USCF Sales Chess Gifts Buying Guide
It’s that time of year when the hunt for the perfect gift begins—it can be more difficult than a chess strategy puzzle. Everyone has different tastes and ideas, and the blitz of marketing from all sides can be confusing. Do your nieces really need gloves and a karaoke machine? Does your brother-in-law want a barbequing apron? Does your chess-loving cousin need another chess bag? It’s overwhelming!
If you’re looking for a gift that isn’t more “stuff” that ends up put away by January, the booming popularity of chess is the answer. Get your beloved chess players equipment and accessories that promote a lifetime hobby and sport.
We have a comprehensive list of chess gift ideas to share, sure to delight every chess player (or potential chess player) on your list. Read on for the best suggestions for all abilities and budgets.
Chess Gifts for New Chess Players
Quality Chess Pieces and Sets
New chess players often start playing with mass-produced sets from board game companies, because that’s what most people have in their homes. For those who want to play more than an occasional game, however, a quality set of pieces and durable board will last longer and give a more satisfactory experience.
Triple Weighted Regulation Plastic Chess Pieces - 3.75" King
One of the best things you can give to make playing chess more enjoyable is a set of heavy, quality chessmen.
- Superior quality that feels substantial in the hand.
- Won’t topple over easily if the table is jostled or a hand accidentally grazes one.
- Durable and affordable.
Deluxe Chess Set Combination and Triple Weighted Regulation Pieces, Vinyl Chess Board, and Deluxe Bag
A tournament set is the perfect all-in-one solution, including quality pieces, a durable portable board, and a carrying bag.
- Traditional Staunton pattern triple weighted pieces.
- Durable plastic pieces and heavy-duty vinyl board.
- Can be used for official tournament play.
- Easy carry bag with room for any chess clock.
- Available in many colors!
Chess Clock
If your chess enthusiast is ready to move beyond informal games to club or tournament play, or loves a variant like blitz, a chess clock is a great next step.
The DGT 3000 Chess Clock
This clock is a fantastic, versatile choice for the growing chess enthusiast—it will stand up to years of spirited play.
- Large, bright display.
- 25 pre-set time controls for many chess variants.
- Sturdy footprint with nonskid feet.
Chess Gifts: Books and Software to Help Them Learn
New players are often seeking suggestions to enhance their game. Help them achieve their goals with books or a software course designed to expand their skills.
Master Your Chess with Judit Polgar
Written by one of the top women in chess, this is almost like a private lesson! The lessons in this book cover all aspects of chess. It will get the ambitious beginner exploiting opportunities on the board they would otherwise miss.
Practical Chess Tutor - From Basics to Mastery by Srdjan Carnic
Another book written to develop the eager beginner, this comprehensive tome covers many aspects of chess, including mates, endgames, tactics, and openings. It has everything your new chess lover needs to build a stable foundation for their game.
Chess King Beginners 6
If your newer chess player is looking for a course to help them improve, this downloadable software will take them from zero to hero in six comprehensive courses. Best for players who are unrated to 1400, this package will bring your favorite new player to complete proficiency. Chess King’s web-based interface works on all platforms.
Chess gifts for Chess Kids
More kids than ever are interested in playing chess—so much so that many schools have been forced to block online chess sites to keep them on task! Support your favorite kid’s interest in chess without distracting from schoolwork with these cool gifts.
Durable and Portable Chess Equipment
Kids can be hard on equipment as they cart it back and forth to chess club and school. Starting with the right set will make all the difference. Kids love to have a set of their very own!
Design Your Own Quiver Combo
This is the essential equipment combination for every chess kid, including a set of durable pieces, a board, and a carrying bag.
- Choose from all our most popular options!
- Pieces available in all weights and materials.
- Vinyl or silicone board.
- Fun, colorful bag options.
- Mix and match colors to personalize.
- Save when you add the optional chess clock!
Z-Mart Fun II
The Z-Mart chess clock deserves a mention of its own as a cool gift. It is the most popular clock in scholastic chess.
