Deal Toys
Whether it's a major acquisition, a large deal, or a successful merger, awards are typically presented for the individuals, team, or all groups involved to acknowledge a job completed.
These Deal Toy or Acquisition Awards can be proudly displayed in offices, conference areas, and lobbies for many years to come. Special Deal and Acquisition Awards may prompt many story retellings of the difficulties overcome, and challenges met with the "Big Win".
Q&A about Deal Toys, Partnership & Acquisition Awards
- What is the primary strategic value of a Deal Toy or Financial Tombstone beyond merely commemorating a completed transaction?
Beyond a simple memento, a quality Deal Toy functions as an enduring, three-dimensional business card and a visual resume for the recipient and the firm. Displayed prominently in a client’s office, it is a constant, tangible reminder of a successful partnership, fostering goodwill, reinforcing brand identity, and building confidence for future mandates. It transforms a historical event into a permanent fixture of successful expertise.
- For a high-profile, landmark transaction, which material—Optic Crystal, Lucite (Acrylic), or Metal/Wood—conveys the highest sense of prestige and permanence?
Optic Crystal conveys the highest prestige and value. Its density, brilliance, and precision-cut faceting refract light uniquely, giving it a sophisticated, heirloom quality unmatched by other materials. While Lucite is versatile and budget-friendly, crystal is the industry gold standard for landmark or C-level transactions due to its weight and visual gravitas, symbolizing the enduring importance of the deal.
- How can a Deal Toy be designed to tell the unique narrative or "story" of the deal, rather than simply listing the companies and financials?
Effective design relies on physical metaphor and object embedment. Instead of a flat plaque, incorporate 3D elements that symbolize the deal's industry (e.g., a miniature wind turbine for an energy M&A). Use internal laser etching (3D subsurface etching) to suspend logos or structures within crystal, or embed actual artifacts (like miniature product replicas or currency). The design should act as a concise, visual allegory for the achievement.
- What is the industry standard minimum timeframe required for the design, proofing, and production of a complex, custom-shaped Deal Toy?
For complex, custom-shaped pieces requiring unique molds or 3D internal etching, the standard minimum timeframe is 4 to 6 weeks from final proof approval to delivery. The critical bottleneck is the proofing phase, where delays in receiving client feedback can add days or weeks. For standard designs or materials like pre-cut crystal, rush orders (2-3 weeks) are often possible, but require immediate client artwork submission and proof sign-off.
- How does design complexity (e.g., 3D objects, material mixing, layered bases) impact the final cost per unit, and how can we budget for it?
Unit price correlates directly with the complexity of fabrication and labor. Adding 3D elements, multiple material layers (e.g., crystal on a marble base), or custom metal casting significantly increases cost due to specialized processes and multi-stage production. To budget effectively, focus on the minimum order quantity (MOQ) and prioritize one high-impact custom element (e.g., a detailed 3D etched award) over several minor, less detailed additions.
- We have global deal participants. What specialized packaging and drop-shipping logistics are necessary to ensure the safe and efficient worldwide delivery of fragile Deal Toys?
Successful global delivery requires white-glove drop-shipping service. This includes specialized, IATA-certified internal foam packaging (often custom-cut for the specific award shape), secure external presentation boxes, and a dedicated logistics partner experienced in customs documentation. The vendor should offer a single-contact service to manage all global addresses and provide a guaranteed arrival condition for fragile, high-value goods.
- What are the technical best practices for submitting client logos and deal artwork to ensure the highest quality etching and color fidelity?
To guarantee crisp, high-definition etching (sandblasting) and accurate color printing (UV printing), all artwork must be submitted in a vector file format (.AI, .EPS, or .PDF) with all fonts outlined. Raster files (.JPG, .PNG) are unsuitable for scaling and will result in blurry or pixelated graphics, especially on the fine detail required for company logos and financial text.
- In a modern corporate environment increasingly focused on ESG, are there sustainable or eco-friendly alternatives to Lucite that retain professional-grade quality?
Yes. The most professional sustainable alternatives include Salvaged or Certified Sustainable Hardwoods (like maple or walnut) and Recycled Optic Glass/Crystal. These materials offer a unique, high-end aesthetic while aligning with ESG commitments. Many vendors also now offer Lucite (acrylic) that is made from Recycled Acrylic, balancing the material's design versatility with environmental responsibility.
- How should we determine the ideal quantity of Deal Toys to order, ensuring all key internal and external stakeholders are recognized without excessive overage?
Start by listing all internal team members, external law firms, co-advisors, and client contacts. We recommend ordering the calculated total plus an industry standard 5-10% overage buffer. This protects against last-minute additions (e.g., a late-stage advisor or C-level executive), name errors, or shipping damage, ensuring you never face the expense and delay of a small reorder run.
- What information is considered essential and non-negotiable for inclusion on a standard Financial Tombstone layout?
The four non-negotiable elements for a Financial Tombstone are: 1. The Deal Description/Headline (The transaction summary), 2. The Full Closing Date (Month, Day, Year), 3. The Transaction Value (Dollar amount or other key metric), and 4. The Names and Logos of All Key Parties (Client, Advisory Firm, Underwriter, Legal Counsel). These details collectively define the achievement and the team that executed it. See more ideas in our guide: Deals, Acquisition and Merger Award Ideas and Wording


