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4/29/13 - ERMERGERD. NEW LAYOUT. As you can see, things have really been BLOOMING here at Substitute! We've got a new spring banner, background, float, and even our "Back to the Top" button has gotten a new look! Check it out. :)
3/30/13 - Got woken up by a thunderstorm at 3:30 AM central time. Decided to update while waiting for the storm to pass. Thanks to Rudy, one of our amazing staffers, we have TWO new alternates for some very sought after backgrounds. Check 'em out!
3/27/13 - Why is it that I get silenced for three days when I actually want to work on my sites? Anyhoo, I'm super excited because I actually learned how to make buttons! You can thank the lovely lass who wrote this button tutorial. Anyhoo, I made three buttons for Substitute, and although they have the same base, they have three different animations. Eeep! So pumped! You have no idea how excited I am. :D
3/16/13 - Substitute is the FIRST EVER featured site at the wonderful Shelf Directory! On behalf of the Staff at Substitute, thanks go out to Simba for featuring us! Regardless if this is your first time visiting, or one out of many times, I hope the staff and I can serve you well, and help you save money!
Let's just all be honest here, ok? Not all of us are well off enough to buy a lot of neocash. There's expenses in real life, such as utilities, groceries, school books and loans, among other things. Some people cannot afford a lot of neocash, and because of this, are not able to get their "high end dream items" very easily.
And we all really do have to be honest with ourselves here, there are some NC items out there, that are really inflated. To the point that it's harder for someone with a NORMAL budget to be able to afford trading for it ($150 just for a WIG? What?) So what are we left to do? The answer is simple.
Substitute. Instead of going after the high end pretty items, let's find alternates that are cheaper, and look just as good! That's what this site was created to do. And that's our intention. To HELP YOU SAVE NEOCASH! :)
This site is a site for you to contribute to. Here, the community and I shall work together to provide viable options and alternates to some of the most inflated NC items out there. This is a large undertaking, and I know it might seem like a big task. But don't worry. There's many creative minds out there that can help!
The benefits of using a site such as this, and choosing to use cheaper (yet still amazing) NC items instead of their costlier, and more sought after alternates are simple. You get to save real money in the form of customs and neocash items, and you get to combat inflation by not being one of the hordes of people seeking the high end pretty things, which decreases demand, thus decreasing the inflation of those items. :D
Now, I would be lying if I said that I came up with this idea without some inspiration. My main source was the amazing page called Neocash for Customizers, which talked quite a bit about items that look alike, and alternates, as well as many other amazing topics. The idea of alternate items really did come from the words of this amazing site, so be sure to visit this page! :)
Now, some people have been confused about this, but I want to clarify:
My goal is to provide alternates for high end and popular items, using neocash and neopoint items that are cheaper, and able to be used by EVERYONE. Some have suggested I list species specific items here, however, there is another site that does that, and I would prefer to leave them to that task. I will link this site for you guys below:
Some people have also suggested that I change my models to more accurately represent the differences between how items look on different types of pets, and different poses. However, I feel that this would not only create a lot of extra work for me, which is unneeded, but I feel that there are quite a few wardrobe sites out there on the web (Mainly Jellyneo, Sunnyneo, and Dress to Impress) and I figure that you guys are smart enough to model the items I suggest on your own pets before you buy them, or trade for them. Right? My models tend to be kacheeks because all items tend to look good on them, and they are good for comparing one item to another.
Our goal is to create alternate customizations that look a lot like, if not better than some of the higher end NC items! We're here to help neopians customize cheaper, and better than ever before! Just find a high end item, create a customization using an alternate, then send me the image, and I'll put it up here! :D
I've complied a list of alternates that the staff and I are hoping to find. This list is for YOU to use. Maybe you just want to help out, and play around in a wardrobe app until you have something to suggest, or you're just wondering what kind of items we're wanting to target. This list will help. We are always looking for alternates for the items we've already listed on this page too though!
Key:Simply scroll down, or use the navigation at the top to find the item you are wanting to find an alternate for. Hover over any picture to find a list of the items involved, as well as a larger preview of that customization. If the customization was submitted, the person who submitted that creation will be credited.