- Durable, colorful housing.
- Large digital display.
- Non-skid rubber feet.
- Long battery life.
- Multiple timing modes, including ever-popular blitz.
Chess Books for Kids
There’s nothing better than encouraging an interest in chess and a love of reading at the same time. Here are just a few of our titles for chess kids:
Fried Liver & Burning Pants by Jay Stallings
It may have an unlikely title for a chess book, but it’s likely to be a favorite gift. If you think your chess kid would prefer something less technical, this book of strange but true stories from the world of chess will fit the bill! Insights from Coach Jay make each story an opportunity to learn something about chess or yourself. The perfect gift for that kid who enjoys those big books full of world records.
May the Best Player Win by Kyla Zhao
For kids in late elementary school through middle school, this read is hard to put down! May Li is a middle school chess prodigy facing her first national tournament. Serious topics are approached in age-appropriate ways. Will she be able to be a serious chess player and still love playing the game? Can a girl lead the chess team to victory? This book has some good lessons about pursuing our passions no matter your age.
Fun Chess Accessories
Nothing says chess fanatic like wearing chess-themed clothing!
- The chess kid in your life will love a beanie with their favorite piece embroidered on it, like the Queen Knit Cap or Knight Knit Cap.
- Chess-themed socks like these Turquoise Chess Socks make a fun statement.
For an elegant and memorable gift for an older child, consider the Caissa Collection Chess Pendant necklaces.
- Available in King, Queen, or Knight.
- Four finishes to pick the perfect fashion statement—black or 14K white, gold, or rose gold plating.
Oversized Chess Sets
If you’ve ever stumbled on a giant chess set at an outdoor garden or playground, I bet it was tempting to engage with it. For a child, it can feel like a trip to Wonderland to stand in the middle of pieces as tall as you!
The 25" Giant Chess Set
- King stands over two feet tall!
- 9’ x 9’ nylon outdoor board.
- Pieces can be weighted with sand or water for more stability.
- Great family fun.
Chess Sets
Deluxe Chess Sets
A feature in any experienced chess player’s home should be a good quality chess set on display. Whether used for an occasional game, study, or everyday play, these sets will make a proud addition to any living area.
Grandmaster Chess Set, Box, and Board Combination
Players who enjoy a more traditional chess experience would be delighted to receive this gift.
- Beautifully designed all-wood set.
- Solid, heavy pieces with billiard felt bases.
- Matching wooden board.
- Sophisticated yet durable enough for daily play.
- Six wood combinations, including storage box.
Isle of Lewis Chess Set, Box, & Board Combination.
This replica set is an intriguing choice for a player with more whimsical tastes — it feels like feudal lords battling over their lands!
- Faithful replica of chessmen found in Scotland in 1831.
- Medieval designs feel like stone.
- Wonderful to hold in your hand.
- Striking maple and greenwood board.
- Sure to be a conversation piece.
- Sturdy enough for regular play.
- Three color combinations with board and storage box.
If your veteran player is a frequent traveler or would like to take their nicer board to tournaments or club play, a Deluxe Chess Board Carrying Bag is the perfect way to protect those beautiful pieces. Available in sizes from 20” to 28” square, you’re sure to find the exact right size for that nice chess set. Cushiony padding in the interior protects your board from the knocks of travel, and roomy pockets will accommodate your chessmen and accessories. This is a must-have for anyone who wants to bring their beautiful wooden board with them!
Travel Chess Sets
One of the remarkable things about chess is its universal appeal. It’s possible to rustle up a game almost anywhere on earth! A good travel set makes it easy to play anywhere, anytime. There are two main types of travel chess sets: small magnetic sets and folding European-style sets.
10" Magnetic Travel Chess & Checkers Set
A truly compact option, the snap-closed plastic box holds your pieces and a bonus set of non-magnetized checkers. This is a terrific value set—small enough to tuck into a backpack, lightweight, and durable.
