50 YEARS OF ICONIC DEAL TOYS: THE EVOLUTION OF A LEGACY

Celebrating half a century of innovation! Altrum, the Original Inventor of Deal Toys, Continues to Shape the World of Financial Commemoration

50 Years – Over 10,000 Deals – 80% of Top Investment Banks

Explore Our 50-Year Journey On YouTube

Back in the 1970s, Altrum invented deal toys and has since crafted custom recognition pieces for our clients around the globe, including JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Citi, Bank of America, Lazard, Guggenheim Securities, Stifel and more. From acrylic lucite tombstones, to sophisticated, sustainable creations, at Altrum, we transform your milestones and achievements into meaningful keepsakes that stand the test of time!

The Genesis of the Deal Toy: How Altrum Paved the Way

In the 1970s, achievements in the financial world were commemorated only through tombstone ads in print. These renditions were simple, quite cold and nothing special. Then, Altrum pioneered a new tradition: encapsulating those deals within custom acrylic keepsakes, turning those simple and cold prints into something more special and physical that can be displayed proudly!

Don McDonald & Sons DMS carried out major innovations in 1974, officially introducing the concept of “deal gifts”, and quickly became the industry leader by the end of the decade.

Decades of Design: A Visual Journey Through Innovation

1970s: The Birth of The Lucite Tombstone

Before this decade, significant financial transactions were marked with paper-based tombstone ads in newspapers, but as these deals grew more complex, and the corporate world more competitive, there arose a need for tangible mementos! By the end of the decade, lucite tombstones, branded “deal gifts” emerged as the popular choice in the industry. The acrylic material was durable and versatile, allowing the memorable transaction details to be immortalized for years to come.

1980s: Rise in Popularity and Complexity

The popularity of deal toys soared. Investment banks and financial institutions began standardizing the practice of gifting these mementos after their teams closed successful deals. In the late 80s, designs grew to be more intricate, reflecting not just the deal’s details, but incorporating elements of the involved companies’ industries, cultures and even logos.

1990s: Customization and Global Spread

With the new decade and globalization taking center stage, cross-border deals became more frequent, and deal toys started incorporating elements from different cultures. This highlighted the international nature of many transactions. Years later, the tech boom saw the new introduction of more modern designs and materials. Customization became a huge key aspect, with each deal toy telling a unique story.

2000s: The Digital Influence

The dot-com bubble and the increasing influence of technology firms meant deal toys started reflecting the digital age. Elements like miniature computers, tech logos and imagery, or even embedded microchips became increasingly popular design choices. The 2008 financial crisis brought about a temporary decline in the now-extravagant deal toys as banks and firms faced serious financial challenges. However, the tradition persisted, and while the designs became more modest, the significance and popularity of deal toys remained.

2010s: Eco-Friendly and High-Tech Adaptations

With a growing emphasis on sustainability, eco-friendly materials started gaining more traction in the deal toy industry. Pieces made from recycled materials or sustainable wood became more popular. The rise of 3D printing technology offered new opportunities towards the end of the 2010s, allowing customization to reach even newer heights. With intricate and personalized elements becoming even easier to achieve, deal toys reached a new level of complex. Embedded tech components like LED lights and even QR codes linking to digital memorials of the deal became popular as well.

2020s: A New Age of Deal Toys in a Decade of Disruption

And here we are now! In the beginning of this decade, we grappled with COVID-19 and remote work became the norm. Virtual elements in deal toy design gained even more prominence. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) components started making their way into designs. Sustainability continues to be important for many of our clients, choosing to use recycled materials, bioplastics and other eco-friendly alternatives for their deal toys. The possibilities are endless as we enter the second half of the decade!

Check out a visual animated timeline of Altrum’s history below!

The Altrum Difference: Craftsmanship & Service

What sets Altrum apart today and back then isn’t just materials, it’s the people and process behind them.

• First rate service: Our dedicated sales, account management and art team supports you from start to finish, from concept to delivery. The teams at our factories are experts in their craft as well, creating masterpieces by hand day in and day out.
• Live Art Sessions: You have the option to collaborate with our designers in real time on a video call! This eliminates a lot of the back and forth that comes with the design process and allows you to fine tune your piece super fast.
• Fully Custom Designs: No templates, no formulas, only bespoke creations designed by real artists! Global Reach: Delivering to 72 countries and trusted by over 1,500 companies, Altrum is the industry leader for a reason.

Beyond the Deal: Our Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of our design philosophy at Altrum!

• Eco-friendly Materials: Take your pick from recycled acrylic, crystal, FSC-certified wood, recycled aluminum, and more.
• Low-Impact Production: Our processes are designed to minimize carbon emissions, and our packaging is 100% recyclable!
• Custom, Green Choices Without Compromise: Eco-friendly deal toys that still deliver outstanding visual impact and personalization.

Trusted by the Top Investment Banks in the World

Altrum’s legacy is built on trust:

• Celebrating over 10,000 deals annually
• Partnering with 80% of the top 100 global investment banks
• Featuring in 72 different countries with over 1,500 satisfied client organizations

Celebrating 50 Years of Deal Toys!