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Hello readers, my name is Meital and I wrote this guide mainly for NC customizers, rather than NC collectors.
I decided to do so when I noticed how certain NC items get a value of 20-130 caps and are highly sought after, while others just as good are sold in "one cap sales" and consider as junk items or odds and ends.
I believe the reason for this is that people are often tend to think that expensive = beautiful.
That's why I'm here, in this guide I'll try to show you that you can get an equally or even prettier look with cheaper items, and that cap value does not necessarily define the beauty of the item.
but before will go any further, lets define the NC values (by caps) as the NC boards see them:


well for many reasons, here are a few:
♥ you can get a lot of items to customize with, instead of few "valued" ones.
(this does not apply to collectors).
♥ since you'll have a variety of items, you'll be able to do a lot of themes and change your pets look constantly.
♥ cheaper items can be easy to obtain. you can find many great items on "one cap" trades, JJPB, and site events.

There are two approaches for NC trading, the first one is the business approach and the second is "Trading for variety".
people that take the business approach will try to trade few low-medium valued items for one high valued item, and will try to accumulate as many big high valued items for future trading.
while people on the second approach will trade in order to increase the variety of their closet and will trade valuable items for couple of small ones.
if you are on the first group, my advice will sound to you like: "Trade your sport car for 10 bicycles".
but if you are on the later you will take it as: "it's better to have a whole closet full of regular clothing items rather than one pair of designer jeans".

not exactly. unless you have the resources and the budget to trade for them by all means be my guest, but if you are on low-medium budget like most of the users you'll need to trade wisely.
Ok, you convinced me, how do I build a good closet?

some of the "high" valued items are great for customization - they can be used on a lot of themes, they are neutral and beautiful, while others might be as beautiful but they have limited customization potential; meaning, they match one theme, or few looks only.
so, you'll have to make your choices wisely when you trade.
for example:
Good item for investment: altadorian wig with gold ribbon a.k.a AC wig , this is one of the best wigs on the site, it's pretty on almost all of the pets, it has a good natural color therefore it matches a lot of outfits.
the AC wig is valued at ±25 caps, which is a bit expensive, but worth it.
Bad investment: Quest for knowledge Boots" very rare and expensive item, valued at 60 caps.
I would call it a bad investment since shoes are barely noticeable on a pet's customization, and these in particular have a look that does not match a lot of themes and can't be worn with dress, it will probably be used on 1-2 looks every now and then. 
There are a lot of "extravagant" items on the NC boards, that has a very, very high value; such as: "Spyder Web Staff" , "Neoquest wizard Wand", "Mini Monster" … and more; these items are valued at 100+ caps, and worth a lot for NC collectors.
I personally think that they have even less "customization value" than the AC wig. so if you see these items on NC value guide and put them on your wish list just because of this logic: "It's so valuable it must be the best of all items", then you don't actually need them!.
These are for collectors and they are rare and expensive, you won't be able to customize a lot with them and with their price you'll be able to get a lot of great "cheaper" items which can serve you better when customizing.

Every once in a while you will be able to find site events in the NC mall, these events require ticket packs which costs between 200-3000NC depends on the number of tickets. a lot of people trade the big ticket packs for "high value" items. If you have the custom and you wish to trade for bigger items, this might be a great way to find a trade for them, since you'll be using a lot less boxes (sometimes just one). But keep in mind that taking part in these events will get you a lot of items (in some events more thank 30 items!) and cool bonuses at the end, the GMC wig was actually the bonus for completing the entire "Game master Challenge" in 2010.


