Do you have a friend or loved one who is passionate about chess? And are you struggling to come up with unique chess lover gifts for them? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ve put together a list of 25 awesome gifts for chess players that are sure to delight any chess enthusiast, no matter their skill level.
From chess-inspired jewelry to unique chessboards, we’ve scoured the internet to find gifts that are both practical and fun. So sit back, relax, and get ready to checkmate your gift game!
Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three chess lover gifts by budget.
- Large budget: Wall chess board (#13)
- Mid-budget: Chocolate chess pieces (#19)
- Small budget: Cool poster (#35)
Table of Contents
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Chess lover gifts for large budgets
#1 Skyline chess sets
If you are looking for unique gifts for chess players who love to travel or who live in NYC, this chess board with pieces that represent the New York skyline is perfect!
They can cross the board with the Guggenheim, Empire State Building, and classic NYC apartment blocks!
And don’t worry if the recipient is not from NYC, you can also find these chess skyline set from
#2 Dogs vs Cats chess
For unique chess sets, check out this fun cats versus dogs set on Uncommon Goods.
They can finally rule out which one is better in an epic chess game.
It’s great for people who love animals and chess.
#3 Chessboard for three players
Add a new dimension to their chess game by adding an additional player with this awesome chess board for three!
The round board allows for three players to participate, and though the idea is the same, the game becomes even more strategic and unpredictable. Plus, it comes with some new rules, so you may finally have a chance to beat the chess champion with these new rules.
#4 Phone cover
Zazzle’s chess-themed phone covers are great gifts for chess players who want to show off their love for the game even when they’re not playing. It’s a fun way to protect their phone while also declaring their allegiance to the chess community.
#5 Necklaces
Are you looking for chess lover gifts for women?
Then check out Etsy for all sorts of beautiful chess-inspired jewelry, such as this necklace. It’s also a fun gift for a special woman in your life who is your queen. For cheaper alternatives, check out #18.
#6 Personalized chess bag
This personalized leather bag that can be converted into a chess board is one of the most thoughtful and practical gifts for chess players who are always on the go.
It’s a unique way to bring the game with them wherever they travel, whether it’s to a coffee shop or halfway around the world. Plus, it’s a stylish way to carry their chess set without looking like a total chess nerd.
Though for cheaper chessboards for travelers, check out #21.
#7 One-on-one lessons
Do you need gifts for a chess player who wants to up their game and become a true master?
Then check out this gift voucher for a private online class with a chess master! It’s like giving them the gift of wisdom, with a side of humility when they realize just how much they still have to learn.
#8 King-shaped desk lamp
This desk lamp in the shape of a chess king is one of the most unique gift ideas for chess players. It adds a touch of elegance to any desk, making them feel like they’re ruling their own little kingdom and lighting up their game.
#9 Star Trek’s tridimensional chess
Do you need chess-related gifts for people who are obsessed with Star Trek? Or for people who want to take chess to the next dimension?
Then this Star Trek tridimensional chessboard is the gift you need!
It combines the intellectual challenge of chess, with playing on multiple levels and the thrill of pretending to be Captain Kirk.
#10 Hoodie
Chess-themed hoodies are great gifts for chess players who want to stay cozy and stylish while taking on opponents at the chessboard.
Whether they’re a grandmaster or a beginner, these hoodies are the perfect way to show off their love for the game and intimidate their opponents while staying warm and comfy.
#11 Queen-shaped decanter
If you are looking for unique chess-related gifts for people who love a glass of whiskey (or other beverage) then this decanter in the shape of a Queen is perfect!
It’s a fun way for storing their favorite spirits and declaring “checkmate” at the end of a long day.
#12 Personalized blanket
This personalized chess-inspired blanket is a great gift for chess players who are always cold, or who love snuggling up. It will keep them warm while studying their favorite game.
#13 Wall chess
If you want unique gifts for a chess player, then this wall chessboard is the gift you were looking for.
It’s the perfect way to show off their love for the game, make a statement in your home, and play a casual game with their partners who can make a move whenever they pass the board. It comes with a “last move” marker to make it easier for the opponent to think of their move.
Chess lover gifts for mid budgets
#14 Chess game with shot glasses
This is probably one of the best gifts for chess players who love a drink (or two). Not only does it combine two things they love, but it also adds an extra level of challenge to the game. Every time a piece is captured, they have to take a shot!
It’s a fun way to liven up any game night and add a few brains to a heavy-drinking night to keep things interesting. Making it a great gift for students too. Plus, whoever happens to be on the losing end of the game, will have a few shots to help ease the pain.
#15 Modern Chess openings book
For serious chess players, Modern Chess Openings is the ideal gift.
With up-to-date information on recent matches and the most cutting-edge theories on chess openings, this book is a must-have for any player who is looking for strategies to up their game.
#16 Passport cover
Chess-themed passport covers are great gifts for chess players who love to travel and explore new chess tournaments and competitions around the world (or just love traveling in general).
Check out Zazzle for all sorts of designs, or go for this “Checkmate” cover that’s available in 10 different colors.
#17 Chess-inspired candle
Are you looking for fun gift ideas for chess players who just bought a new home?
Then this candle is perfect!
The funny label will make any chess enthusiast chuckle. And the scents will soothe and calm them to get ready for their next game.