If you are on a tablet, or a mobile device and cannot hover, just tap on the customization you wish to view in a larger format, and it should just pop on up for you. :)
NO CREDIT IS NEEDED FOR USING THESE CUSTOMIZATIONS. Most of these ideas were given to me by the public, or my staff. They belong to all neopians, so no credit is needed to use them. This includes if you wish to use these ideas in graphics, userlookups..etc.
If you do not desire to have your username shown (preferring to donate to us anonymously.) Please make sure that is included in the submission form below.
Also, please note this! Sometimes during the year there are seasonal spikes for certain items. For example, during halloween, certain items tend to receive a small boost in value because of all of the NC'ers looking for halloween items for their pets. Same with christmas items, and spring items, and fall items and sometimes even summer items.
Some of the items I suggest are only cheaper by a small margin and sometimes during seasonal spikes, they can close the gap between both items. I highly doubt that this will happen with all items, but some certain items may have this happen. Don't panic. Just wait until the item goes down after the crazy season is over. The two main areas you should be worried about this are HALLOWEEN and CHRISTMAS. Those tend to be the two biggest spikes each year.
If you would like to PREVIEW the items live, with animation and everything, I have three suggestions for you:
Jellyneo's Item WardrobeIf you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please neomail Hzoo_26, and I shall try to return your NM promptly!
I have decided against putting cap values in this guide because they are constantly changing, and I do not want people quoting my guide as the standard for NC item trades
I feel that if I tried to include cap values here, I would also not be able to update the guide often enough to reflect the current values anyway. Which would be leading people astray. Thus, I am listing two value guides that I know are updated regularly. I do check every item before I list it here to make sure it is cheaper than the item it's supposed to replace, but for EXACT VALUES, I suggest checking these guides. :)
If you cannot find the value you are needing there, or you simply want to get the most recent information possible, head to the Neocash Chat and create a value check board. :)
Thanks ya'll!
I figured that it'd be a good idea for me to show you my method for finding alternate items and customizations, just in case you desire to find your own. My method is not that hard. It's actually pretty simple.
Finding alternates for backgrounds is a little bit easier than finding alternates for other items, and there's many different combinations you can use to find them. So we'll start with them.
Pretty simple step here. Let's use a decently popular background....how about New Years in Brightvale? It's a good one, and it's popular. Plus, I really like Brightvale as a whole.
Step #2: Find the elements you LIKE about the Background.What is it that draws you to the background? Take a close look at it and see what you really like about it. In the case of this background, I would say it's three things for me:
Ok, so we have three "elements" of this background that I want to replicate. Now comes the fun part.
Step #3: Find a cheaper background to use as a starting point.Ok. So let's look at a few candidates here for a good background to start with. I found three good ones that could work, depending on what direction we desire to go.
Since this is a new years background, a logical choice to start would be some sort of new years themed background. The Summer Fireworks Background, and the Fireworks Background both do the job. I threw in the Moon and Stars Background because I really liked it, and it seemed to remind me of the starry background of New Years in Brightvale.
Step #4: Find Foregrounds, Background Items, and Garlands that add the effects you need.Normally what I do when I am looking for items like these to complete a background, is I start by asking myself what kind of theme I'm going for. Well, first I'm going for a brightvale theme, so I need to search for some brightvale themed items.
Remember what I said about the elements you like? Well, I really liked the brightvale castle, and I think if I could find an item that makes it look like I'm near the castle, it would not only provide me with a brightvale theme, BUT complete the replication of one of the elements I've chosen.
Thankfully, there is an item out there. Sometimes there will not be, but in this case, I'm very lucky, and there is an item out there. It's called the Brightvale Castle Celebration.
Now, time to test it out on the backgrounds I've chosen. Let's see which one it fits on best. Let's start with the Fireworks Background.
UH OH. This doesn't look good at all. Nobody wants to visit a floating castle. So I guess this option is out. :(
Now let's see how it goes with the Summer Fireworks Background. Maybe it'll work better..
Nope. This doesn't work ether. Although it's better, the castle is sitting on a river, and it really looks quite awkward. On to my last option....
Now, THIS WORKS! The hill is perfect, and the starry sky is a bonus too! I really like how this looks, so this will be my choice. :)
Now, what I'm looking for now, is something to take care of those bushes at the sides. So, I'm looking for plants, and something very bush/shrub like. Using a quick search, I manged to find these two ideas.
