Buying a chess gift shouldn’t be guesswork. This is an expert guide from the workshop floor — what actually gets used, what turns into clutter, how to pick clocks (including a deep dive on mechanical), why wall-mounted boards solve storage, when to go brick-built, and how to engrave for a lifetime.
Start here: three decisions that de-risk the gift
1) Where will it live? If shelf space is tight or you’re gifting someone who declutters, skip bulky display sets. A wall-mounted board or compact tray uses vertical space and stays visible.
2) Play vs. display? If the recipient truly plays, prioritize usability (Staunton size, readable silhouettes, sturdy board). If the goal is décor, keep beauty high but footprint small.
3) Upgrade path. Gifts that can grow — add magnetic pieces later, engrave a date, book a lesson — stay relevant for years.
What chess set makes sense as a gift?
Hard truth: many collector sets end up in a drawer. Players train with Staunton pieces in tournament sizes — most commonly Staunton 5. Staunton 4 fits small desks and young hands; Staunton 6 is the largest common tournament size. If you do gift a display-first set, make it compact and quick to deploy.
Staunton size quick guide
| Use case | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most home play | Staunton 5 | Readable, comfortable size, close to club reality |
| Small desks / kids | Staunton 4 | Compact and easy to store |
| Tournament feel | Staunton 6 | Largest common tournament size |
Rule of thumb: if in doubt, pick Staunton 5. It gets used the most.
Brick-built chess (LEGO & compatibles)
For kids and adults, brick-built chess is a perfect hybrid: you build together, you learn piece movement by assembling it, and later rebuild or mod the set. It stores small, is repairable, and new editions arrive regularly — so relatives can expand the gift over time. Pair it with a small wooden tray for pieces now and, later, graduate to a wall-mounted board.
Chess clocks: electronic vs. mechanical — real talk
Electronic (digital)
Modern tournaments are almost entirely digital. If your recipient aims for club play, go electronic: you get increments (e.g., +5 seconds per move), multiple time controls, presets for chess and other games (Go, Scrabble), and portability. Look for:
- Size & durability — gets tossed into backpacks; a robust case matters.
- Clear display & responsive buttons — readable at a glance; comfortable to hit.
- FIDE certification — not mandatory, but top models often have it.
Electronics age. Even quality units may need button or battery attention after a few years — that’s normal.
Mechanical clocks — deep dive (collector’s keeper)
Mechanical clocks are the soul of chess timekeeping. They’re simple to set, need no batteries, and their cadence creates atmosphere — kids often fall in love with the tick. As a gift, a good mechanical clock feels like a small piece of engineering that will outlast trends and, with care, can outlast us.
Why a mechanical clock still matters
Longevity: A well-built mechanical clock can run for decades. We routinely handle 50–100-year-old pieces that remain fully functional — some have never been serviced. That’s not nostalgia; that’s quality of materials and construction.
Zero batteries: For occasional home use, not worrying about cells is a real advantage. If you haven’t touched the clock for months, you don’t wonder “is the battery dead?” — you simply wind and play.
Ease of use: Many players at clubs still reach for mechanical units because they’re quick to set and hard to misconfigure. No menus, no cryptic codes — set the hands, set the flags, start.
Engraving & presence: Wood or metal cases accept plaques and engravings beautifully. A mechanical clock with a small dedication (name, date, event) turns into an heirloom that tells a story every time it’s used.
What quality looks like (a buyer’s checklist)
- Case and finish: Solid wood or quality composite, clean joints, stable base. If it’s lacquered, look for even sheen and no clouding.
- Dials & hands: Legible numerals/markers, consistent printing, hands aligned and not rubbing the crystal.
- Buttons/levers: Positive feel without wobble; both sides should actuate consistently.
- Movement consistency: Stable tick across angles; no obvious stalls when gently nudged.
- Flags: Drop cleanly and visibly; both flags behave the same.
- Back access: Serviceable without damaging the case (screws that aren’t chewed, back plate sits flush).
How to set and use (practical, no-nonsense)
- Wind evenly: Wind both sides to similar tension — firm but never forced. Stop at natural resistance.
- Set the start time: Use the setting knobs to place both minute hands at the agreed start (e.g., 12:00 for a countdown style).
- Flags: Position flags so they drop near the zero; confirm both sides drop symmetrically.
