30+ Fun Novelty Chess Sets and Boards

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If you’re like me, you watched about 2 episodes of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit and immediately decided you wanted to become a chess grandmaster yourself. Something about a sexy period drama wrapped in an underdog story really spoke to people—whether the subject was about chess or synchronized swimming—it was going to start a crazy. And it’s not uncommon for a great series to spark a trend in new hobbies, interests and consumerism either. Lest we forget the spike in Dalmatian dog adoptions after the release of 101 Dalmatians, or the rise in leg-warmer fashion after Flashdance.

And we have data to support it! The Queen’s Gambit undoubtedly spurred a rise in popularity for the sport. Taking a look at Google Trends from the point the Queen’s gambit premiered vs the previous period shows a very noticeable spike in search activity:

Google Trends - searches for "chessboards"

Now, if you want to become a chess grandmaster, the first place to start is with a nice chessboard! Once you have a nice board, there’s no stopping you on your way to the top.

Whether you have wildly unrealistic aspirations like me or maybe you have a loved one who has also taken a casual interest in chess lately, then look no further! Chess sets make great gifts after all—they’re relatively inexpensive, they encourage competition, and they make you seem more intellectual sitting on your living room coffee table. It’s the perfect gift!

Novelty Chessboards and Sets to Buy

Let’s get into the boards, shall we? I’ve broken up the list by themes, so you can better narrow down the type of chess set you’re looking for. Let’s start with the more traditional styles:

Traditional, Yet Unique Chess Sets

• Frosted Glass Chess Set

• Magnetic Wooden Chess (and Checkers) Set

• No Stress Chess – Learn as You Play

• Wobble Chess Set

• Magnetic Wall Chess Set

• Drinking Shot Glass Chess Set

• Electronic talking Chess Computer Set

• Classic FAO Schwarz Wood Chess Checkers and Tic-Tac-Toe Set

Movie-Themed Chess Sets

• Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set

• Lord of the Rings Battle for Middle Earth Chess Set

• Star Wars Chess Set

• Disney Pixar Toy Story Collector’s Chess Set

• Marvel Collector’s Chess Set

• The Batman Chess Set

Random-Themed Chess Sets

• The White House Chess Set Board

• Russian Doll Chess Set

• Cold War Chess Set

• Roman Chess Set

Fancy Pants Chess Sets

• Handmade European Ambassador Chess Set

• Bluetooth and internet connect chess set

• Deco 79 Metal Wood Chess Set

• Chrome & Black Chrome Chess

• Renaissance Knight Chess

• Jade Marble Chess Set

• Rustic Red Olive Wood Chess Set

That’s all for now. Check back soon and we’ll have even more to check out. Also, don’t forget to check out our other Novelty Toys & Games right here.