The Shrubbery and Pick your Own Foreground are both foregrounds involving bushes. Which is nice. And they are both neopoint items, which saves money.
Let's start with the Shrubbery first....
Not bad...Not bad. It looks like NY in BV, which is what we're going for. Let's just try the Pick your Own Foreground, just to be sure....
Also not bad, hmmm....In cases like this, I usually end up making two different alternates, but since the items take up different zones...
WE CAN COMBINE THEM. :D Just like those silly terms in algebra. However, the true test of this substitute comes from last step.
Step #5: Make sure that the substitute you create is cheaper than the item it's supposed to be replacing!This is the part where I scour the value guides looking for the items I used in the customization. In this case, there's only one neocash item, which is the Brightvale Castle Celebration.
According to the guides, the Brightvale Castle Celebration is 1-2 caps in value, while the New Years in Brightvale Background is around 2-3. And it's currently low because it was rereleased recently, so it should go a bounce back up in value as time goes on. But the good thing is, our alternate is GOOD. :)
Backgrounds can be some of the most expensive items on the neocash chat. Backgrounds such as New Years in Faerieland, ATOR, Gift of Neocash, and others. Thankfully, we're here to save you some money, with alternates! :) Known for it's beautiful starry sky, fireworks, and cherry blossoms. This background is loved and adored by many people in the NC chat! Here are the alternate ideas we have.Backgrounds
New Years in Shenkuu
Items Involved:
Summer Fireworks Background (NC)
Shenkuu Entrance Garland (NC)
Shenkuu Bridge Foreground (NC)
Items Involved:
Summer Fireworks Background (NC)
Wooden Shenkuu Doorway Frame (NP)
Shenkuu Bridge Foreground (NC)
Items Involved:
Summer Fireworks Background (NC)
Shenkuu Lantern Garland (NC)
Shenkuu Bridge Foreground (NC)
Items Involved:
Summer Fireworks Background (NC)
Round Paper Lantern String Lights (NP)
Circular Doorway Foreground (NP)
Items Involved:
Summer Fireworks Background (NC)
Wooden Shenkuu Doorway Frame (NP)
Bamboo Forest Foreground (NP)
Items Involved:
Summer Fireworks Background (NC)
Shrubbery (NP)
Cherry Blossom Garland (NC)
Items Involved:
Summer Fireworks Background (NC)
Traditional Stone Lantern (NC)
Cherry Blossom Garland (NC)
Items Involved:
Fireworks Background (NP)
Round Paper Lantern String Lights (NP)
Circular Doorway Foreground (NP)
Items Involved:
New Years Celebration Background (NC)
Wooden Shenkuu Doorway Frame (NP)
Items Involved:
New Years Celebration Background (NC)
Round Paper Lantern String Lights (NP)
Twin Noil Statues Foreground (NP)
Items Involved:
New Years Celebration Background (NC)
Shenkuu Lantern Garland (NC)
Twin Noil Statues Foreground (NP)
Items Involved:
New Years Celebration Background (NC)
Colorful Paper Lantern Garland (NC)
Twin Noil Statues Foreground (NP)
With it's wonderful seaside view, lovely skull decorations, and beautiful island foliage, this background is wonderfully admired. And rightly so! Here are the alternate ideas we have.
Perhaps the most sought after and famous of the New Years Backgrounds. Set before Faerieland crashed out of the sky, it's a beautiful background full of pink clouds, the outlines of faerie city, as well as a beautiful stone sidewalk! Here are our alternate ideas for you!
Instead of just trying to change the background to fit NY in FL, why don't you just make it New Years in NEW Faerieland instead? Use a pretty background such as the Summer Fireworks Background, and dress your pet up to look like a faerie themselves, celebrating their first new years on the ground, instead of the clouds? Here are a few examples of that:
An out of this world background that has some people orbiting around trying to get their hands on it. Thankfully, there's a reasonable alternate out there!
This is one of those amazing NP item alternates that just exceeds the item it's supposed to replace! If you desire an extra effect, try adding the Kreludor Crater Foreground (NC) as well!
Desired by many because of it's sweet candy theme, this background has a few creative alternates that we can suggest.
