How Tombstone Ads Gave Rise to the Modern Deal Toy
Before deal toys existed, there were tombstone ads—plain, regulated newspaper notices that quietly changed how Wall Street marked deals. This was the first step toward the modern financial tombstone.
The Origins of Deal Toys
Long before modern finance, people were already marking deals with meaningful objects—silver plates, tokens, clocks. This impulse to make success tangible is centuries old. Today, we call them deal toys.
Before & After
When Lucite comes out of the mold, it’s anything but ready. Dull, oversized, and unfinished — it takes serious craftsmanship to transform raw castings into stunning, high-gloss awards. Here’s how the Deal Toy Experts brings clarity to life.
What Works
Lucite embedments allow you to preserve real artifacts inside crystal-clear acrylic. But not everything plays nicely with the heat, pressure, and chemistry involved. Here's what you can — and shouldn't — embed in a custom Lucite award.
Going Clear
What makes Lucite awards so brilliantly clear? It’s not just the materials — it’s the pressure. Discover how Polaris uses industrial autoclaves to cure Lucite, eliminate bubbles, and create flawless, museum-grade clarity.
Whole Lotta Lucite
Ever wonder how objects get embedded inside crystal-clear Lucite? It starts with a liquid and ends with a high-gloss block — but every step in between demands precision. Here’s how the cell-casting process really works.
Grace Under Pressure
Not all acrylic is created equal. Learn why Polaris uses true cell-cast Lucite in our custom awards and deal toys — and how this old-school process yields exceptional clarity, quality, and permanence.
Small Batch Custom Manufacturing
Small-batch manufacturing might sound simple — but it’s one of the most complex forms of production. Here’s why it matters, and how Polaris turns custom deal toy designs into memorable, effective finished pieces that are worthy of the accomplishments they represent..
Why Hands-On Experience Matters
At Polaris, we know great design is just the beginning. What sets us apart is the hands-on manufacturing expertise that ensures every deal toy is built right and delivered without drama. Here’s why experience matters — especially in small-batch custom manufacturing.
Who Gets Deal Toys?
Deal toys aren’t just for bankers. This post explores why custom financial tombstones matter for everyone behind the deal—from investment bankers and legal counsel to board members and clients—and how the right piece can reinforce relationships, pride, and team culture.
Can I See a Sample?
Some suppliers talk clients out of asking for samples. They’ll say a rendering is enough. That a sample just slows things down. That prototyping isn’t necessary.
At Polaris, we take a different view.
Because there’s a big difference between seeing a design on screen… and holding the real piece in your hand.
Making It Easy
At Polaris Custom Awards, the deal toy process doesn’t stop at design. From all-inclusive quotes to fast, high-quality production and on-time delivery, we handle every step with care. This post highlights how we make ordering custom financial tombstones smooth, transparent, and reliable — from the first conversation to the final shipment.
From Idea to Icon
At Polaris Custom Awards, great design begins with the story behind the deal. In this post, we show how we translate client insights into creative deal toy concepts — from biotech breakthroughs to landmark real estate closings. See how versatile materials and thoughtful ideas come together to create financial tombstones that reflect the meaning behind the moment.
Start with the Story
At Polaris Custom Awards, every custom deal toy begins with one powerful question: “Can you tell me a little about the deal?” Before we talk numbers or timelines, we focus on the story behind the transaction. Whether it’s an M&A closing, a fund launch, or a major real estate deal, that story guides the design — from Lucite blocks and crystal tombstones to 3D models and custom silhouettes. This post explores how asking the right question leads to more meaningful financial tombstones and lasting deal markers.
We’re Different
Not all deal toy providers work the same way. Some treat these projects like just another order: gather the specs, drop it into the system, and move on. The result might be serviceable, but it rarely feels personal—or truly fitting for the deal it represents.
That’s not how we work.
At Polaris, every deal toy is built with care, intention, and respect for the effort it represents. We know what goes into making a deal happen—the long nights, the negotiations, the pressure to deliver. That’s why we treat every project like it matters. Because it does.
Make It Memorable
A great deal toy doesn’t have to be flashy to be memorable. What matters is that it’s thoughtful, personal, and fits the deal. At Polaris, we create custom pieces that tell your story and stand the test of time.
5 More Winning Ideas for Deal Toys
Creating a Deal Toy That Stands Out
A well-designed deal toy is more than just a trophy—it’s a celebration of achievement. Beyond the industry themes and personalized touches we talked about earlier this week, there are even more ways to create a deal toy that has a lasting impact.
Sometimes the best deal toys include details that only the insiders recognize.
• A small engraving of the closing date, visible only at the right angle.
• A hidden phrase that became an inside joke during the deal process.
• A tiny, subtle logo of the acquired company worked into the design.
These little touches make a deal toy a private reminder of the effort behind the transaction.
5 Tips for the Best Deal Toys
A deal toy is more than just a transaction marker—it’s a lasting symbol of the work that went into closing a deal. The best deal toys are instantly recognizable, personally meaningful, and designed to be displayed proudly. So, how do you make sure a deal toy stands out? One way is to visually connect to the transaction itself.
• For a real estate deal, a 3D model of the building or a floor plan engraving makes an impact.
• A tech acquisition could feature a circuit board pattern or digital design elements.
• A finance or investment deal could use a stylized market graph or currency symbol.
These details ensure the award immediately connects to the business it represents.
The Right Stuff
How to Choose the Right Deal Toy Supplier (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)
When it comes to deal toys, not all suppliers are created equal. The right supplier turns your achievement into a lasting symbol of success—something you’ll be proud to display for years. The wrong supplier? Delays, generic designs, or a final product that feels like an afterthought.
At Polaris, you work directly with the creatives—the people who design and oversee production. No middlemen, no lost details—just direct collaboration with experts who understand your vision and bring it to life seamlessly.
We’ve spent decades on factory floors all over the world, working hands-on with Lucite, crystal, resin, and metal production. We understand the challenges, we know how to fix them, and we work closely with manufacturers to ensure every detail is perfect before your piece ships.
Polaris takes a personalized approach—understanding the story behind your deal, your firm’s branding, and the specific details that make your transaction special. Every design is created with thought, craftsmanship, and the highest level of care.
When you work with Polaris, you’re collaborating with the industry’s most experienced creative team—people who care as much about your deal as you do.
If you’re looking for custom deal toys that are meticulously crafted, delivered on time, and designed to impress, let’s connect. We’d love to help you create something extraordinary.