Every season TNT releases new JJPB items, and new items are being added while the weeks goes by. JJPB is a great way to get a lot of little but very nice items, they are relatively cheap if you buy the 10/25 tokens pack, and you can also win nice bonus prizes, which tend to trade at 6 to even 15 caps value.
If you won a bonus item and you don't like it, you can trade it for another medium-high valued item you do like; that way you'll be able to save your custom, gift boxes and even get a lot of nice items from the game.


as you can see, there are 3 types of widgets packs:
1 pack will give you one item at the cost of 150NC, 5 pack will give you five items at the cost of 100NC per item, and the last is the 10 pack which is the most economical, will give you 10 items at the cost of 90NC per item.
another interesting addition to this game is the power ups. there are two types of power ups:
Large Claw Wonderclaw Power-Up - this power up will allow you to grab two items instead of just one. this item cannot be used on it's own, only as an addition to widgets and will not appear in you inventory once you'll buy it, it will only show in the game.
this power up is very recommended since it allow you to get another item for only 75NC.
for example: if you are planing to buy two 10packs (1800NC), it will be more wise to buy only one 10pack (900NC) and combine it with 10 of this power-up (750NC), this way you'll be able to save 150NC and get the same amount of prizes.
Tier Boost Wonderclaw Power-Up - This power up will upgrade the prize you got to a higher tier (25NC). in my opinion this power up is less recommended, since unlike the JJPB game, in this game the wooden prizes are more rare than the gold ones.

Cloud Castle Background
As you can see in this background there is a built-in cloud foreground that can be a great alternative for the popular feet in the clouds foreground; not only that the background's cloud FG looks more realistic it also trades at a low price, only 1cap value while the Feet in the Clouds trades at 20caps. 
Fantasical Plushie Land BG & Toy Room BG
Up until the new patchwork machine discovery, the Sewing Room Background was considered the ultimate background for plushie pets, this background is very pretty yet very expensive as it trades for 30caps value. but now, thanks to Bigsby there are two new and very beautiful backgrounds that can be used as alternatives, and the best part is that they both trades at 1-2caps each.


if you always wanted a great looking background such as NY in SK, HoTR or that lovely top chop background, well… seek no more!
You can create the ultimate background on your own, and believe me it's a lot more fun than using expensive backgrounds.
here are the steps to do it:
1. choose a theme.
2. find a neutral and simple NP/NC background.
3. get some high/low foreground items.
4. customize your pets with the nice background you created.
Some examples:

Background: Idyllic Nature Scene (NP), Shenkuu Lantern Garland (buyable), Shenkuu Bridge Foreground (1 cap).
Kacheek: Funky Shenkuu Wig (buyable), Ceremonial Shenkuu Warrior Heraldic Banner (3 caps), Shenkuu-Inspired Paper Parasol (NP), Black Lace Up Dress (1-2 caps)
Sum: 5-6 caps
Background: Creepy Cave Background (NP), Doraks Boat (2 caps), Dew Drop Garland (4 caps).
Lutari: Pretty Dark Wig (buyable), Daring Sea Captain Trousers (1 cap), Bandit Mask (5 caps), Friendly Glowing Lantern (NP), Ultimate Bullseye II Quiver (NP), Evil Twin Goatee (NP), Lutari Aviator Tail Belt (NP), Striped Dueling Shirt (NP)
Sum: 10-12 caps
Background: Virtupets Space Station Space Dock Doors Background (Free - Code item), Petpet Goo Blaster (2 caps), Hero of Neopia Foreground (Buyable), Looming Balthazar Shadow (NP) .
Lutari (Clark Kent - Superman Theme): Suave Wavy Brown Wig (buyable), Caroler Trousers (1 cap), Sturdy Caroler Shoes (1 cap), Hero of Neopia Shirt (Buyable), Lutari Aviator Tail Belt (NP), Black Square Glasses (NP).
Sum: 4-5 caps
Background: Dark Cave Background (NP), Gold Filled Mining Cart (NC Item), Starburst Shower (3-4 caps), Old Cobwebs Foreground (NP) .
Korbat: Korbat Miner Coveralls (NP), Korbat Miner Gloves (NP), Korbat Miner Headtorch (NP), Korbat Miner Shoes (NP), Korbat Miner Tail Cover (NP), Shiny Bag of Gold Coins (1-2 caps).
Sum: 8-9 caps
Background: Faerieland Cloud Background (NP), Jumping Babaa Garland (3 caps), Little Babaa Shepherdess Babaa Foreground (Buyable).
Kacheek: Adorable Freckles (Buyable), Little Babaa Shepherdess Crop (Buyable SP - LE), Kacheek Pyjama Cap (NP), Kacheek Pyjama Gown (NP).
Sum:6-7 caps
Background: Spooky Tower Entrance (NP) or Haunted Trees Background (Free - Code item), Tombstone Foreground (1-2 caps), Old Cobwebs Foreground (NP), Spooky Shadows (1-2 caps) .
Mynci: The Three Collectors Cloak (NC item), Halloween Mynci Scythe (PB Item).
Sum:8-9 caps
Background: Tyrannian Volcano Lair Background (NP), Broiling Fire Foreground (2-3 caps), Breath of Fire (4 caps), Lava Puddle (NP) .
Hissi: Halloween Hissi Skeleton Gloves (PB item), Halloween Hissi Skeleton Helm (PB Item), Halloween Hissi Skeleton Hind Cover (PB Item), Hissi Knight Chestplate (NP), Hissi Swordsman Toy Sword (NP), Woodland Archer Cape and Quiver (Buyable) .
Sum:7-8 caps
Remember when we talked about investing in multi-customizable items?
well, not every item of this kind has to be an "investment", some items can be very efficient and relativly cheap.
let's take the "Black Lace up dress" as an example; in the pictures below you'll be able to see 6 different outfits featuring the black lace up dress.