Loved by owners of plushie pets, this background has always been a favorite, thankfully we have an alternate.
Pretty nice alternate, no? And still pretty cute as well!
Attack of the Revenge, or AOTR as it is sometimes called, is one of the rarest and most hard to find NC items in history. However, there is one background that looks really similar, and is a lot cheaper and easier to find.
The Stormy Seas Background is a wonderful alternate that looks amazingly similar to AOTR. It's a very lovely alternate. Also, I suggest you check other background options for your pirate themed customizations. Such as the Tied to the Mast Background, and the Black Pawkeet Background. :)
Loved by those wanting icy backgrounds for winter customizations, and fans of the ice snake themselves, it's a little hard to get your hands on this background. Thankfully, we've got a plan!
The Ice Caves Background is good for those who want to still have the Snowager in the background itself. I personally recommend the Snowagers Spare Cave Background to those who own ice hissi themselves, and want to make their hissi look like the snowager, or those who like the "treasure pile" aspect of the original background more than the icy snake himself.
This alternate's story is really cool, particularly because it's about taking the ideas of two staffers, and merging them together to get the perfect alternate. Rudy (Twirlzys) submitted an idea that involved a foreground and a shower combined with a background to create an alternate for MME6-B. I liked the idea, but I checked it with Mousie (mousie_is_so_cute), and she and I decided that a better background was needed. Particularly one that seemed more bubbly. Here's what the combined efforts of three Substitute Staffers ended up creating...
This only goes to show that the power of having a team is the ability to mix ideas from more than one person to create something beautiful!
One of the most loved miniMME items, this beautiful forest background is adored by all. But we have alternates for you!
One of those thanksgiving backgrounds that tends to trade very well. But unless you want to have enough money left over to buy a turkey, you had better use these alternates we're suggesting!
Popular with fall customizers, this background has gotten a little harder to find lately. But we've got just the right ideas to save your fall fashions!
Both of these backgrounds are lovely. The County Road Background is good for those with no neocash. And for those who have neocash, the Autumn Bridge BG has fall trees, a riverbank, and even the added bonus of a cute bridge too!
Very popular with Halloween Customizers, this frightful background is all the rage. Thankfully, we've got a few alternates lined up that are just as spooky!
These backgrounds are pretty decent. However, the real magic is when you add a few foregrounds and garlands to make them even spookier. Here are just a couple of examples to inspire you....
Try experimenting with different spooky foregrounds/BGs and see what you come up with. I bet you that you can find some nice customizations!
Often known as Radiant, this background was (in all honesty) a tricky one to try and replicate. However, after making a board on the neocash chat, looking for substitutes, one user piped up, and reminded me of a really close one...
The Gormball Field Background is really similar. It has the tree in the corner, the sunset, and the open circle of grass for your pet to stand in. Now, the one disadvantage to this background is the large puddle of water. But, if you use a flowery foreground, you can at least partially cover it, and make it look a bit more like Radiant. :)
This beautiful background is loved by those who enjoy roaring fires, hanging stockings, and of course, the holiday season. Thankfully, we've got alternates so you don't have to pay a lot for a beautiful customization!
Known as "Gloomy" on the NC chat, this background is known for it's grey hues, gloomy demeanor, and it's desirability. Thankfully, we have a suggestion for you!
The Winter Cemetery Ruins Background has quite the same feel as Gloomy, and has the added bonus of being a wintery background too. I also like how the ruined cemetery looks in the background too. :)
Loved by fans of the game, Meridell nuts, or turmac fans. This background is pretty hard to pry from people. But thankfully, we've got a berry good solution. (Get it? xD)
This is one of those lovely pure neopoint alternatives that we love to post here at Substitute. Thanks to a nice cheap background, and a decent garland, we have an alternate for all!
As far as this background goes, there is an OBVIOUS alternate. And the best part is that it's a neopoint background item. It's the lovely Deserted Fairground Silhouette Background. It's a wonderfully creepy background that is wonderful to use and customize with.
If the second background doesn't look creepy enough, why not add some items like the Pumpkin string lights, or A Rolling Fog to make the scene a bit more creepy?
This background has always been a favorite. With it's beautiful golden hues, and it's lovely and refined setting, it's for any belle of the ball. However, it can bring a lot of pain to your wallet if you don't have a good alternate. Thankfully, we do have some!