The Blue Magnetic Chess Set
European chess sets feature folding boards with storage for the chessmen inside. While not as compact as some travel sets, they can be purchased in magnetic styles that make on-the-road play easier.
- Folds out to 11” x 11” for play.
- Magnetic board and pieces.
- Generously padded individual piece storage inside.
- Features the Staunton chessmen.
- Comes in blue, green, black, and brown colorways.
The Peg Wooden Travel Chess Set
Some people may not want to carry a magnetic set with them for various reasons—there’s another option!
- All-wood set in a compact 8” x 6” size.
- Pieces are pushed into holes (similar to a cribbage board).
- Secure play in any travel conditions.
- The hinged box can be closed with a game in progress.
- Practical little powerhouse!
Chess Software
Regular chess players may be eager to test themselves against more difficult challenges. Online play is fun, but it can be unpredictable. Enter chess software! Playing against an engine hones chess strategy, allows a player to learn from mistakes in a low-stakes environment, and can rapidly advance your game.
Chessbase 18 Starter Package
A comprehensive stand-alone program used by learners and professionals, Chessbase 18 Starter Package is the perfect on-ramp to unlimited improvement. With powerful features too numerous to list, this is THE software to have.
A few highlights of the Chessbase 18 release are:
- Must-have software for any serious player/coach.
- The world’s largest analysis database.
- Powerful search capabilities to retrieve games by feature.
- Analysis modes for learning and reviewing games.
- Access to 6 billion Lichess games. (New!)
- Built-in cloud engine. (New!)
Fritz 20
If your veteran chess player is more adventurous, maybe they’d prefer to play against Fritz, the reigning software world champion!
- Complete computer chess opponent.
- Six realistic opponent avatars with differing styles.
- Learn in real time.
- Winnable trophies and goals.
- “Play against yourself” mode.
- Engaging for players who are serious about chess and fun.
Luxury Chess Gifts
Is this the year to treat someone (maybe yourself?) to a really luxurious experience in chess? The joy of playing with a really amazing work of art cannot be overstated. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime gift for your chess lover, look no further than US Chess.
The DGT Board and the DGT Pi Clock
DGT Smart Board Electronic Chess Board
The DGT Smart Board is one of chess's most highly sought-after items. Play virtual chess against any opponent on a physical board, using sensors in the pieces and board, or play over the board and broadcast or record it!
- Mirror the game on a computer.
- Record games for playback.
- Interface into your analysis software, like Chessbase.
- Broadcast games to a screen or different location.
- Play against popular chess engines.
- Beautifully carved wooden pieces in an array of styles.
- Three boards to choose from.
The DGT Board is a powerhouse present for a club player who wants to review games in detail. It’s also a great gift for a chess coach or club sponsor.
DGT Pi Clock
Along with the DGT Board, consider the DGT Pi Clock. Much more than a simple chess clock, the DGT Pi can be the opponent with its built-in chess computer. Eliminating the need to use a separate computer, the DGT Pi turns your DGT Board into an always ready chess companion.
Chess Sets Can Be Works of Art
If you’re looking for a gift for the discerning collector, someone who has everything, our luxury chess sets may be just what you’re looking for. These are just two examples of the beauty a chess set can bring. Playing this time-honored game with a set sure to become a cherished heirloom is a special gift indeed.
The Reykjavik II Series Prestige Chess Set, Box, & Board Combination
The Reykjavik II Series set is a study in elegance. The chessmen are handcrafted from ebony and blood rosewood paired with an elm burl board. Pieces are stored in a premium wooden box. This exact reproduction of the set Bobby Fischer used to win the 1972 World Chess Championship in Iceland is a piece of history as well as a practical, usable set.
