If you or someone you know felt drawn to the movie Oppenheimer and the whole WW2 nuclear program you’ve come to the right place. From aesthetic pieces to movie references, and even some further learning, I found some great Oppenheimer inspired gift ideas for the men and women in your life.
After seeing Oppenheimer I just couldn’t get enough of the aesthetic Christopher Nolan created for the film. He sometime managed to capture the era the movie was set in while keeping with a very specific colour palette and aesthetic. Something not so easy to do with the bright colors of the 40s and 50s!
Gifts for Oppenheimer Enthusiasts
A lot of what we see in Oppenheimer, especially the barware, is very art deco and mid century modern. This does make sense, given the prevalence of art deco in the years just before the war (ending around 1938). This was followed by what’s often called the atomic age, which was both an era an aesthetic that would carry through to the 1960s.
Obsessed with Barbeinheimer? We also have great Barbie gifts too!
American Prometheus Book
This is the book that the movie was based on (and inspired by) that tells the life story of J. Robert Oppenheimer. If you were enthralled by the movie but want a little more nuance, this is a great read.
Brown Felt Fedora
Speaking of the movie, let’s go for the low hanging fruit here with the Oppenheimer inspired fedora hat as a gift. It’s a classic style that I predict will be making a comeback this fall. Perfect for costumes, wearing around the desert of New Mexico, or just looking fancier in your everyday life.
Nagasaki: Life After Nuclear War
If you want something to ground you after seeing Oppenheimer this book is a must-read. It covers the very real consequences of just one of the nuclear blasts that were dropped on Japan. The book takes you through the morning of the blast (complete with eyewitness accounts) and continues through the lives of those 5 survivors. Harrowing; but necessary to fully appreciate the impact of Oppenheimer’s work.
Atomic Bomb Testing Tour Poster
A reprint of the very real trend of folks going into the desert to watch atomic bomb testing during the 50s and 60s. This is peak atomic age!
Theory Will Take You Only So Far Mug
A reference to the movie, this mug is a good reminder that theories are great – but action (and testing) is necessary to truly make an impact.
Art Deco Style Coupe Glasses
Oppenheimer famously subsisted on martinis and cigarettes, but you can pay homage to him in a healthier way by stocking vintage style coupe glasses in your bar instead. I love that this set is perfect for gifting, too!
I did try to find one that resembled the movie’s barware (he doesn’t use a traditional martini glass in the movie).
Cocktail Shaker Set
Speaking of cocktails, you could gift those coupe glasses with a cocktail bar shaker set for an even better gift idea. I don’t recommend making Oppenheimer’s signature martini, though; it was pretty much just a double shot of gin.
Oppenheimer Meme Shirt
Look it’s an iconic and celebrated quote, we get it, but it’s also become a meme since the movie came out. This shirt fully captures that with true meme aesthetic; perfect as a gift for folks who don’t take things too seriously.
Round Throw Pillows
Remember when I said Oppenheimer evokes a lot of art deco? Well a version of these pillows appear in the movie! I think they were green, but I like the orange ones a lot too.
Kitty Inspired Chiffon T-Shirt
I can’t find the exact replica of the ruffle bow shirt Kitty wore in the movie, but this one is pretty close – especially the colour. Pair it with a cute vintage cardigan to complete the look.
A Suit
It’s pretty hard not to feel underdressed as guy after watching Oppenheimer. Maybe this is a great time to buy someone in your life a suit so they can be a little more fancy!
The Pope of Physics: Enrico Fermi and the Birth of the Atomic Age
This is another great book if you want to get a better understanding of the events that kicked off the atomic age. That includes the important breakthroughs in physics that led them there. If you don’t know, Enrico Fermi created the world’s first nuclear reactor.
Black H0le Art Print
The physics and science behind black holes was a huge part of Oppenheimer’s research so a gift like this evokes that aspect of his life. Plus it looks cool too!
Retro Sunglasses
Round ones evoke some of the ones seen in the movie. Besides, you never know when these will come in handy!
Vintage Copy of The Open Mind by J. Robert Oppenheimer
If you want to splurge on a “wow” gift this is truly a one of a kind find. It was published by Oppenheimer in 1955 and has since gone out of print.
Oppenheimer Movie Poster
I appreciate the retro style of this cool art print. It has a few iconic scenes from the movie and would be a great keepsake for fans.
The Apocalypse Factory: Plutonium and the Making of the Atomic Age Book
Another great gift idea for the history buffs on your list, this one helps broaden the reader’s understanding of the production of nuclear resources that went into making the atomic bombs. Since this is such a touchstone element in the movie I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn more about all the moving pieces during that time.
Manhattan Project T-Shirt
It’s like you’re there! This shirt is a great way to reference the movie (and real life era as a whole) without being too “out there”. Love that it comes in a variety of colour options too.
Atomic Bomb Vintage Newspaper
It’s like you’re there! This shirt is a great way to reference the movie (and real life era as a whole) without being too “out there”. Love that it comes in a variety of colour options too.
Operation Crossroads Poster Print
Operation Crossroads was the name given to the nuclear tests conducted at Bikini Atoll. This was after Trinity and the bombing in Japan; it was designed to test the effects of nukes on ships.
This is a colourized version of a photo taken during this test.
Hopefully these Oppenheimer inspired gift ideas help you capture some of the feelings of the movie and era for yourself or someone in your life. I also think it’s important to mention that, although we love a good meme and vintage-era vibe, the Manhattan Project had serious real-world consequences that we shouldn’t take lightly.
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