Both of these alternate backgrounds are beautiful. One is more of a ballroom in a castle, while the other is more of a ballroom in a large house. Both are beautiful alternates that are cheaper to find than the Elegant Ballroom Background itself. :)
Sometimes shortened to "Corridor", this space related background is pretty expensive. Don't worry though, if we can put a neopet on the moon, we can find alternate ideas!
All of these BGs are very lovely space themed backgrounds. And a few of them are even NP backgrounds, which makes them all the more wonderful!
This lovely background is a shining example of a good autumn themed background. It's a back porch of a halloween themed house, with autumn colors all around. Here are a few alternates. :)
Although the Trick or Treat Doorstep Background is still pretty expensive, it is a few caps cheaper than the Autumn Back Porch, and still is a lovely alternative. Plus, the fact that the background usually gets re-released once a year or so, allows you to sometimes get it for a lower capsule value than it is currently. Just watch out for the halloween spike that sometimes occurs on the NC chat right before the halloween holiday, because then it might just jump up a wee bit in value.
This background is very popular, and is liked because of it's fiery appearance. Thankfully, there are a LOT of cheaper alternates out there. xD
Oh, and there's more too. You see, besides these three backgrounds, there's also two other items that can help you create the general "look" of the Magma Pool Background without even needing to use one of the backgrounds above
See? Both of these items can be mixed and matched with various backgrounds to create your own magma/lava pool anywhere.
Being the owner of an ixi from Geraptiku myself, I have always been sad that this background is so very expensive to get. There however, is one cheaper alternative, although in it's own right, it still is pretty hard to find.
The Deserted Tomb Entrance Collectors Background is cheaper than the Geraptiku Background by quite a few caps. Now, it is a wee bit expensive in it's own right, but compared to spending money to get Geraptiku, it's not that horrible. For those wanting and even cheaper alternate...
Creating your own version of Geraptiku using the correct foregrounds and backgrounds can be quite fun. And it's not as hard as you'd imagine if you have the correct customization, or paint brush clothes to go with it. ;)
Known as "Whimsy", this background is a very popular one that was recently re-released in the birthday mystery capsules. Dispite it's rerelease, I am confidant that it will eventually rise in value, since it is a very pretty background, and is very sought after. Thankfully, we have some alternates for when that happens!
The MME11-S4: Spring Is Here Background and the Charming Summer Garden Background are both lovely backgrounds that seem to capture the feel of the Whimsical Garden Background. Although Whimsy is currently at an all time low value because of it's rerelease, I'm certain that it will bounce back eventually. :)
The Meridellian Spring Background is one of my favorite backgrounds. I am a Meridell Nut, and a large fan of the country itself. This background is loved because it's a beautiful background for spring customizations. Ironically, there is another spring background that is so similar, that it must be mentioned here!
The similarity between these backgrounds scares me almost. I took a good look at the stones in the stone path, and they are strangely similar in pattern and size. Not to mention the tree in the left side of both backgrounds! Which is why the Negg Hunting Background is a wonderful alternate for the Meridellian Spring Background! :)
TNT has made a lot of miner customization items for different species, so what's better to go with a miner customization than a gold mine background? Thankfully, we've got a few ideas to make sure that your mother lode isn't spent on neocash. ;P
Besides the options offered, there are a LOT of backgrounds that are related to caves. With the right items, you can easily create a number of good alternates for Gold Mine. :)
Loved by those who want the look of a swampy area, this background is pretty bogged down in heavy values. But don't worry, we've got an alternate that'll get your customization unstuck.
Both Backgrounds are boggish and swampy backgrounds. They are pretty similar if you look closely. If you wish to add a more mystery island feel to the background, try adding some tiki torches, or other island forgrounds or maybe some vines to the background!
Loved by theater folk, this background makes your pet feel like it's part of the show! Thankfully we have an alternate for you, so you can still make your curtain call! :)
There is one other neopoint alternative to thespian, however, it is SO overpriced and rare, that it costs tens of millions of neopoints to obtain that background. Which is why I have decided NOT to list it here. As it is only obtainable by the very, very, very rich neopians out there.