#18 Stud earrings
These gorgeous stud earrings are great gifts for a chess player who wants to add a touch of geek chic to her accessory game. They’re a subtle nod to the game that she loves, while also showing off her unique style.
#19 Chocolate chess pieces
A solid chocolate piece in the shape of a chess queen is one of the best gifts for chess players who love to indulge their sweet tooth, and who love chocolate (obviously).
Besides being a delicious treat, it also pays homage to one of the most powerful pieces on the board. And every player needs to sacrifice a queen every now and then, so what better way than to sacrifice the chocolate queen?
#20 Chess-themed whiskey glasses
What better way to celebrate a win or drown out the sorrows of a loss than with a drink in a glass that features their favorite game?
Plus, these cool glasses will make them feel like a true grandmaster while sipping their whiskey, making them great gift ideas for chess players who love whiskey!
#21 Magnetic foldable chessboard
This magnetic chessboard is another awesome gift for a chess player who is always on the go. It’s a practical way to play the game in the car, on a plane, train, or bus, without having to worry about losing any pieces. Plus, it’s foldable, making it easy to stash in a suitcase or backpack.
#22 Chess-inspired mug
This beautiful stoneware mug is an awesome chess-related gift for those who love coffee and chess. Plus, it allows them to show off their love for the game to their coworkers or friends.
#23 The book of greatest chess games
The Mammoth Book of the World’s Greatest Chess Games is the perfect chess lover gift for those obsessed with improving their game.
With over 1,000 diagrams and analyses of 145 different games by a team of British experts, they’ll learn from the greatest games of all time.
#24 Plush chess pieces toys
These plush chess pieces are awesome gifts for a chess lover, especially one with kids who is looking to cultivate the next generation of grandmasters. Soft and cuddly, these chess pieces will be every kid’s favorite toy.
#25 Chess-themed bookends
Do you need chess-related gifts for someone who loves a clean and organized home?
Then these bookends are perfect!
#26 Digital chess clock
Digital chess clocks are perfect chess lover gifts for those who want to keep the game going and want to practice playing with a clock for real tournaments.
#27 Travel mugs
Zazzle’s chess-themed travel mugs are great gifts for chess players who need a little caffeine boost to help them think strategically during their games.
Not only do they keep drinks hot (or cold) for hours, but they also feature fun chess designs that will make any player feel like a chess champion. And for the true champions, they’re also ideal for those early morning tournaments or long road trips to chess matches.
Chess lover gifts for small budgets
#28 Funny socks
If you need small and practical chess-related gifts, then socks are always a good option. Especially if you go for these funny ones. They’re fun and a great way to keep their feet warm during those long chess matches.
#29 Bobby Fischer’s book
This is another great gift for chess players who want to step up their game.
In Bobby Fischer teaches chess, they will learn from the master himself. With a unique programmed learning method, it’s like having Bobby as their own personal chess coach.
#30 Vintage chess knowledge poster
This unique vintage poster with chess knowledge is a great gift for a chess lover because it’s a classy way to decorate a room and make everyone who sees it think they’re a smart chess player (even if they’re not).
And who knows, maybe the knowledge on the poster will actually sink in and make them a better player, or at least impress their opponents.
#31 Scorebook
Are you looking for a practical and stylish gift for a chess player in your life? Look no further than this chess scorebook!
With 100 blank entry pages and pre-made tables for easy organization of information, this scorebook is a favorite among chess enthusiasts who want to track their progress and learn from their past games.
#32 Chess-themed luggage tags
For the frequent flying chess players among us, Zazzle’s luggage tags are awesome chess-related gifts. They can easily trace their suitcases on the luggage belt, and show off their love for a smart people’s game.
#33 Soap bars
These chess pieces soap bars are great gifts for chess players because they can finally wash the shame off their hands after losing a game. Or just inspire them to wash their hands more often.
#34 Shirts
Are you looking for gifts for a chess player who loves chess so much they still talk about it in their sleep?
Then this funny shirt is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect attire for a casual game with friends or for intimidating opponents at a tournament.
#35 Funny poster
A monkey playing chess? That’s bananas!
But seriously, this poster of a monkey playing chess is a fun and playful way to decorate a chess player’s home. It’s a reminder to not take the game too seriously and to embrace the whimsy of life. And who knows, maybe the monkey will inspire some unorthodox and creative moves on the chessboard.
#36 Tote bags
Do you need chess-related gifts for eco-minded players?
Then check out Zazzle’s unique tote bags for chess lovers!
They can show off their love for the game, while also ditching plastic bags and saving the environment.
#37 Makeup bag
Are you looking for chess-related gifts for women who are both beauty and chess queens?
Then this fun makeup bag is a great gift idea for her. She can store their favorite lipstick while feeling like a grandmaster.
#38 Keychains
Chess-themed keychains are great chess-related gifts for people who always lose their keys. With a keychain of their favorite game, they’ll surely remember where they put their keys, right?
#39 Chess-themed notebook
Whether they’ll use this notebook for work, at home, or to improve their chess games, this notebook is an awesome chess-related gift for any level player!
Save these gifts for chess players
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Final notes on chess-related gifts
Alright, these were the 39 best gifts for a chess player no matter what level. From funny mugs to unique chessboards. If all these options cause decision paralysis, don’t worry. We also curated a top three chess gifts by budget.
- Large budget: Wall chess board (#13)
- Mid-budget: Chocolate chess pieces (#19)
- Small budget: Cool poster (#35)
