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10 Relatively Clever Gifts for a Physics Major
If you’re trying to find just the right gift for a physics major, you’re in the right place. We’ve curated a collection of physics-inspired gifts that would make Einstein himself radiate with a joyous light that would travel imperceptibly fast but still not exceed 299,792,458 metres per second.
Stirling Engine
Experience a working model of the heat-powered engine first developed by Robert Stirling in 1816. Set this Stirling Engine on top of a hot cup of coffee (or another heat source) and watch start to move. The hotter the liquid, the longer the run time. Once the engine starts slowing down, your coffee has cooled off enough to drink. A creative and entertaining way to wait for coffee, tea, or a cup of soup to cool down!
Physics Mug Set
The only time Schrodinger’s imaginary experiment will come to life is with this fascinating mug set. Add your favorite hot drink and watch the mug change color. Depending on which mug you grabbed out of the cupboard, the mug will slowly reveal one live or one, let’s say…less alive cat. This famous thought experiment will be instantly recognizable to any pysicist, which makes these mugs excellent gifts for a physics major or anyone who enjoys color-changing mugs with surprise endings!
How To
“How to” explores the most complicated ways to do the simplest tasks. This book is jam-packed with far-fetched advice, like how to predict the weather by analyzing the pixels in your Facebook photos, and how to tell if you are a 90’s kid or a baby boomer by measuring the radioactivity of your teeth. From the bestselling author of “What if?”, Randall Munroe is only too happy to illustrate ways to dispose of the book when you’re finished, including launching it into the Sun, dissolving it in the ocean, and many more. This book is a brilliant, thrilling way to celebrate the physics of everyday tasks.
Marble Rube Goldberg Machine
Who doesn’t love a Rube Goldberg Machine? You don’t have to be a physicist or a scientist to enjoy this gem; however, it does help when it comes to putting it together. This fascinating model wrapped up in a combination of a puzzle and 3-D artwork is genuinely a great gift for a physics major who enjoys seeing Newton’s first law of motion in practice. More importantly, it’s neat.
Euler’s Disk
Euler’s Disk might be best appreciated by those that understand the physics behind it, but it’s fun for the rest of us too. Spin science into mesmerizing art by giving it a good spin and letting our good old friend gravity do the rest. You will be hypnotized by the light and sound as it rotates, seemingly endlessly, like some kind of perpetual motion machine.
Atomic Desk Lamp
This desk lamp is based on the Atomic Model proposed by legendary Danish physicist Neil Bohr, and familiar to many of us as “that sciency shape”. The interior bulb is strung with LED lights which mimic protons, while the black wires represent the paths of electrons. The sleek, black aluminium design befits the dramatic nature of atomic energy. However, it’s powered by a much more conventional source: two AA batteries. Batteries not included, so make sure you grab some of those too when you checkout.
Magnetic Putty
Putty was invented (accidentally) during World War II by a chemical engineer trying to create a synthetic substitute for rubber. It wasn’t very good rubber, but a toy store owner did recognize its potential as a toy. Thus, Silly Putty was created! Fast forward over 75 years, and there are hundreds of different kinds and colors of putty. This particular putty is magnetic, and we’re pretty sure physicists like magnets. We don’t have any hard evidence of that, but…c’mon, doesn’t that sound right? And don’t forget, everyone likes putty!
Schrodinger’s Cat Finger Puppet
It’s both a finger puppet and a fridge magnet that celebrates Schrodinger’s famous thought experiment. Just like the famous physicists postulation that a cat, under certain circumstances, could be both dead and alive, this cat is simultaneously a puppet and a magnet, enlightening and hilarious. This endearing little finger puppet is an affordable and fun gift for a physics major.
Nikola Tesla Candle
Nikola Tesla is in many ways the patron saint of mad science. The serbian-born inventor and engineer is probably best known for his contributions to alternating current and his famous feud with Thomas Edison. But he also claimed to have invented a “death ray”, an earthquake machine, and a motor that ran on cosmic rays. Still, his contributions to the world of science ensures that he is still held in high esteem by modern day physicists. Whether ironically meant to be lit during a power outage or on Nikola Tesla’s birthday, it’s a fine present for anyone who appreciates his legacy.
Albert Einstein Plush
Albert Einstein had what scientists refer to as “muppet hair”. It’s a harmless condition that only affects physicists and muppets, the main symptom of which is hair that looks like it’s desperately trying to escape the host. Fortunately, for both muppets and Albert Einstein, unruly hair only makes you a better candidate for becoming immortalized as a plush doll. This 14” tall Einstein plush is a perfect example of this, and an excellent gift to boot.
2 More Gifts for a Physics Major
The Shape Shifting Box
Gift your physics major with this ultimate fidget toy. This award-winning mysterious magnetic puzzle transforms into an endless possibility of shapes. This peculiar shape shifting box is powered by 36 rare earth magnets, but don’t ask us which ones! Give the gift of mesmerization and entertainment this holiday season.
Einstein Pin Set
This versatile Einstein pin set is the fashion statement of the season. Take the staid mood of a safety pin and combine it with the sass of Earth’s preeminent physicist, and that translates into the fashion equivalent of zero-gravity accoutrements with a hint of fun-loving sophistication! These fashion necessities also work to unify tone and promote scientific balance, while they simultaneously protect against lapel boredom.