- Level surface: Place the clock on a stable, level board/table. Mechanical escapements like level.
- Switch test: Tap each button a few times; watch that both balances keep cadence and flags don’t “stick”.
Tip: for casual home games, agree a simple control (e.g., 15 minutes per side) and focus on the ritual — wind, play, tick.
Care & maintenance (light touch, long life)
- Environment: Keep away from high humidity, direct sun, and strong magnets. Normal room conditions are perfect.
- Dust control: Store under a cloth or in a cabinet when not in use; keep the back plate seated properly.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth. Avoid solvents and aggressive cleaners, especially on lacquer.
- Service: If the clock loses consistency (stalls, erratic flags), a light professional service restores it. Good pieces can go many years between services if treated kindly.
Gifting advantages you can feel
Emotional texture: The audible cadence shapes the room. It’s part game, part metronome — and children love it.
Value retention: Quality mechanical clocks tend to hold or even gain value over time, especially well-kept examples with provenance.
Personalization: Add a small plaque or direct engraving — name, date, venue — and you anchor the memory in metal or wood.
When a mechanical clock is the better choice
- Home and office play: You want something beautiful, tactile, and battery-free.
- Heirloom gift: Milestones (retirement, anniversaries) where longevity matters.
- Occasional use: You won’t track battery health; winding is simpler.
- Collecting: You value build, finish, and historical lines (classic Ruhla/GARDE style, etc.).
And when digital wins
If the recipient will play rated events or train with increments, digital aligns with current tournament practice. That’s not a knock on mechanical — it’s picking the right tool for the job.
Common myths (cleared up)
“Mechanical is outdated.” Not at home. For living rooms and occasional club nights, they’re perfect: simple, reliable, and joyful.
“They’re fragile.” Quality units are robust. Treat them sensibly and they shrug off decades.
“Hard to set.” It’s the opposite — no menus, no modes. Wind, set, go.
Why wall-mounted boards make brilliant gifts
A vertical chess board is a gift that won’t disappear into a cupboard. It hangs, looks great, and invites micro-play — a move before coffee, another in the evening. It solves space: no shelf needed, and almost every home has a free patch of wall.
Our range spans from the ChessboArt 800 — a premium, furniture-grade board — to the more approachable ChessClub, excellent for learning (you can even pin other magnets or write notes). Strong magnets hold positions between moves so games can run for days. Fun fact: we already have customers who gifted our vertical boards multiple times — because the idea just works.
Personalization: engraving that lasts (video + photo)
Keep inscriptions short and timeless. Ideas: “Emma — Checkmate 2025”, “Anna • 40 Years of Strategy”, “Class of 2025 — Keep Improving”. We confirm placement and font before production.
Lead time for made-to-order items: typically 1–6 weeks. For holiday delivery, please order early.
Experiences: lessons & simuls
Buying an experience is often more impactful than adding another object to a shelf. Book a one-to-one lesson (in person or online), a short training block, or a seat in a simultaneous exhibition with a titled player. These gifts are memorable, easy to schedule, and can spark years of motivation.
Our founder, Michał Fudalej, also coaches (online or in person). A focused session can unlock months of progress and inspire the next steps.
Chess books: timeless and universal
Books meet the player at their current level and keep giving for years. There’s a huge range — from beginner tactics to annotated games and strategy — and a good shop or coach will quickly point to titles that match the recipient’s level and style. In practice, almost any well-chosen chess book delights a chess player.
- Beginners: clear diagram-heavy tactics/puzzle books.
- Improvers: annotated game collections and strategy primers.
- Club players: opening guides tailored to their favorite time controls.
Most chess fans play online (chess.com or lichess). If you know their username, you can check rating, favorite time controls, and even common openings — then pick a book or lesson that fits perfectly.
When to order & packaging (video)
Typical lead time: 1–6 weeks for made-to-order; signed pieces vary. If you’re tight on time, we can ship a gift-ready card with a QR to your chosen board or tray and finalize engraving later.
Cheat sheet: who gets what
Kids & families: brick-built chess + a small wooden tray now. Digital clock if a club is likely. The Chess Club hanging chessboard is great for a child's room.
Adults (home/office): wall-mounted board (ChessboArt 800 for premium; ChessClub for learning and playful magnets). Add engraving.
Collectors & milestones: mechanical clock with engraving or a signed board with provenance.