Gifts for Chess Players: From Beginner to Club Player
Nov 7, 2026 · The Editors
Gift ideas for chess players of every level: a digital chess clock, a magnetic travel set, a go set for a new challenge, and desk pieces for a thinker's hands.
In this guide
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Chess players already have a board. What they often do not have is the second set, the clock, or the thing that makes their game better. These gifts suit every level, from someone who has just learned the moves to a regular at the club.
A chess clock
The single most useful chess gift. Playing with a clock changes chess completely: no more half-hour waits for a move, and fast games — blitz and rapid — become possible at home.
A digital chess clock with basic, bonus and delay timing covers every format:
- Basic: each player has a fixed time for the game.
- Bonus (increment): time is added after each move.
- Delay: the clock waits a few seconds before counting down.
Chess clock rules and settings.
A travel chess set
Every chess player needs a second set. A magnetic folding set keeps the pieces in place on a train, in a car or on a café table, and folds shut with everything inside. A game left half-finished can wait on a shelf. Best travel chess set.
A three-in-one set
Chess on one side, backgammon on the other, checkers in the box. For the chess player who also wants to play with family members who don't play chess.
A new challenge: go
Many chess players eventually turn to go, the East Asian strategy game that is simpler to learn and even deeper to master. A folding go set with stones and bowls is a gift that opens up a whole new game. Go vs chess · Go rules.
For the thinker's desk
Chess players think with their hands. A silent infinity cube to fold during study, or a Newton's cradle for the desk, makes a good companion gift.
Gifts for chess players by level
| Level | Gift |
|---|---|
| Just learned | A good travel set and a beginner's guide — chess rules |
| Plays casually | A chess clock |
| Club player | A second set for travel, or a go set |
| Has everything | A go set, or desk toys for analysis sessions |
Presents for chess players who play online
If they mainly play online, a physical set and a clock are the best gift: they bring the game back to a table and a real opponent. Suggest a weekly game.
Mentioned above
Products in this guide
Digital Chess Clock — Basic, Bonus and Delay Timing
Magnetic Folding Chess Set — 24cm
Go Set — Folding Board and Stones
Chess, Checkers and Backgammon — Three in One
Infinity Cube — Aluminium, Gold
