Early Access Black Friday

The reductions are applied to current, full-quality Jaques of London products, not seconds or discontinued lines. You are buying the same solid wood, hand-finished games and toys sold throughout the year, simply at a lower price during the sale period. Quality is never adjusted to hit a sale price.

The collection spans a wide range, from tactile wooden toys suitable for toddlers from around age two, through classic strategy games for children aged six and up, to serious games for adults and family play. Each product page carries a recommended age, so check that before buying, especially for younger children where small parts matter.

Solid wood is durable, repairable and ages well rather than yellowing or cracking. Wooden games from Jaques have been passed between siblings, stored in attics and brought back out decades later still working perfectly. They do not rely on batteries, screens or software updates, which means they stay playable indefinitely and tend to get more use over time.

Keep wooden pieces away from prolonged damp and direct heat sources such as radiators, which can cause warping or splitting over time. Wipe surfaces with a dry or very lightly damp cloth rather than soaking them. Occasional treatment with a natural wood wax or oil keeps the grain looking good. Store games flat where possible to prevent boards bowing.

Start with the age recommendation, then think about whether the child enjoys playing alone, with one other person or in a group. Classic games like chess, draughts or backgammon are rarely duplicated and suit a range of ages. If you are genuinely unsure, a Jaques gift card removes all guesswork and lets the recipient pick exactly what appeals to them.

Jaques has been making games since 1795 and invented several that are still sold today, including Croquet and Ping-Pong. Many customers contact us with Jaques sets purchased by their grandparents that are still in daily use. The materials, joinery and finishes are chosen with longevity in mind rather than a single season of play, so heirloom is an accurate description.

Gift wrapping and personal message options are available at checkout on qualifying orders. It is worth checking the product page for any specific notes, but in most cases you can have your purchase arrive ready to give. Buying during Black Friday does not affect the gifting options, so you can secure a better price without losing the presentation quality.