A JJPB background that has been rereleased in the past, this background still remains popular today. Some people call it ToT, which makes me feel like an old person, because I remember when ToT stood for the "Trick or Treat" background. Haha.
The Spring Path Background used to be very expensive, but now it's pretty cheap and easy to buy, thankfully. :)
One of the most expensive backgrounds on the Neocash Chat, this background is loved because of it's use for wintery customizations. Thankfully, we have a whole bunch of alternates for you! :)
As you can see, there are a lot of ways to "create" your own look using the correct backgrounds and foregrounds. I'm partial to the Snow Drift Foreground simply because of how amazing it looks with certain backgrounds. :)
This background's natural colors are very beautiful, and loved by customizers. However, it's quite expensive. But don't croak, we've got the solution. (Get it.....lily pads....croak? xD)
If you like the layout for the lily pads, then the Lily Pad Background is the one you'll be wanting to go for. If you like it for the natural colors, and the waterfalls, then the Idyllic Nature Scene is pretty good as an alternate. Both are NP wearables too, which means that the cost to you, is zero caps altogether!
Wigs are, by far, some of the most used, and most sought after NC items. After all, your neopet does need some hair. This section will cover those high end wigs that nobody seems to want to trade. We've found some lovely alternates for you to try! The Altadorian Wig with Gold Ribbon, or the "AC wig" as it is called, is one of the most popular items on the NC Chat. It's a beautifully braided wig, with a lovely splash of gold ribbon to tie into the light brown locks of hair. We have two options. You can replicate that altadorian "style" of the wig, or you can replicate the "general look", which is a wig that is styled somewhat at the top, then comes down into a long braid on one side of your neopet. Regardless of your choices, here are the alternates for you to try.Wigs
Altadorian Wig with Gold Ribbon
Items Involved:
Altadorian Wig with Gold Ribbon (NC)
Items Involved:
Braided Island Wig (NC)
Items Involved:
Tower Princess Wig (NC)
Items Involved:
Braided Brown Wig (NC)
Items Involved:
Altador Cup Cheerleader Laurel Wig (NC)
Items Involved:
Laurel Wreath Wig (NC)
Items Involved:
Long Brown Autumn Wig (NC)
Suggested by lilgoby
Items Involved:
Spiked Black Wig (NC)
Items Involved:
Fashionable Bone Wig (NC)
Items Involved:
Luck Finder Wig and Hat (NC)
Known as the Court Dancer Wig on the NC Chat, this wig is often used by draik owners for their female draiks. Other neopets and owners use it as well, but it's most often seen on draiks overall. It's a very expensive wig, but we have alternates for you!
These alternates are not only a lot cheaper than the Court Dancer Wig, but they are really pretty in their own right! :)
The Isca wig is by far one of the most loved wigs on the NC chat. There are a lot of people who use it for various customizations. Thankfully, we have an alternate here at Substitute!
These two wigs are the closest alternates we can find at the moment. They are quite similar in color, although they are not perfect. All we can do is hope that TNT makes more alternates for high end items. Isca's Wig Included!
It's full name is the Games Master Challenge NC Challenge 2010 Lulu Wig, however, most people just call it the GMC Lulu Wig, or GMC for short. It's a lot easier than typing all of those words out. This wig is (by far) the most sought after wig on the neocash chat. To put it simply, if you want to trade for it, expect to pay over one hundred US dollars in customs. Thankfully, we've got quite a few alternates.
To be honest, there are a lot of alternates for the GMC wig. There are even other red wigs that I haven't listed, as well as the Space Gypsy Xweetok Wig, which looks really similar to the GMC wig, for xweetoks. My suggestion? Save your money and use an alternate. These wigs will save you a lot of time, frustration, and NC. :)
Handheld items such as purses, flower, bouquets, and more can totally complete a customization. Which is why certain handhelds tend to be more expensive than others. Thankfully, we have some ideas for you.
This handheld has always been loved by Shenkuu customizers, but watch out, there's a new alternative sheriff in town, and it means business!
Some people may call me crazy, but I kinda think that TNT staffers know more about NC trading values then they let on, and purposefully like releasing alternates to help combat inflation in the NC trading world. In this case, this Ornate Shenkuu Lantern is so close to the Paper Lantern Staff as far as style, that I'm hesitant to believe that TNT didn't have some sort of evil plot in mind when they designed it. ;)
A collector's item that is highly valued, and loved by those who have pets with magical abilities. However, like the Weasleys, we enjoy saving money on our wands, which is why we have some lovely suggestions for you.
