What is all of the serious and serious? :) Let's digress a bit and talk about pleasant. How often present another issue for us is painful, but because they can bring the joy of the holidays.
Chess is played by more people than any other is engaged in sport. Almost everyone has at least the slightest idea about this game. If your friend - a beginner or a professional chess player, who has spent most of his life this exciting game, you offer a huge range of options in choosing a present.
Novice chess player should be fine regular chess books for beginners or chess clock.
A man who knows a lot about the beautiful expensive things, and also has a high position can always donate collectible chess, which is now on sale huge variety.
Your friend - a man with a sense of humor? Give him a fun themed chess. Let it be figures of politicians, fairy tales, erotic army ... yes all that your heart desires.
Your friend - the soul of the company, likes to party and entertainment, and also appreciates witty and unusual gifts? Drunken chess - just what the doctor ordered. No matter what you fill it: hard liquor, red and white wine or colorful cocktails, the game will find a very unusual traffic, and the atmosphere around is fun and sincere. It remains only to decide whether drinking one who has lost a figure or one who won it :)
And we can not forget the birthday cake. Let him decorate your table and give everyone a good mood.
As you can see, chess - is not only a serious game for smart people, but also a holiday - every day.