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.
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.
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.
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.
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.