Polaris / The complete guide
The Complete Guide to Deal Toys
From the first question to a well-planned project.
Understand the terminology, design options, materials, recipients, production process and budget considerations behind custom deal toys and financial tombstones.
START A PROJECTWhat is a deal toy?
A deal toy is a physical commemorative created for a transaction or business milestone. In financial circles, “financial tombstone” and “deal marker” are also common terms.
Mergers, acquisitions, financings, public offerings, fund closings and property transactions are familiar occasions. Related custom awards can also recognize product launches, approvals, leadership or employee milestones.
Who receives the pieces?
Recipients may include executives, investors, advisers, lawyers, lenders, brokers and the internal teams involved in the work. The audience helps determine the quantity, level of personalization, display setting and presentation.
Identify the recipient groups early. A shared design can sometimes accommodate different names or roles without losing the identity of the project.
How do you choose a design?
Classic
A clear form, strong image or thoughtful typography can keep the transaction itself in focus.
Dimensional / constructed
Layers, custom silhouettes and mixed components add depth and create relationships between the parts.
Sculptural
A model or symbolic object can make an asset, product or industry immediately recognizable.
Begin with the story and practical brief. Materials and complexity should follow the idea. The most elaborate option is not automatically the strongest.
Selected work
Ideas made physical.
Selected anonymized Polaris portfolio examples. Each new commission is designed around its own brief.
Which materials are used?
Lucite/acrylic, crystal, resin, metal and wood offer different opportunities for shape, imagery, texture and finish. Some pieces combine several materials.
Lucite is a brand name often used as shorthand for acrylic; not every deal toy is acrylic, and not every acrylic piece uses Lucite-branded material. Acrylic embedments and internal crystal engraving are different processes.
Compare materials and manufacturing approaches →How does the process work?
Project information → Concept → Design development → Approval → Prototype → Quality review → Full production → Final QC → Delivery.
Every factory-produced custom project is prototyped and reviewed internally before the full run. We check proportions, materials, artwork, finish, alignment, assembly and stability against the approved design. Client review may use photographs, video or an in-hand sample when appropriate.
A clear brief, consolidated feedback and final text help keep the project moving. Confidential work can begin with a code name and limited information.
What should you budget—and how long should you allow?
As planning ranges, classic pieces are often $80–$150 each, dimensional / constructed pieces $150–$225, and fully dimensional / sculptural pieces $200–$300+. Setup starts around $300 per order; shipping is separate. Quantity, size, materials and complexity determine the custom quote, and elaborate work can exceed these ranges.
Initial concepts typically follow within 24–48 hours after we receive the basic brief. Many projects then need about 3–4 weeks for prototyping and production after artwork approval, with shipping additional. Revisions, client approvals and complex work can add time. We confirm a schedule for the actual project.
See the detailed process, timeline and budget guide →Practical answers
Questions, answered.
Do we need to choose a material before we ask for ideas?
No. Share the purpose, audience, quantity, date and budget. Polaris can recommend suitable constructions.
What should appear on a deal toy?
Usually the relevant company or fund identity and agreed transaction or milestone information. Final wording and logos should be approved before manufacturing.
Can an object be both simple and fully custom?
Yes. A simple shape can carry custom imagery, typography, proportions or details developed specifically for the project.
Your next project
Start with what you have.
Share the transaction or milestone, approximate quantity, target delivery date and budget. Add draft text, logos or reference images if you have them. You do not need a finished design.
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