Chess Set Guidance

All,

I'm lining up for Christmas for my incredible chess playing son.  That said, I'd like to get him a chess set that will be something he will cherish throughout his life, so cost is secondary to quality.  Any guidance or recommendations?

Thanks!

Assuming he is old enough to resist gnawing on the pieces, chess bazaar has some incredible sets in the $500+ range. I have my own eye on the "Dragon" set. The only caveat is those boards and pieces are really LARGE, so it could be impractical if he goes to live in, say, a college dorm with little space.

This caught my eye a while back and the vendor has had good reviews here on chess.com:

http://www.officialstaunton.com/products/the-steinitz-antiqued-chessmen

For less than $100, this set really appeals to me.

http://www.chessbazaar.com/the-staunton-series-weighted-chess-pieces-in-dyed-wood-box-wood-3-8-king.html

I was just taking a stab in the dark with those recommendations.  So much depends on your budget and what your son will do with the set.  I chose pieces that will fit great on a 2 1/4" board since that's most common.  The first is a little too nice for tournament play, but the second would be fine.  And of course maybe you want something more for display and are prepared to spend the big bucks large sets (4.4" or larger kings) command. House of Staunton I didn't give a link to, but I know they have holiday specials and HOS has great, if slightly overpriced, stuff.  Anyway good luck and happy shopping!

I know your son is six yrs old, I would suggest a wooden staunton regulation size set.  Wooden set is durable and he will have years of play out of it as long as he doesn't lose the pieces. 

I would also suggest a fold up travel set for times when he isn't at home and can't carry the wooden set described above.  Here is a good starting point to look at chess sets. 

http://www.wholesalechess.com/shop/chess_sets/wood_chess_sets

Thanks everybody!  I did go ahead and invest in a nice set; however, I did think about it from a travel perspective, craftysusie.  I got one that was regulation size because I knew he'd want to use them at tournament.  I also decided on get a box for holding the pieces, but should've picked up the fold-up board as well.