5 Creative Deal Toy Ideas for the Finance Industry
April 29, 2025, In Design Ideas / Trends
In the finance world, milestones matter. Whether it’s a merger, acquisition, IPO, or fundraising round, these are moments that represent months (sometimes years) of strategic work, negotiation, and execution. That’s where deal toys—also known as financial tombstones or M&A tombstones—come in. They’re not just commemorative objects. They’re symbols of success, relationship builders, and lasting reminders of a job well done.
At Altrum, we specialize in turning these milestones into beautiful, custom-designed pieces that reflect your unique deal story. If you’re looking to impress your clients and commemorate your firm’s achievements, here are five finance industry deal toy ideas that combine creativity with meaning.
- Classic Lucite Deal Toys
Lucite has stood the test of time for a reason. These pieces are clean, polished, and timeless, making them a go-to for many finance firms. With Lucite, the possibilities are endless: embedded printed deal details, logos, or even small 3D objects inside the block. Crystal-clear or frosted, angled or curved, Lucite can be shaped and finished in countless ways to match your brand identity or the theme of your deal.
It’s a classic for a reason, but never boring when customized right.
- 3D Printed M&A Tombstones
3D printing has opened a whole new world of creative expression when it comes to custom M&A tombstones. Whether you’re replicating a building, modeling a product, or recreating a company’s logo in dynamic form, 3D printing allows for incredible detail and flexibility.
One of our clients, FMI Capital Advisors, worked with our team to push the boundaries of what a deal toy could be. Here’s what they had to say:
“We are very pleased with the creativity, quality, and speed in which Altrum collaborated with us on the project. The design we ultimately chose was not a product of our vision, but of the Altrum team providing additional creative solutions. We would recommend their services and products to anyone in the industry.” — FMI Capital Advisors
- Replica-Inspired Deal Toys
Some of the most memorable deal toys are those that replicate something deeply tied to the deal itself. Whether it’s a stadium, a landmark building, or a signature product, replica-inspired deal toys give your celebration piece a strong visual identity and emotional resonance.
Take our project with Class VI Partners, for example. We crafted a custom financial tombstone inspired by the Hoover Metropolitan Complex, resulting in a design that felt uniquely personal to the deal and left a lasting impression.
- Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Designs
As ESG considerations become more central in the financial industry, many clients are choosing to celebrate their deals in a way that reflects their values. That’s why sustainable deal toys—made with locally sourced wood, recycled acrylic, or biodegradable materials—are gaining popularity.
These pieces prove that eco-consciousness doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. With minimalist design, rich textures, and expert craftsmanship, our eco-friendly options are both impactful and responsible.
- Interactive or Functional Deal Toys
Why not make your M&A tombstone something that does more than just sit on a desk? Some clients opt for interactive elements—like spinning components, light-up features, or moveable parts—to create a sense of play and wonder. Others choose to incorporate functionality, such as paperweights, clocks, or pen holders.
These hybrid pieces are great conversation starters and often end up being displayed (and used!) more prominently than traditional designs.
Why You Should Order a Custom Deal Toy with Altrum
Not all deal toys are created equally. At Altrum, we combine first-rate service with cutting-edge design and production techniques to ensure every piece is memorable. We partner with top-tier investment banks and advisory firms around the world, and our reputation for quality and creativity is unmatched.
What’s more, we offer free design services, so you can explore creative directions with no upfront commitment! We also offer sustainable options, local production, and a track record of meeting tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
What Role Do You Play in the Design Process?
One of the most common questions we get is: How involved do I need to be?
The answer: as much or as little as you’d like! Once you share the details of your deal and any design inspiration you may have, our creative team gets to work. We’ll send you free concepts and collaborate closely to ensure the final piece is exactly what you envision.
Whether you want to be hands-on or leave it to our experts, we make the process smooth, fast, and fun.
