
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.

The Power of a Closing Gift
Some gifts fade into the background. Others leave a lasting impression.
Recently, we came across a story from a real estate executive who, more than 35 years later, still holds onto a thank-you letter he received after giving a closing gift to a key participant in a deal. The gift? A Waterford crystal clock—a thoughtful and elegant symbol of the transaction. The recipient appreciated it so much that they sent a heartfelt thank-you note, which, decades later, the executive still keeps.
Both the closing gift and the letter serve as powerful reminders—not just of the deal itself, but of the relationships built along the way. That’s the impact of a well-chosen closing gift.

Material Meaning
Custom deal toys and financial tombstones aren’t just keepsakes—they’re tangible symbols of success. Discover why real estate developers, investment bankers, and corporate teams trust Polaris to create lasting, meaningful awards for major deals.

Tech Sector Deal Markers
The technology sector moves at lightning speed, with groundbreaking achievements, transformative partnerships, and monumental product launches happening every day. From mergers and acquisitions to launching disruptive solutions, these milestones are a testament to the vision and ingenuity of tech professionals.
At Polaris Custom Awards, we create custom Lucite and crystal awards for technology milestones, offering companies a meaningful way to celebrate their achievements and inspire continued innovation.Every product launch, funding round, and innovation is a milestone worth celebrating. At Polaris Custom Awards, we design custom Lucite and crystal awards for technology companies, helping you recognize success and inspire future achievements.
Visit our Technology page or contact us today to design awards that reflect your accomplishments. Let’s celebrate the innovations shaping the future.

Make It Personal
The best deal toys don’t just celebrate the deal—they celebrate the people behind it.
A great design makes a deal toy stand out on a shelf, but it’s the personal touches that make it worth keeping. Years later, people don’t look at a deal marker and think about interest rates or market conditions—they think about the late nights, the breakthrough moments, and the team that made it happen.
At Polaris, we believe customization goes beyond just a name—it’s about creating a deal toy that truly resonates with the recipients.

The Power of Storytelling
The best deal toys capture more than just the details of a transaction. They reflect the journey behind it—the challenges overcome, the milestone achieved, and the people who made it happen. When designed well, a deal toy becomes a cherished keepsake that sparks conversation and preserves the story behind the deal. Here’s how:
✔ They Capture the Deal’s Significance—Whether it’s the largest fund closing, a landmark acquisition, or a company’s first IPO, the design should embody what made the deal special.
✔ They Highlight the Industry or Asset—From a tech merger to a major real estate transaction, great deal toys tie back to the business, the asset, or the sector.
✔ They Celebrate the Challenge Overcome—The hard work, the long hours, and the teamwork behind the transaction should be felt through the design.
Create a Deal Toy That Tells Your Story
The best deal toys aren’t just objects—they’re stories you can hold.
Contact Polaris today to create a custom piece that celebrates your success—one your team will be proud to display for years to come.

Worth Keeping
The Best Deal Toys Have Three Things in Common:
✔ They Capture the Deal: Whether through design, materials, or embedded elements, a deal toy should visually represent the transaction. For CRE deals, that might mean incorporating property images. For a tech merger, a 3D-etched circuit board can be a clever touch.
✔ They Have a Presence: A deal toy should be well-made, thoughtfully designed, and display-worthy—whether it’s a bold sculpture or a sleek Lucite block.
✔ They Feel Personal: Great deal toys aren’t generic giveaways—they’re custom-made, celebrating the specific people and companies involved.
At Polaris, we believe every deal toy should be as unique as the deal itself. The best deal toys aren’t just objects—they’re memories made tangible.
Contact Polaris today to create a custom piece that celebrates your success—and becomes a keepsake your team will display for years to come.

Why Recognition Matters
Recognizing employees for their achievements isn’t just about saying “thank you”—it’s about building a culture where success is valued, celebrated, and remembered. In competitive industries like finance, biotech, and corporate development, high-performing teams drive results, and recognizing their contributions can have a lasting impact.
The most impactful awards are personal. Our approach to customization—where we make each design and manufacture each piece custom-made to order, where everything is custom and nothing is off the shelf—ensures that every piece tells a unique story. Companies that go beyond generic recognition and invest in bespoke awards create lasting connections with their employees.
At Polaris, we understand how important employee recognition is to building a thriving company culture. We specialize in designing custom Lucite and crystal awards that go beyond the ordinary—capturing the essence of success in a way that employees will remember. Whether you're celebrating leadership, innovation, or years of service, we’re here to help you create the perfect award.

