The Endangered Parrots of the World chess set from Grant Dawson gives chess a whole new avian spin, Each of the playing pieces represents a different species of endangered or threatened parrot. The box for the set is made of Forest Stewardship Council certified walnut and maple finished with a gold-plated border featuring the endangered Laelia Xanthina orchid. The set is available with a sterling silver and gold-plated birds or in a set with a brilliantly colored enamel finish. The enameled set sells for $4,790.

In our technology driven lifestyle, I can't remember last I sat still and played a boardgame that had no rings, buzzers, computerized cash register, credit card swiping sounds or batteries to it. When I was a kid I could play a board game for hours on end. I remember when my dad first taught me how to play chess and backgammon and even though I had no idea what I was doing, it was fun just to play with my dad. Or when I got Monopoly and Life and my "too cool for anyone" older brother and sister actually played with me. Or when my friends taught me how to play the card game Spit and we would have fierce competitions during recess. Dominos was the best to play solo because you could build with them or line them all up in a pattern and watch them fall one by one.

Don't get me wrong, I am a strong supporter of video games, so much so that my husband and I have been training our 8 year old daughter for the past 3 years on how to play all the video game systems possible, but nothing beats the old school board games that have created fond memories from your childhood. If I could have the ultimate gaming room with no thought to cost, this chess set by Grahame Fowler ($1,725) would be the first purchase. It's made from 6061 U.S. Aircraft-grade aluminum and has such a sleek and modern design aesthetic that you might as well have this displayed as a piece of art. Take a look below for other memorable board games.

There aren't many games in the world that are bought by people who not only have no idea how to play them, but who realistically have no intention of ever learning. I know how to play chess, although not very well, but I would love to have a nice set someday if only because they look so regal and elegant as part of a room's decor. This chess set, the Mammoth Ivory Collector Series, is made of 40,000 year old mammoth ivory. I'm surprised that ivory that old and from mammoths can even be used for things like this as opposed to being studied or kept in a museum somewhere! Regardless, it certainly is beautiful. And to think of all the history there is in each piece...amazing. $9,999

Via BornRich

Generally chess is a serious, quiet pursuit, but this Wobble Chess Set from Arango brings a sort of silent whimsy to an otherwise very serious game atmosphere. The board rises and falls, looking much like restless waves, and each chess piece is rounded and weighted to fit the concave center of each wooden space. Originally designed by Adin Mümma in 2006, the set is made of maple and walnut hardwood with chrome-plated zinc accents. A unique and perfect gift as a first chess set or for a long time chess collector. $289