Chess Gift Guide - Ideas for Every Level
Thoughtful gifts for the chess player in your life, from stocking stuffers to premium sets.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Professor Archer says: The best chess gift I ever received was a secondhand copy of a tactics book with someone else's pencil notes in the margins. It felt like having a study partner. Do not underestimate the power of a thoughtful, personal gift over an expensive one.
Gifts for Beginners
For someone just starting out, you want gifts that encourage play and make learning fun. A quality starter set with a folding board is practical and inviting. Pair it with an accessible book like Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess, and you have a gift that can spark a lifelong hobby.
Online platform subscriptions are also excellent. They give access to lessons, puzzles, and game analysis tools that a beginner will use every day. A three-month or one-year subscription feels generous without being overwhelming.
Gift Ideas by Category
- Under $20 - A beginner chess book, a magnetic travel set, or a month of an online chess platform subscription. Small but meaningful gifts that any player will appreciate and use.
- $20 to $50 - A tournament-quality vinyl board and plastic piece set, a chess scorebook, or a three-month platform subscription. Practical items that a serious beginner or club player needs.
- $50 to $100 - A digital chess clock, a wooden chess set for home use, or a one-year premium platform subscription. These are substantial gifts that show you understand the recipient's passion.
- Over $100 - A handcrafted wooden set, a course of private lessons, or entry fees to a series of local tournaments. Premium gifts for the dedicated player who already has the basics covered.
Gifts to Avoid
Novelty chess sets - themed sets with fantasy or movie characters instead of standard pieces - look impressive on a shelf but are terrible for actual play. The pieces are hard to distinguish, and no one wants to analyze a game where the bishop is a wizard and the rook is a dragon.
Also avoid books that are too advanced for the recipient. A 500-page opening encyclopedia will discourage a beginner. If you are not sure of their level, ask or stick with universally loved titles.
Electronic chess computers have largely been replaced by apps and online platforms. Unless the recipient specifically wants one, your money is better spent on a subscription or lessons.
Gift Guide FAQ
What if I do not know their skill level?
A premium platform subscription works for every level because the content adapts to the player. If you want something physical, a quality tournament set is universally useful.
Are chess lessons a good gift?
Absolutely. Lessons with a qualified coach are the single fastest way to improve. Many coaches offer gift certificates. Even a few sessions can have a transformative impact.
Professor Archer says: When in doubt, give the gift of experience. A month of lessons, entry to a local tournament, or a subscription to a chess platform - these create memories and improvement that outlast any physical object.
Quick Quiz
Which type of chess set should you generally avoid as a gift for someone who wants to improve?
- A standard Staunton set - Staunton sets are the gold standard. They are ideal for study and tournament play.
- A novelty themed set with non-standard pieces (Correct) - Correct. Novelty sets are decorative but impractical for real play and study because the pieces are hard to recognize quickly.
- A vinyl rollup board with plastic pieces - This is actually the standard tournament setup. Practical, durable, and useful for any serious player.
- A magnetic travel set - Travel sets are handy for playing on the go. They make a thoughtful and practical small gift.