Frequently Asked Questions – Deal Toys

What are deal toys?

A deal toy, or “tombstone” in the finance and investment banking world, is a customized Lucite desktop award or paperweight gift which is intended to mark and commemorate the closing of a business deal. Other common names for a deal toy include Lucite, dealtoys, deal gifts, tombstone or financial tombstone.

Deal toys or deal gifts are not only preserved to the financial world. Nowadays they are frequently used by corporates to indicate an above average achievement and must be seen as a reward for efforts done.

In advertising, a ‘tombstone’ refers to a particular type of print advertisement appearing in a newspaper. Tombstone ads are often used in the financial industry to commemorate a financial transaction… for example, a merger, acquisition, or issue of shares.

The Lucite deal toy is designed to creatively display the details of the transaction being commemorated including: the names and/or logos of the firms for which the transaction is completed, the general details of the transaction, as well as the names and/or logos of the financial advisors and financiers.

The first Lucite deal toy was created in the early 70’s incorporating a document or “tombstone” embedded into Lucite. There are only three major manufacturers in the US. We are the largest and oldest of the three – and by far the best!

As deal toys became more entrenched within investment banking culture, they also became a point of pride—and competition—with firms frequently seeking to outdo each other with creative and elaborate designs.

How much do custom Lucite deal toys cost?

Custom Lucite deal toys (also called financial tombstones) don’t have a one-size-fits-all price because they’re handcrafted and highly customized. The deal toy cost depends on factors like:

🔑 Main Pricing Factors when ordering dealtoys:

• Quantity ordered (larger runs bring the unit price down)
• Size & shape (standard rectangles vs. complex 3D or cut-out designs)
• Embedded items (logos, currency, stock certificates, 3D objects inside Lucite)
• Printing & finishing (full-color, laser etching, inks, etc.)
• Base material (Lucite, wood, metal add-ons, etc.)
• Rush production (expedited orders increase cost)

💲 Typical Price Ranges

• Simple Lucite blocks with printing: $40 – $80 each
• Moderate customization (shapes, color inserts): $80 – $120 each
• Highly complex designs with embeds/custom molding: $400 – $2000+
• 👉 Average industry sweet spot: $200 – $400 per piece

⚡ Cost-Saving Tips

• Order in higher volumes (20+ units) for better per-piece pricing
• Stick with clean geometric shapes vs. intricate custom molds
• Use printed graphics instead of embedded 3D items

What’s the turnaround time for Lucite deal toys?

LEAD TIME: Once your deal toy order is placed, your PDF proof is emailed to you in 1–2 workdays. When signed approval of layout proof is received, production is about 8–12 workdays depending on size or complexity. Rush is available for additional cost.

Common Terms when casting Deal Toys

Below are some frequently used terms when working with Lucite and deal toy production:

• • Acetate: A clear film used for silk-screening artwork.
  • Artwork: Any drawing, photo, or lettering to be printed.
  • Autoclave: An airtight oven used under high pressure.
  • Bleed: Illustration or printed matter that exceeds crop marks.
  • Camera-Ready Art: Suitable for photographic reproduction.