Christmas Gifts Inspired by The Queens Gambit
It would be hard for a Succession gift under my Christmas tree. This is my favourite TV show. But the most Succession gift I could get would be a beautiful townhouse on Billionaire's Row where I would host my immediate family. Or a helicopter. These won't fit under my tree.
The Queen's Gambit is my favourite show in 2020 and probably yours too. It offers more realistic holiday gift options. According to Pinterest data, the number of searches for unique chess sets has tripled since October 23rd. The searches for giftable chess sets have increased by 37%, with "themed chess sets" has doubled in popularity. "Luxury chess sets" has seen 37% more searches. Searches for "chess set" on eBay have increased 215%. According to NPR, the show caused a chess set shortage, as viewers wanted to discover that they were also chess pros.
However, I am not suggesting that you buy someone a Christmas chess set. That's just a little too obvious. You can find many other ideas inspired by The Queen's Gambit or Beth Harmon, including maximalist wallpaper (Pinterest has quadrupled), and 1960s clothing (search also tripled).
You can find more specific gift ideas from the pop-culture here: a list by Spencer Pratt; gifts for Timothee Chalamet; and the Fab 5's top Christmas gifts.
Classic Chess Set
Let's begin with a simple, classic chess set. This set is perfect for those who don't want to permanently incorporate a chess set into their décor.
ChessMaze UK Basic Club Chess Set
Tournament Standard Wooden Starter Kit
If you are ready to make a big investment, get the whole package. This set of tournament-standard wooden chess pieces includes everything they need to get started in their new hobby.
ChessMaze UK Tournament Standard Wooden Starter Kit
Magnetic Travel Chess Set
This one is my favourite because it can be used for travel and chess while on the move. It's a pandemic so I don’t know where you’re going but it can easily fit into a backpack.
ChessMaze UK Travel Series Wooden Magnetic Chess Set
Modern Chess Set
This is a great gift idea. This iridescent acrylic set, which is more expensive than other options, is perfect for your friend with a cool house or apartment that allows you to display it. This set is for your friend, who will probably not use it.
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
This informative illustrated book by one of the most well-known chess masters in the world is a bestseller on Amazon.
Bantam Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess, available at Amazon
Geometric Sweater
The limited series saw Beth Harmon's style change from a schoolgirl who liked geometric prints to an all-white Twiggy-inspired dress. But, she never forgot to mention chess in any outfit, The New York Times reported. This sweater, which is chessboard inspired, would be perfect for the Beth Harmon Chess Prodigy starter set.
Madewell Geometric Sweater available at Madewell
The Queen's Gambit Book
If you are looking for more Beth Harmon, go straight to the source material. This holiday season is a great time to invest in chess-adjacent products.
World Of Books The Queen's Gambit Book, WOB.com
