15 Unique Gifts for the Chess Lover in Your Life
So your loved one won’t stop talking about chess. They’re quoting niche streamers you’ve never heard of, they’re addicted to playing blitz online, and as much as you want to understand their passion, it just isn’t for you.
We at Chess is Hard have you covered. We know firsthand the chess obsession and what a true chess-head wants. Don’t feel lost in the woods anymore. Here are the chess gifts that your obsessed loved one will adore.
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1. Silman’s Complete Endgame Course
This book is for the chess lover who is obsessed not just with playing, but with learning as well. Silman’s Complete Endgame Course is the leading endgame course that’s accessible for all levels. Starting from the simplest principles and working to the most advanced, this book has a progressive format, perfect for players of all levels. This format encourages true mastery, with each chapter building on the previous, encouraging you not to move on until you truly understand it.
2. House of Staunton Chess Set
At some point in their chess journey, every budding chess player comes to appreciate the brilliance and simplicity of a House of Staunton chess set. These sets are the perfect upgrade from your cheap, plastic Walmart chess sets. They come in a wide variety of colors, so you can find something fun and customized to your loved one’s tastes.
They meet all the requirements for USCF and FIDE tournament use, so even if your loved one isn’t a tournament player yet, they have the option in the future. The pieces are also triple-weighted, a sneakily luxurious feature that ensures your pieces never blow away or get knocked over.
3. This Tasteful Chess Mug
The majority of chess fanatics want to be chess fanatics without wearing it on an obnoxious t-shirt or touting goofy chess-themed merch. This mug is a nice, subtle piece of kitchenware with a minimal design, perfect for the more low-key chess lover in your life.
4. A Subtle Checkered Blanket
Another subtle way to pay homage to the chess obsession without being too on-the-nose is to get your loved one something checkered. Believe it or not, chess players sometimes subconsciously gravitate towards checkered-print items, without relating it to their love of the game. A checkered blanket is a tasteful piece of home decor that will make your loved one think of their beloved hobby.
5. Magnetic Travel Chess Set
If your chess-loving friend already has a few sets they love, a nice, unique chess gift can be a magnetic chess set. These chess sets are miniature, so they travel well and feature magnetic pieces that promise to stay put.
Another sneaky feature of these boards is that they can be used for unique home decor. If you attach the board to the wall, you can magnetize the pieces to the board for a piece of vertical chess wall art that you can actually play.
6. 4-Player Chess Set
Some chess players love variants, and some hate them. Four-player chess is a unique chess variant that’s perfect for a bigger group setting. If your loved one frequents a chess club, this could be a great gift for them to bring to their club. It could also be a way for them to introduce chess into their friend group, allowing for a more dynamic four-player match with a more even playing field than isolated two-player games.
7. This Sophisticated Chess Clock
In this day and age, many chess players begin their chess journey online before transitioning to over-the-board chess. If your loved one is still playing most of their games online, getting them a chess clock could help pique their interest in finding an in-person chess community.
If your loved one is already an avid in-person chess player and loves tournaments, this chess clock is more sophisticated than most, perfect for the more serious tournament player.
8. Chess Opening Playing Cards
These playing cards feature a dual purpose. They can be used as a standard deck of cards for any type of card game you imagine. However, what makes them perfect for a chess lover is their educational potential. Each card features a different chess opening. Chess players can use the cards to study opening theory or play Go Fish, depending on their ambition level for the day.
9. Knight Glasses Holder
Once again, this gift is two-for-one. Both a stylish piece of chess-themed decor and a glasses holder, this knight statue is perfect for your chess-obsessed loved one.
10. Chess Piece Bookends
These chess piece bookends are subtle enough to look nice in any home without being obnoxious while still paying homage to chess. Bundle these bookends with a few chess books to jumpstart your loved one’s chess library and show them you encourage their hobby.
11. A Cheeky Chess Candle
This cheeky chess candle is a fantastic stocking stuffer for your chess-loving friend. It’s something they can actually use, rather than just a piece of home decor or yet another chess set. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a candle, and this one is personalized to your friend’s interests.
12. The Tao of Chess
The Tao of Chess is an easy read for the chess lover in your life. If they are getting interested in playing chess online and watching chess content but aren’t ready to study in-depth chess material, this book is for them. Its unique style makes chess principles incredibly digestible and fun to read. The book is easy to flip through and doesn’t require intense focus, making it a great side-table book as well. Even non-chess lovers can enjoy this book.
13. Art of Attack in Chess
On the flip side, the Art of Attack in Chess is for the chess lover dedicated to improvement. This book will help an improving chess player understand the principles of good attacks, helping them know when to attack and how.
14. Rook Costume
As a gag gift, get your loved one this rook costume. After all, they probably don’t already have one.
15. Chess Table
Chess tables can be both useful, fun, and decorative. You can find a sophisticated and unique chess table that matches your friend’s decor. You may want to consult with them on this one first, just to make sure it will fit in their space.
A nice-looking chess table can make a perfect living room end table with a fun twist. Who wouldn’t want decor that doubles as their favorite game?
Showing your loved one you support their hobby is a great way to get closer. Giving your chess-obsessed friend any of these gifts will make their day.
Chess is Hard 