Private Credit Deal Toys
Private credit is having a moment. With major players like JPMorgan committing billions to direct lending, the private credit market is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Deals are getting bigger, competition is heating up, and private credit firms are securing their place as a dominant force in corporate finance.
At Polaris Custom Awards, we specialize in creating high-end Lucite and crystal deal toys that mark private credit financings, direct lending transactions, and investor milestones. As private credit continues to grow, commemorating these achievements isn’t just about tradition—it’s about reinforcing relationships in a market built on trust.
We’ve designed deal toys for leading firms across direct lending, mezzanine financing, and private debt investments. Our expertise in crafting high-quality, fully customized pieces makes us the go-to partner for private credit professionals looking to commemorate their biggest deals.

CRE Deal Markers
The commercial real estate (CRE) industry is a cornerstone of economic growth, marked by significant transactions, transformative developments, and innovative projects. From major property acquisitions to groundbreaking developments and financing deals, these achievements reflect the vision and expertise of the teams behind them.
At Polaris Custom Awards, we specialize in designing custom Lucite and crystal awards for CRE milestones, helping you honor these accomplishments and create lasting memories of success.
Every deal, development, and partnership in CRE is a milestone worth celebrating. At Polaris Custom Awards, we design custom Lucite and crystal awards for commercial real estate, ensuring each award reflects your success and tells your story.
Visit our CRE page or contact us today to explore award designs that commemorate your achievements. Let’s celebrate the deals that define your success.

Industrials & Recognition
The industrials sector is the backbone of progress, driving advancements in manufacturing, logistics, construction, and more. Whether it’s a merger, a new facility opening, or the completion of a major infrastructure project, these achievements deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
At Polaris Custom Awards, we specialize in designing custom Lucite and crystal awards for industrial milestones, helping you turn your success into a lasting symbol of innovation and teamwork.
Every project, innovation, or acquisition is a testament to your company’s vision and hard work. At Polaris Custom Awards, we design custom Lucite and crystal awards for the industrials sector, ensuring each piece reflects your company’s achievements.
Visit our Industrials page or contact us today to learn more about our award design services. Let’s work together to commemorate your next milestone.

Powerful Recognition
The energy industry is heating up, with increase in all kinds of activity, including mergers, acquisitions, renewable energy projects, and infrastructure upgrades.
At Polaris Custom Awards, we create custom Lucite and crystal awards for energy sector milestones, offering a tangible way to honor the teamwork and vision behind these accomplishments.
Every deal, project, or innovation deserves to be remembered. At Polaris Custom Awards, we work closely with energy companies to design unique Lucite and crystal awards for energy deals. From marking renewable energy projects to commemorating major acquisitions, we’ll help you create an award that embodies your success.
Visit our Energy page or contact us today to discuss your next custom award design. Let’s celebrate your milestones together.

Pharma Milestone Markers
In the pharmaceutical industry, every milestone represents years of dedication, innovation, and teamwork. Whether it’s launching an FDA-approved drug, achieving an investigative new drug (IND) milestone, or celebrating the success of a clinical trial, these moments deserve recognition.
At Polaris Custom Awards, we specialize in creating custom Lucite and crystal awards for pharmaceutical milestones, offering unique and meaningful ways to commemorate your team’s achievements.
Visit our Pharma page or contact us today to learn more about our custom designs. Let’s turn your milestone into a timeless symbol of success.

Retail-to-Industrial
Retail-to-industrial conversions are taking center stage in commercial real estate in 2025. These projects are transforming vacant or underperforming retail spaces into highly functional industrial facilities, proving that adaptability is key in today’s market.
At Polaris Custom Awards, we understand the work that goes into closing deals like these. That’s why we craft custom tombstones designed to celebrate the creativity and success behind every transaction. Whether it’s a retail-to-industrial conversion or any other CRE project, we’d love to help commemorate your achievement with something truly meaningful.
Keep an eye on this space—2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for CRE innovation. Let us help you celebrate your milestones!