Psychology of Recognition
Recognition isn’t about size, cost, or spectacle. It’s about meaning. The moments people remember longest aren’t marked by rewards alone, but by recognition that feels intentional, specific, and real.
From Lucite to Legacy: How Materials Tell a Story
Lucite, crystal, and mixed materials have long shaped how deal toys look and feel. Each material tells part of the industry’s story, from early embedments to the modern blend of technology and craftsmanship. Here is how those materials evolved into the art form we know today.
History of Deal Toys
Deal toys have a deeper history than many people expect. We recently shared an article on LinkedIn that traces the tradition from ancient trade to modern finance. Here is a short preview and a link to the full piece.
Why Every Deal Deserves a Marker
A deal marker isn’t just a keepsake — it’s a symbol of partnership, trust, and shared success. Here’s why every transaction deserves one, and how these custom pieces turn business milestones into lasting stories.
Design Follows Story
Great deal toys are not generic. They are designed with purpose and shaped by the story behind each deal. Here is why understanding your transaction leads to better creative results.
Featured in GRAPHICS PRO Magazine
Polaris Custom Awards is proud to be featured in GRAPHICS PRO Magazine, introducing designers and fabricators to the world of deal toys—custom awards that capture the story behind major business milestones.
Quick Start Guide
The five basics that let us quote quickly and design accurately: deal text (even a draft), vector logos, estimated quantity, budget range, and delivery details. Share these upfront and we’ll handle materials, layout, and production — fast.
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..
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.