The Sultan Series Luxury Chess Set, Box, & Board Combination
The Sultan Series is a gorgeous choice for the gift recipient with more ornate tastes. Artisans handcraft the ebony and boxwood pieces to look spectacular and feel amazing in the hand. The walnut burl and maple board boasts inlaid flourishes and a beautiful glossy finish. It includes the Premium Chess Coffer, an upgraded box with individual slots to protect each piece. This set will be your chess player’s pride and
Premium Chess Software
If you want to splurge a little on chess software, the Chessbase 18 Mega Package will give your serious chess player everything they need for unlimited improvement. The Chessbase 18 Mega Package includes everything in the Starter Package PLUS:
- Annotations of over 100,000 database games.
- Access to the live database of over 11 million games.
Budget-friendly Chess Gifts Under $50
Membership to US Chess
Gifting Membership to US Chess is a gift for all ages and abilities! Start here to give this thoughtful gift. Membership to US Chess is affordable and encouraging.
- Includes access to official US Chess rated games.
- Voting rights in US Chess Elections.
- Digital subscriptions to Chess Life and Chess Life Kids
- Quality webinars and certification programs.
- Supports efforts to grow chess worldwide!
Chess Movie Night
A movie is a gift that can be experienced together. Get your popcorn ready and settle in for one of these chess-themed movies.
The Queen of Katwe
For a family movie night for people of all ages, this is a great choice. Based on a true story, the movie follows the journey of Phiona, a Ugandan girl living in the slums of Katwe. When Phiona learns to play chess, she finds she has a talent for the game, and her life takes an unexpected path. This critically acclaimed movie is a feel-good treat.
The Dark Horse
This story will surely spark conversations for a night in with adult chess friends. Also based on a true story, the movie follows the journey of Genesis “Gen” Pontini, a Maori speed chess champion. While struggling with bipolar disorder and his family’s ties to gangs, Gen volunteers to coach the Eastern Knights chess club to save his nephew from the life he never wanted.
Chess Puzzle Books
Chess books full of puzzles are fun for any age. Most books have varying degrees of difficulty, allowing players to choose the puzzles that challenge them without being too hard.
Chess Puzzles for Kids by Murray Chandler
This fun book has 100 puzzles to challenge that chess kid, whether they’re just starting out or have visions of championships dancing in their eyes. Examples preceding the puzzles make this book a valuable learning tool for pattern recognition.
1001 Deadly Chess Puzzles by James Rizzitano
With this challenging puzzle volume, adults and more advanced players will be able to strengthen their tactics and decision-making skills by playing through a treasure trove of puzzles gleaned from recent high-level chess matches.
Portable Sets
Small Pearl Chess Set
This elegant European chess set is perfect for travel! The Small Pearl Chess Set has the details and materials of a much higher-priced set.
- Stylish original design.
- Beech pieces with contrasting details.
- Storage compartments inside the board.
- Folds for easy transport.
- Rank and file notations on board.
- Note: This set is not magnetic.
If You Have Trouble Deciding…
A gift card will surely give your chess lover the special item they’ve had their eye on! US Chess can provide gift cards in any amount from $20 to $500, emailed directly to the recipient. No worries about mailing something or losing a physical card with our digital gift certificates.
Maybe you aren’t a chess player, and the choices are overwhelming. A gift card is always the perfect gift — the recipient can pick out precisely what they would like the most from our vast array of chess equipment, books, and accessories. A gift they select themselves will surely be a hit for even the most particular chess player.
A US Chess gift card also makes a great last-minute gift. Our digital certificate will arrive as quickly as an email, helping you check off everyone on your list—even those cousins you didn’t realize were coming to the holidays until they showed up!
Give the Gift of a Lifetime…of Chess!
In a time when a lot of gift ideas are just more “stuff” people don’t really need, it’s hard to find something you can feel good about giving. Choosing to give the gift of chess is a rare opportunity to introduce and encourage a lifetime of personal growth and learning.
US Chess has the perfect gift for every age and interest level on your list, and we’re sure to have something that fits your budget as well. These items and many more are ready to improve your holiday or special occasion.
Wishing you and yours the very best as you share the love of chess, and hoping you get to share a game of chess in the process!