When it comes to buying the perfect gift, you may find yourself at a loss, but think chess! I know, it can be hard to choose a gift that is both fitting for the person and unique enough to make it special. But, if you really want to get a perfectly unique gift, we suggest you consider a hand painted chess set. A hand painted chess set takes a hard task and makes it a simple choice for gift giving, especially for those hard to shop for people.

It doesn't matter who you are shopping for or what age they are as there are plenty of themed chess sets to choose from. Chess sets really can be a great choice for anyone on your list. No matter if the person is young or old, a hand painted chess set is a unique gift that they will enjoy for years to come. With so many types of sets to choose from, finding a set that matches the person is very simple. From small travel chess sets to life size sets, marble chess sets or wooden, a Civil War chess set or Harry Potter, the choices are many and you won't go wrong with any of them. Chess is a game loved by many and you're never too young to learn the game.

Giant Chess Sets For Outdoor Family Fun

One of the more spectacular family chess sets is a giant chess set for the outdoors. This allows the whole family to get in on the game and it makes it a physical event as you have to physically move your chess pieces that are life size and can weight 50 pounds and more! There are several spectacular themed sets to choose from. For instance, there is the Giant Tiki wooden chess set for which each piece is carved by native artisans in an ancient Polynesian art form straight from the South Pacific. It is truly a chess set fit for any king.

There are also slightly more modest 2 foot tall sets, as well as several 4 and 5 feet tall made out from various material including foam, acrylics, ceramics or wood. There is even a 6 foot tall set of wire topiaries. For families with young children, a lovable 2 foot tall soft teddy bear chess set might just be their most treasured gift ever!
Whatever set you choose, kids love these giant chess sets and will be begging to play with it. Everyone will feel as if they are part of the game with the life sized pieces. It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "King me" more commonly used in the game of checkers, as they feel as if they have been crowned king!

Historical Themed Chess Sets

Perhaps you want to surprise that special person with their own original chess set that is hand painted, making it truly a one of a kind set. You can take pleasure in looking at the detail that goes into individually painting each and every chess piece. You can choose such deluxe sets as the American Revolutionary War or Civil War chess set, where you are taken back in time seeing each soldier dressed in their uniform ready to serve their country.

There are many other chess sets with themes to choose from including many historically significant battles of the British Empire. For the English history buff, consider a chess set with the theme of The Battle of Trafalgar, Waterloo or the Battle of Hastings. Or maybe a Richard the Lionheart, The Crusades or a Robin Hood chess set would be just the right gift? The choices go on and on.

Additionally, you can choose a type of set comes with a presentation gift case so that you can display the board and pieces proudly for all to see when it is not in use. Many come with the chess board as well so you do not need to own one already. If you do already own a chess set or a chess board, there are chess pieces and chess boards that are sold separately.

Children's Themed Chess Sets

If you want to go with a softer type of chess set then you will love giving a hand painted Winnie the Pooh chess set. Each of these chess pieces are based on the original characters that were created by none other than A.A. Milne and illustrated perfectly by E.H. Shepard, this is a set that is loved by all, both young and old. Winnie the Pooh is the King in this set with Kanga being the Queen, Eeyore takes the place of the Knight, Owl fits perfect as the bishop, Piglet is the pawn, which leaves Tigger as the Rook. A hand painted Winnie the Pooh chess set is a true classic that anyone would be proud to own.

Another great classic that takes you back in time, making it a perfect choice in gifts is a hand painted Peter Rabbit Chess Set. This is a great set for children, helping them to get their start in the wonderful game of chess. Each characters in these chess sets actually seems to come to life with each game they play.

Literature & Entertainment Inspired Chess Sets

For those people in your life that love the powers of The Fellowship of the Ring, get them a unique hand painted Lord of the Rings chess set. This set comes with the chess pieces alone but can easily fit any chess board of your choice. It really helps you bring the characters to life and brings you back to the movie with so many great characters. This set is truly a collectors set and may be one that the receiver of this gift chooses to put it on display for all to see rather then play with it.

For a younger family possibly an Alice in Wonderland chess set would be more appropriate. Each piece is a character from Lewis Carroll's famous adventures of Alice, complete with the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, and the Mad Hatter. Imagine having a game of chess, limiting the number of moves each day followed by a chapter of either "Alice in Wonderland" or its sequel, "Through the Looking Glass" read allowed to the family… it might be just what is needed to slow down the fast pace of life these days.