If you have anything to say about this guide, whether it's positive or negative, please NM me and let me know if you want me to post it on this page.


a lot of people see the NY in FL as the most precious and most beautiful Background on the site, and I agree, it is a very beautiful background but it has it's limitations. This background has a very clear faerieland theme and a monotonous color scheme, so you won't be able to do a lot with it; moreover the owners of this background tend to do the same combination with it (see picture); oh and one more tiny little detail, it is worth 55+ caps and it's very hard to find.
so, if you have the money and you simply can't live without it, be my guest; but if you don't, you can find a very nice NP alternative: "Wheel of Excitement Background" and the best part is, it's absolutely free! Well, you'll need to earn NP's for it, but on the plus side, you'll get to play a lot of great flash games in the process.

The Spyder Web Super pack in particular and spooky items in general, are very popular among the NC traders.
These items tend to trade high and are very sought after.
The spyder web Super pack contains the most popular items for spooky themes: Spyder Web Mask/Dress/Gloves (all trade around ±10caps), and of course the "Spyder Web Staff" which is the rarest of them all (trades at 130+caps).
Since not all of us are NC collectors, or can afford such price, there are a lot of wonderful NP items that can create a similar look with fair price for everyone.
As you can see, the "Dark Princess Gown" (buyable) looks a lot like the spyder web one, and if you add the new mask and wig from the last NC ToT event, you will be able to get a great look with only 8 caps value.
To complete the look, you can use some really nice NP items (in green), they have a very low to medium NP cost and can be bought at users shops.
Another good NP alternative is the Species-specific clothing items, which are being released once a year on your neopet's "Pet day".
these items look very good on pets since they are designed to fit only one species; their price range is very wide, while some can be very cheap and obtainable in user shops, others can be extremely expensive, and can only be obtained via trades, auctions or restocking.
But regardless of their price, these items can be a very good substitute for expensive NC super pack items.
In the picture below you can see another popular and very valuable NC super pack, the "Nutcracker Superpack".
This Super pack contains few of the most popular items in neopia: Under the Tree Background (6-8 caps); Nutcracker Jacket/Boots/Hat/Music (all trade around ± 5caps); Nutcracker Sword/Gloves, both are expensive collectors items, and last but not least the Nutcracker Face Paint a.k.a Nutty, one of the most popular items among NC traders (trades at 12-15 caps).



