Games

Every Jaques game carries a clear minimum age on the product page, based on complexity and piece size. A broad rule: abstract strategy games suit ages six and up, while simpler wooden games work well from age three. When in doubt, choose slightly above the child's current level so the game stays interesting as they grow.

Wood is heavier, warmer to the touch and far more durable than plastic or thin card. Wooden pieces do not crack or bend, colours do not peel under normal play, and the weight of a solid wooden counter or chess piece makes every move feel deliberate. Many families find wooden games are simply more satisfying to handle and easier to keep tidy.

Jaques has been making games since 1795, and we still have customers returning sets that belonged to their grandparents for minor repairs. The joinery, lacquering and materials are chosen for longevity, not cost-cutting. That said, no game survives determined misuse, so normal household care is still needed.

Keep wooden games away from prolonged damp and direct heat sources such as radiators, which can cause warping. Wipe pieces with a dry or very slightly damp cloth rather than soaking them. Store boards flat if possible. A very occasional light application of beeswax polish to unfinished wood keeps it looking good for decades.

Classic games, chess, draughts, dominoes, Ludo and the like, need no explanation and suit almost any household. They are not tied to a trend or a screen, so they do not date. A beautifully made wooden set is also a visible object in the home, not just something played once and forgotten, which makes it feel like a considered gift rather than a generic one.

Games marked for ages three and above use pieces large enough to pass standard small-parts safety requirements. However, no game with small pieces should be played without adult supervision by children under three. Always check the minimum age guidance on each product page and use your own judgement based on the individual child.

Many customers buy Jaques sets knowing they will pass them on. A quality wooden chess set or croquet set holds its usability indefinitely, and some older Jaques pieces do appear as collectables. We would not promise financial returns, but buying well once instead of replacing cheap sets repeatedly is genuinely more economical over a decade or more.