits untouched gathers dust and dries out; a set that is played with regularly stays in good order and earns its keep. The same care applies across our wooden toys and our traditional games, where well-made wood rewards a little attention with a very long life.
£4099.00 · gift · tested to UKCA/CE
£1849.00 · value · tested to UKCA/CE
£2179.00 · all-rounder · tested to UKCA/CE
Shop the range: Best Christmas Gifts for Chess Lovers
Our most relevant picks, made by a British family company since 1795.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Gifts For Chess Lovers
What is the best chess set to buy as a Christmas gift?
For a Christmas gift that suits any level, a Staunton chess set from Jaques of London is an excellent choice. Jaques first manufactured and sold the Staunton piece design in 1849, endorsed by leading player Howard Staunton, and it remains the international standard recognised by FIDE. Jaques sets are available in a range of materials and price points, from club-grade weighted pieces to finely crafted wooden sets. Because the Staunton pattern is universally recognised, the recipient can use the set for casual play, club competition, or display.
What age is a chess set suitable for?
Chess is generally considered suitable for children aged five and upwards, though many children take to the game from age four with adult guidance. Younger children benefit from simplified sets with larger, easy-to-handle pieces and clear board markings. Older children, teenagers, and adults can progress to full-sized Staunton sets. Chess has no upper age limit; research published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2003 found that playing board games including chess was associated with a reduced risk of dementia in older adults, making it a rewarding gift at any stage of life.
Are wooden chess sets worth the money?
Yes, a quality wooden chess set is genuinely worth the investment. Solid wood pieces and boards are durable, pleasant to handle, and age well with proper care. They offer a significantly better playing experience than plastic alternatives, with satisfying weight and tactile feedback. A well-made wooden Staunton set from an established maker such as Jaques of London — which has produced chess sets since the 19th century — can last for generations. For a Christmas gift intended to be kept and used long-term, a wooden set represents excellent value compared with cheaper alternatives that may warp or chip quickly.
How do I choose a chess set for a beginner?
For a beginner, choose a Staunton-pattern set, as this is the internationally recognised standard — first manufactured by Jaques of London in 1849 — so the pieces will be instantly familiar if the learner joins a club or plays elsewhere. Opt for clearly distinguishable pieces with a comfortable size, and ensure the board squares are proportionate to the pieces (the king's base should cover roughly 75–80% of a square). Weighted pieces add stability and feel more satisfying to move. Avoid ornamental or novelty sets, which use non-standard shapes that can confuse a learner.
What should I look for in a good quality chess set?
A good quality chess set combines well-proportioned Staunton pieces, a sturdy board, and appropriate sizing. The king's base diameter should be roughly 75–80% of the board's square size for comfortable play on a standard 64-square, 8×8 board. Weighted, felted pieces improve stability and feel. For the board, look for clearly contrasting light and dark squares in a durable material — solid wood, maple, or walnut being reliable choices. Established makers with provenance, such as Jaques of London — producing Staunton sets since 1849 — offer consistent craftsmanship and reliable quality assurance across their range.
What is a good chess gift for someone who already has a chess set?
For someone who already owns a chess set, consider accessories or learning resources rather than a duplicate set. A high-quality chess clock suits players who enjoy timed games or club play. A fine chess board to replace a worn one, or a dedicated storage box or carry case for existing pieces, is always practical. Chess books covering openings, endgames, or chess history make thoughtful gifts for enthusiasts at any level. Alternatively, a premium set in a different material — such as a luxury wooden Jaques of London set — offers an upgrade on what they already own.
What size chess board is best for home use?
For home use, a board with squares measuring approximately 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches) each suits most standard Staunton pieces comfortably. A standard chess board has 64 squares arranged in an 8×8 grid, alternating between light and dark colours. The king's base should occupy roughly 75–80% of one square — so always match board and piece size. For a coffee table or display, a larger board with correspondingly sized pieces looks impressive. For regular play at a table, a medium-sized board around 45–50 cm overall is practical and easy to store.
Is a Staunton chess set the right choice for a serious player?
Yes, unequivocally. The Staunton pattern is the only design sanctioned for competitive chess worldwide. FIDE, the international chess governing body founded in Paris in 1924, requires Staunton-pattern pieces for tournament play. Jaques of London first manufactured and sold the design in 1849, endorsed by leading player Howard Staunton, and it has been the global standard ever since. A serious player needs to be entirely familiar with Staunton pieces, so practising and playing at home with the same pattern they will encounter in competition is both logical and beneficial.
How much should I spend on a chess set as a gift?
Budget depends on the recipient's level of interest and how long you want the set to last. A reliable club-standard Staunton set with a roll-up board typically starts from around £30–£50 and suits beginners or casual players well. A solid wooden set with a fitted board from a quality maker such as Jaques of London sits in the £100–£300 range and is suitable for regular, serious use. Premium hand-crafted or luxury sets can exceed £500 and are suited to enthusiasts or as a lasting heirloom gift. Quality pieces repay their cost through longevity.
What is the best chess gift for a child who is just learning?
For a child just learning chess, choose a standard Staunton-pattern set in a durable material with pieces sized appropriately for smaller hands — typically a king height of around 7–8 cm. Weighted, felted pieces help prevent pieces from being knocked over during play. Avoid novelty or themed sets with non-standard shapes, as these can impede learning. A simple cloth or roll-up board keeps things portable. Pairing the set with a beginner's chess book or access to online lessons adds real value and helps the child progress with confidence from their very first games.