For more Species-specific items:

as you might have noticed, there are some items around neopia that look almost the same.
These items, usually are "new release" of an older NC item or an NP equivalent.
While the NP items are completely free, the newer NC items will be, in most cases, cheaper than the original version, and will make a great substitute for new NC traders.
Here are some examples:




Being a new trader on the NC board could be extremely confusing, with all the talk about caps and values, random letters in the middle of sentences, utter gibberish.
so if you are reading this and nodding in agreement, you're in the right place, here you can find some of the NC board common jargon and hopefully it will make everything a bit clearer.

Confused?, so does a lot of other new traders!
NY in = New years in, and it refers to the LE (limited Edition) New years backgrounds.
These background are very Valuable and popular among NC traders, here is a complete list of them:

The biggest thank you to Nene for creating such a wonderful and helpful site: Sugary Premades. 
The secret for a great customization is to use a variety of items, NP and NC; but there is another kind of items - Paint brush items.
these items are part of the pet's color and are obtainable by painting your pet with a paint brush or zapping them at the lab. the paint brush items are usually expensive due to the paint brush high prices, but the clothing items you'll get can be worthwhile.
In this section of the guide you will be able to find PB (Paint Brush) alternatives for expensive/ Popular NC items.
The Nutcracker FP or the Nutty FP, is one of the most popular and sought after NC items, this item trade at ~15caps and is very hard to find.
There is a cheaper NC alternative for this item, which a lot of the NC traders use, "Rosy Cheeks Face Paint" - LE from the buyable Flower Fun Superpack (Trades at ~4caps).
But, if you are a Usul owner there is a FREE (NP) alternative for you: Usuki Paint Brush - This paint brush gives a Female Usul a built-in Nutty FP effect (see Picture), and it cost around 1.8m NP - which is completely free.

Each pet around Neopia has its own special day, the day that the species was created.
In this day, TNT will release new "Species - Specific" clothing items according to the Species of the day.
These clothing items are released in Sets and are usually very fitting and beautiful, since they are created to fit one species only; their price range is very wide and can be extremely expensive for one item and very cheap for other.
Many of these items can be a great alternative for expensive NC items.
Here you can see some examples:

The GMC Lulu wig is one of the most popular wigs on the site, it's very rare to find one UFT (up for trade), it trades very high (20 cap) and it's value is constantly increasing.
But there is some good news for Xweetok owners, there is an almost-identical wig available only for Xweetoks: Space Gypsy Xweetok Wig, this wig looks almost exactly like the lulu wig since they have the same shape and cut, the only difference is in the wigs color and ornaments.

Another very popular item is the Skeletal Face Paint (~15caps), also very hard to find and very sought after. But if you own a Jetsam, you will be glad to hear that the NP alternative for this item is relatively cheap and even prettier than the original.
Jetsam Witch Doctor Mask - has the Skelly FP effect and also includes a hat the resembles the "Spooky Spyder Top Hat", which makes it even more profitable.
Another alternative is PB item "Halloween Jetsam Cape" which can be a great substitute for the Nox Cape.










