The royal game. A game for geniuses, businessmen, generals. With passion, chess pieces on the board are moved by both three-year-old children and centenarians. So, what are the best chess sets for a gift? Will exclusive pieces and a board be suitable for a boss? Will handmade ones delight a player? And magnetic sets—a traveler?
Chess develops concentration, intelligence, patience, and planning skills. A game of chess is perfect as evening entertainment and when you need to reflect on an important issue that requires analyzing a vast amount of information. That’s why chess as a gift is always an excellent idea!
Which chess set to choose as a gift — a memorable choice
Chess is more than just a game. It’s a language of thought, a subtle strategy, emotions from the very first move to the end of the match. A hundred years ago, a general might have leaned over the board, analyzing battle scenarios; today, a businessman sits beside a laptop, while next to a sandbox, a curious child learns the first rules. That’s why, when we think “which chess set as a gift?”, it’s worth looking beyond an ordinary board from the supermarket. Because a good set can be not only a tool for play, but also a work of art that inspires.
The prestige of handcrafted sets — small masterpieces of craftsmanship
For a gift, it’s worth choosing something that makes an impression at first sight. Exclusive chess sets as gifts—handcrafted from the finest types of wood—are small masterpieces of craftsmanship. Boards made of oak, mahogany, ivory, or ebony, with carefully carved pieces featuring subtle details. Such sets are created in small workshops, where every element is perfected as if it were meant to tell its own story.
Such a gift is not only a practical item, but also a symbol of time and attention. It’s a choice that says, “I appreciate the passion and thought you can put into every game.”
What chess set to choose as a gift for a lover of classics?
For the connoisseur of tradition, classic wooden sets work best. The warm hue of the wood, its natural texture, the weight of the pieces in your hand — this is an experience that plastic counterparts can hardly replicate. Classic chess sets are timeless. That’s why they evoke memories of historic tournaments and legendary clashes between masters such as Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov.
Wooden sets have their own soul and character. They offer a sense of connection with the tradition that lies at the heart of chess as the royal game.
What chess set to choose as a gift for a fan of modern aesthetics?
Another option is modern chess sets as a gift – sets in which the pieces do not resemble classic kings and queens, but rather stylized skyscrapers, geometric shapes, or minimalist forms. This is a suggestion for someone who appreciates design and architecture. Such a set can evoke associations with a city skyline, where the squares of the board become streets and the pieces – futuristic buildings.
For an architect, designer, or someone who enjoys viewing a traditional game through the lens of contemporary aesthetics, such a gift will serve as both an inspiration and an elegant addition to the interior.
What chess set to choose as a gift for a child or a young explorer?
Chess is both a game for the youngest players and for those just beginning their adventure with strategic thinking. When choosing a set for a child, it’s worth focusing on solid craftsmanship, clear pieces, and friendly materials. Chess with large, colorful elements can captivate curious eyes that are just learning the rules of the game. It’s important for such a set to encourage experimentation—without fear of making mistakes.
This is a gift that develops concentration, teaches planning, patience, and understanding the consequences of your decisions. It creates opportunities for conversation, shared evenings, and building relationships around the game board.
What kind of chess set makes the perfect gift for a businessman, leader, or strategist?
Chess and strategy have always gone hand in hand. It’s no coincidence that generals, commanders, and business leaders have treated a game of chess as mental training. Richard Nixon, as is well known, played chess in the White House, and Bill Gates has publicly spoken about his fondness for the game as a form of “stretching the mind.”
For a manager or entrepreneur, chess as a gift can symbolize professionalism and strategic thinking. An elegant set made of wood or metal, placed in an office or on a desk, is not only a tool for playing, but also a metaphor for decision-making and planning.
Chess in the modern world – who are the champions today?
When we talk about chess, it’s impossible to ignore the modern champions, as they are the ones shaping the direction of the game today. The current world champion in classical chess is Dommaraju Gukesh, an Indian grandmaster who, in December 2024, defeated Ding Liren and made history as the youngest undisputed world champion. His success symbolizes a generational shift in global chess and the growing power of India on this stage. Gukesh’s style combines cool precision with bold decision-making. That’s why he represents the new wave of players raised on modern training methods and computer analysis.
In parallel, the great names continue to dominate the faster formats of the game. Magnus Carlsen claimed his sixth World Rapid Chess Championship title in 2025, reaffirming his status as one of the most outstanding figures in the history of the discipline. Altogether, he has already won 19 world championship titles across all time controls. In the women’s competition, Aleksandra Goryachkina triumphed, capturing her first World Rapid Chess Championship title after an exciting tournament finish.
Looking at how many people play chess today — from children learning the basics of logical thinking to professionals competing at the highest level — it’s easy to understand why chess is seen as more than just a game. For many, it’s a way of thinking, making decisions, and analyzing reality that proves useful both at the board and beyond.
Summary — which chess set to choose as a gift
The answer depends on the person you want to gift. Is it someone who values tradition and classic style? In that case, a wooden, handcrafted set will become a cherished keepsake and an inspiration for many hours of play. Is it someone who appreciates design and modern forms? A set with geometric lines can serve both as a game and as a decorative element. For the youngest, chess can be a gateway to the world of logical thinking, and for a leader — a symbol of strategy and focus.
In every case, chess is a gift that speaks louder than words — it’s an invitation to play together, to strategize, to look at the world with perspective and precision.
