Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. We were sent the items from Jaques of London to review, but words and pictures are mine. 

This year we are trying to have a more sustainable Christmas than ever before. The children are a year older but seem to have asked for less than ever before. I’m not sure if the past 18 months have taught us than things don’t bring happiness, or perhaps we look for items that are better made and will provide more long term enjoyment.

We’ve always been a family that enjoys spending time at home and nothing beats a lazy Sunday afternoon with a few games to play and a roast dinner to look forward to. Jaques of London kindly offered us a selection of their finest wooden games to review. Their 8th generation toys and games makers have been delivering family fun since 1795.

Although I had heard of the brand I didn’t know they had such a brilliant heritage. Jaques is the oldest games company and sports manufacturer in the world. Passed down from father to son for eight generations, Jaques have been responsible for inventing many well known games, such as Croquet, Ping Pong, Snakes and Ladders, Tiddledy Winks, The Staunton Chess Set and Happy Families.

Sustainable giving with Jaques of London

Folding chess board set

Jaques of London have been timber based since the beginning and produce a range of toys for babies, toddlers and older children. I chose a beautiful wooden chess set and tiddley winks set.  Like a lot of other families we loved The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix last year. My husband and son have been talking about playing chess for ages, so I thought they would enjoy this wooden chess set, one of many which Jaques of London sell.

Everything comes beautifully packed, with a little note from the person who packed it.

This beautiful 11 inch folding travel chess set from Jaques offers stunning hand carved wooden Staunton chessmen with a 2.5 inch King piece and is ideal for playing on the move.

Following the design laid out by Jaques of London in 1849, this wooden travel chess set features the standardised Staunton design.

I love toys that pack away nicely and all the pieces are easily kept in place if you decide to take this chess set on the move. The wood has a lovely smooth finish and is built to last.

Travel Tiddledy Winks set

Originally Tiddledy Winks was a Jaques invention back in 1864. This wonderful traditional set comes with a wooden storage case which doubles up as a beautiful presentation box. I thought this would be perfect for weekends away.

What do you think of our choices? Although we haven’t really played chess before it seems like a great game to aid decision making, anticipating your opponent, prioritisation and strategy. We have played Tiddledy Winks before and are delighted to add such a well made set to our games collection.