Archer:![]()
Customizer: Shirmeital
Pet Name: Sofer NC Items: Quizzical Whoot on a Branch (2-3 caps), Caroler Trousers (1 cap), Pretty Dark Wig (Buyable), Woodland Archer Bow (Buyable), Woodland Archer Cape and Quiver (Buyable), Regulation Meridellian Chainmail (Buyable). NP Items: Crumbling Ancient Castle Background , Shrubbery , Bloodshot Eye Contact, Evil Twin Goatee. Sum: 4-5 caps |
Cloud Racer:![]()
Customizer: Cosmoswizard
Pet Name: ChokoYuki NC Items: Rosy Cheeks Face Paint (4caps), Paw Print Flag (1cap), Fire Racing Suit (1cap), Golden Key Necklace (buyable), Sparkling Crimson Slippers (buyable), Windswept Wig (buyable), Faerie Cloud Racer Collectors Background (1cap) NP Items: Usul Winter Mittens Sum: 7 caps |
Chocolate Dream:![]()
Customizer: frenchie_the_queen
Pet Name: Regoon NC Items: Valentine Makeup (2-3 caps), Pretty Pink Bow Wig (buyable), Gold Trimmed Valentines Wings (2-3 caps), Charming Rose Skirt (1 cap), Chocolate Dream Background (1 cap), Pretty Purple Faerie Shirt (1 cap). NP Items: none. Sum: 7-10 caps |
Apple Orchard:![]()
Customizer: dragonfairybump
Pet Name: Hypertensive NC Items: Apple Orchard Background (buyable), Apple Orchard Foreground (1cap), Quaint Gardening Shed (buyable), Long Black Wig with Bangs (1 caps), Brilliant Red Faerie Wings (1 cap), Moltara Team Cuffs (buyable), Black and Red Stripe Stockings and Shoes (buyable), Vampire Costume Face Paint (1-2 caps), School Books with Strap (3 caps), Fiery Dance Dress (1 cap), Vampire Costume Amulet (3 caps). NP Items: Shiny Apple. Sum: 10-11 caps |
Warrior:![]()
Customizer: dragonfairybump
Pet Name: _doom_kitty_ NC Items: End of Battle Background (2-3 caps), Golden Yooyu Locket (1 cap), Altadorian Warrior Plate Shirt (buyable), Altadorian Warrior Plate Greaves (buyable), Metal Daisy-shaped Flower Shield (1 cap), Shenkuu Warrior Princess Boots (buyable), Classical Pillar Foreground (1 cap), Woodland Archer Body Art (buyable), Shields and Weapons Garland (1-2 caps), Altadorian Warrior Helmet (buyable). NP Items: Old Cobwebs Foreground. Sum: 7-8 caps |
Summer Fun:![]()
Customizer: heartless1__bb
Pet Name: Wongi NC Items: Pretty Tropical Lagoon Background (buyable), Sun Shower (buyable), Gypsy Boy Vest (1 cap), Wrap Trousers (1-2 caps), MME2-S3: Puddle with Golden Fish Tail (1-2 caps), Mallard Swimming Goggles. NP Items: Embers Boots. Sum: 5-6 caps |
Gothic Look:![]()
Customizer: iamthebest72
Pet Name: Xahyr NC Items: Curly Blond Cherub Wig (3-4 caps), Haunted Woods Team Cuffs (buyable), Hothouse Flower Garland (1cap)Shenkuu Bridge Foreground (1cap), Gothic Garden Background (3-4 caps), Broadcaster Jacket (1-2 caps), Mad Tea party shoes (buyable), Black Utility Trousers (buyable). NP Items: none. Sum: 9-11 caps |
Spooky:![]()
Customizer: semmy_genius
Pet Name: HydragonHissi NC Items: Crawling Spyders Foreground (1-2 caps), Gnarled Bone Wings (1-2 caps), Trees have eyes Foreground (2 caps),Spooky Goblet (1cap), Stormy Night BG (2 caps). NP Items: Bloodshot Eye Contact, Halloween Hissi Wearables,Mystery Island Hissi Necklace, RB Hissi Mantle. Sum: 7-9 caps |
Big Dance Night:![]()
Customizer: yurizukii
Pet Name: Magyckia NC Items: Robertas Collectors Contacts (1 cap), Vintage Gold Earrings (buyable), Faerie Dust Shower (buyable), Funky Shenkuu Wig (buyable), Dark Princess Gown (buyable), Air Faerie Bubble Necklace (buyable), Classic Beauty Mark (buyable), Spyders Web Covered Chandelier (2-3 caps), The Big Dance Background (buyable), Carnival Fan (buyable). NP Items: Fancy Ball Mask. Sum: 3-4 caps |
