Christmas gift 2026: which chess set, chess board or backgammon to give, by profile and budget

The right Christmas gift depends first on the player’s profile — beginner, experienced, collector, child or traveller — and then on the budget you wish to spend, from under €100 to over €1,000. A complete wooden chess set remains the safest choice, with backgammon a lovely alternative for variety. Here’s how to choose, profile by profile and budget by budget, before delivery times start to tighten.

Updated on 6 November 2026 · By Delphine D., Le Palais des Échecs editorial team

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Why a chess set remains a timeless Christmas gift

Searches for a gift for chess players rise sharply from mid-November and stay strong right up until the last days before Christmas. A wooden chess set never breaks down, never needs an update and can be passed down from one generation to the next: a gift that means something, not an object forgotten at the back of a drawer.

The design found on the vast majority of chess sets today, the Staunton, was drawn by Nathaniel Cook and sold by Jaques of London in 1849. More than 175 years on, its clean lines remain the benchmark for clubs and competitions. Le Palais des Échecs offers more than 1,700 references of wooden chess sets, chess boards and backgammon sets, so there’s a model to suit any recipient.

If you’re watching prices before deciding, Black Friday remains a good moment to plan ahead before choice narrows as the festive season approaches.

Which type of player are you treating?

Five profiles come up most often under the tree: the curious beginner, the experienced player, the aesthete collector, the child who is learning, and the nomadic traveller. Each points towards a different budget and materials. To choose between these two classics, our article on the differences between draughts and chess may help guide your decision.

Gifts under €100: choosing wisely without getting it wrong

Under €100, a magnetic travel set or a laminated wooden backgammon board offers real playing pleasure without compromising on sturdiness.

For a first set, check especially the weight of the pieces and the size of the squares: a piece that’s too light slips at the slightest touch, and a board that’s too small makes those very first games tricky.

The magnetic wooden travel set folds in two, stores its 32 magnetic pieces in an individual felt-lined compartment, and comes in three sizes, from 14 x 14 cm to 25 x 25 cm. A classic under €100, ideal for a gift that travels anywhere.

See the magnetic travel set

For a loved one who prefers dice, the laminated wooden backgammon set with walnut effect comes in four sizes, from 20 x 12 cm to 48 x 26 cm, and its finish is handmade.

Between €100 and €500: wooden chess boards and complete sets

Between €100 and €500, fine woods come into play: a folding board in sycamore and mahogany, or a solid wooden set, for a gift that lasts.

The folding Staunton wooden chess board with storage brings together a 48 x 48 cm sycamore and mahogany board and wooden pieces, with a 9 cm king, which store inside once the game is finished. A safe bet for a teenager or a young, mobile player, who can take it anywhere without fear of losing a piece.

See the folding chess board

Browse our full selection of complete sets to compare the formats and species of wood available at this price point.

Exceptional gifts (€500 to over €1,000): luxury, marble, precious woods

Above €500, rare materials take centre stage: marble, alabaster and precious woods, for a set unlike any other under the tree. For a truly extraordinary gift, some exceptional chess tables turn the game into a genuine piece of collector’s furniture.

The Black and White Set in Volterra alabaster brings together a 37 x 37 cm board and hand-carved, hand-polished pieces, with a 7.6 cm king. A Black and White version, with a 35 x 35 cm board, reverses the contrast for mineral enthusiasts.

See the alabaster set

Our collection of marble chess sets rounds off this overview for the most generous budgets.

And what about backgammon enthusiasts?

Backgammon makes just as fine a Christmas gift: a solid wooden board, often handmade, suits an occasional player just as well as someone passionate about strategy and chance. It’s also a good option for a loved one who already owns a chess set. Before deciding, take a look at our backgammon board buying guide to compare sizes and materials.

The olive wood backgammon set, with a mahogany and wenge board, makes a pleasant change from classic walnut; it comes in three sizes, from 30 x 17 cm to 48 x 26 cm. Our full selection can be found in the backgammon category, which brings together travel models as well as living-room boards.

How to recognise a quality chess set before buying

Three markers are enough: solid wood or carefully applied veneer with no visible joints, weighted and felted pieces, and crisp carving, especially on the knight’s head.

Solid wood or veneered wood?

A high-end chess board isn’t always solid wood: the squares are often fine-wood veneers assembled in marquetry on a stable core, which limits the risk of warping over time. Solid wood is mainly reserved for frames, boxes and the pieces themselves.

What should you check regarding piece weight and Staunton finish?

A quality piece is weighted and felted underneath its base, so it sits firmly on the board. The Staunton design, drawn by Nathaniel Cook and sold by Jaques of London in 1849, remains the benchmark: a crisp, symmetrical knight’s head often betrays the care taken in the carving.

Across more than 3,600 orders placed at Le Palais des Échecs since 2008, from more than 5,000 customers, the best-selling woods are, in order, boxwood, maple, walnut, rosewood, then mahogany: a useful guide for choosing according to budget.

Frequently asked questions

What budget should I plan for a chess gift at Christmas?

Under €100, a wooden backgammon or a magnetic travel set remains a good choice. Between €100 and €500, fine woods such as walnut, boxwood or olive wood come into play; above €500, rare materials such as marble, alabaster or precious woods take over.

Which chess set should you give a child who is just starting out?

A sturdy set with pieces that are easy to handle, ideally magnetic so they don’t slip on the board. A compact format and built-in storage also make transport and tidying away after the game easier.

Is backgammon a good Christmas gift?

Yes: it’s a warm alternative for loved ones who enjoy strategy as much as the chance of the dice. Our wooden backgammon sets, often handmade, come in several sizes and types of wood.

Can you have a chess set or backgammon given at Christmas engraved?

Yes, plaque engraving is available on many models in the catalogue. It allows you to add a name, a date or a message for a truly unique gift.

Until when can you order to be delivered before Christmas?

Any order placed before noon on a working day is dispatched the same day, with free delivery within mainland France. Check our gift ideas selection, updated continuously, to verify the availability of your chosen model.

What if the set doesn’t suit the recipient?

Returns remain possible within 14 days, satisfaction guaranteed or your money back, if the model or size isn’t right.