Mad Scientist:![]()
Customizer: ivyfoo
Pet Name: Willerd NC Items: Telescopic Monocle (1-2 cap), Grey Warlock Wig (1 cap), Broken Heart Plushie (1 cap), Fancy Lab Coat (1-2 caps), Stormy Night Background (2 caps), Brilliant Purple Faerie Wings (1 cap), MME9-S2: Tentacle Takeover (1 cap). NP Items: Pirate Buzz Trousers, Christmas Buzz Boots, Purple Buzz Gardening Gloves. Sum: 8-10 caps |
Spooky Labratory:![]()
Customizer: kaminarineko
Pet Name: mudanza NC Items: Side Ponytail Green Wig (buyable - 1 cap), MME9-S1: Nearly Inescapable Tank, (1 cap), MME9-S2: Tentacle Takeover (1 cap), Labratory Background (2-3 caps). NP Items: Acara Nurse Uniform, Acara Nurse Shoes. Sum: 4-6 caps |
Neovian Night:![]()
Customizer: lncluido
Pet Name: Auvrel NC Items: A Rolling Fog (buyable), Neovian Twilight Background (buyable), Black Satin Bow Tie (buyable), Fancy Wrought Iron Lamp (buyable), Classic Street Lamp (1-2 cap). NP Items: Cybunny Tuxedo, Black Satin Cybunny Top Hat, Smarmy Monocle, Cybunny Pocket Watch. Sum: 1-2 caps |
Ghostly Prince:![]()
Customizer: yurizukii
Pet Name: Bedyre NC Items: MiniMME4-S1: The Trees Have Eyes Foreground (2 caps), Spooky Shadows (1 cap). NP Items: Royal Boy Xweetok Trousers, Lost Desert Xweetok Makeup, Snowy Xweetok Collar, Moon and Stars Background, Royal Boy Xweetok Crown, Royal Boy Xweetok Shirt. Sum: 3 caps |
Lady:![]()
Customizer: xalo_cruzado
Pet Name: Zoltai NC Items: Blue and Yellow Decorative Fence Foreground (1 cap), Tower Princess Gown (buyable), Woodland Archer Wig (buyable), Classic Beauty Mark (buyable), Butterfly Arm Tattoo (1 cap), Butterfly Shower (buyable), Tower Princess Shoes (buyable), Tower Princess Necklace (buyable LE - 3caps), Brightly Coloured Spring Umbrella (1cap). NP Items: Perfect Gazebo Background, Lutari Band Leader Gloves. Sum: 3-6 caps |
Berry Picking:![]()
Customizer: kyliec
Pet Name: Ileane NC Items: Garden Gate Foreground (elite boutique buyable), Cupcake Skirt (elite boutique buyable), Adorable Freckles (buyable), Sun Shower (buyable), Summery Polkadot Shirt (buyable), Fun Summer Hat with Flower (1 cap), Spring Flower Earrings (1-2 caps). NP Items: Neogarden Background, Basket of Berries, Kacheek Farm Girl Shoes. Sum: 2-3 caps |
Warrior Princess:![]()
Customizer: raulap
Pet Name: Migikata NC Items: End of Battle Background (2-3 caps), Flame Sword (1-2 caps), Hearts on Fire Shower (1 cap), Orange Fiery Skirt (1 cap), Shields and Weapons Garland (1 cap), Shiny Horns (Buyable). NP Items: Lost Desert Xweetok Bracers, Lost Desert Xweetok Earrings, Lost Desert Xweetok Makeup. Sum: 6-9 caps |
Plushie Kiosk:![]()
Customizer: Shirmeital
Pet Name: Sofer NC Items: Oversized Squishable Yooyu (1-2 caps), Yooyu Hoodie (1-2caps). NP Items: Black Square Glasses, AAA Host Trousers, Lutari Aviator Tail Belt, Kiosk Foreground, Shrubbery, Altador Cup Colosseum Interior Background. Sum: 2-4 caps |
Your Theme:![]()
Customizer: Your Username
NC Items: NP Items: Sum: caps |

Madalen's Dressing Room:![]()
Photo album of my pets customization, made by me for the "Best Dressed" Site.
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Fun Screenshots:![]()
Some of my recent random events screenshots, just for fun.
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