One of those items liked by those who have Fyora or Pink themed customizations, this staff is pretty expensive. But we've got some alternates that may even make the faerie queen consider changing her wardrobe choices~!
This item has recently become quite popular. So, I have decided to list out some of the alternates that have been suggested to the staff and I for this spooky staff!
All of these skull staffs are very useful for different customizations. Hopefully you'll find one that suits YOU. ;)
One of those items that suits ice/snow/winter themed pets well. But we have quite a few items that can suit your pets perfectly this winter, for a lot less!
All of these NC items are quite a bit cheaper than the Sparkling Ice Staff. Not to mention they all have very different styles that can help you personalize your pet's customization!
This is a great item for halloween customizations, however, it's often harder to find, particularly during the halloween seasons. Thankfully, we've got an alternate!
Not only is this alternate an neopoint item, but it's a really neat one too! This little pail is perfect for trick or treaters and customizers alike!
Being a superpack item, many people think that this wand is the perfect item to go with the superpack. But it's wholly expensive. Thankfully, we have a solution.
Now you may be saying, "Sunny, why the choice of a NP wand?" The answer is pretty simple. When most people think of wizards they ether think of old men with white beards and starry caps/robes, or they tend to think of Harry Potter.
To be honest, as a Harry Potter fan, and someone who's a fan of stories involving wizardry altogether, I find it funny that TNT would create a wand for a wizard that is really really small. When I think of wizards' wands, I think of long staffs with with some sort of orb or fancy decoration on the top, or the wooden wands from Harry Potter. I do not think of something quite like the NQ wizard wand.
So, all in all, I find that the Yew Wand is more of a natural choice. There are, of course, a few other NC wands that include magic, however, I felt like I should list the closest alternate in terms of color, and general accessibility.
This sword is perfect for a swashbuckler, but it's high price may make you have to resort to piracy to get your hands on it. But we have the perfect solution for any swabby!
Known as "Bodyguards" this bonus is well liked, and well known as one of the fastest inflated items in NC history. Thankfully, it's evened out, and you should be even more thankful that TNT has created an alternate or two...and we have them!
Now, I know what you're saying. "Those suggestions don't look alike at all!" But listen, here's the idea behind this suggestion. They all involve walking petpets. Although these petpets are on carts, wheels, or sleds, if you hide them using a frame or a foreground, like so...
Then you make it look more like you're walking the real thing. For fans of other petpets, it's pretty sweet. The other benefit to this is that /most/ of these are left hand items, so you can hold something in your right hand too. While it may not be perfect, it's good for those who like other petpets, or who prefer something more normal over the overly spooky guards. And it's the best suggestion we've got until TNT comes up with something else. :)
This pretty daisy just seems to bring out the green thumb in all of us. With a lovely little P3 hovering nearby, there's a good reason we love it so much! Alternates, coming right up!
Known as BBOF on the NC chat, this handheld has long been prized, because of it's rarity. It is undoubtedly one of the most expensive handhelds on the entire board. Thankfully there is an alternate that I feel captures the basic idea of the BBOF. And that is the Bag of Mystery Capsules. Like the BBOF, it is clear, and contains multicolored moving items inside. It's as close as one can get currently.
Often called "Kelpbeards Orb", this magical orb is very popular with owners who own pets well versed in magic. It can look like a magic spell, or a ball of magic hovering over your pet's hand. We have an alternate suggestion for you though! :)
The Midnight Frost Orb is a little bit bigger than the King Kelpbeards Orb, but it still manages to get the job done. And it's pretty easy to find UFT too! :)
Known as the spookiest fairground treat one could ask for, this apple on a stick is sure to give you the spooks! Don't worry, we've found a slightly less spooky alternate for you. :)
This section is about clothes, such as trousers, dresses, shirts, skirts, hats, and more. There are many clothes that are hard to find, and hopefully we can help you find alternates that suit your needs and desires.
Long desired because of it's lovely shape, and it's stunning design, this winter themed gown just seems to radiate with magic power! Thankfully you don't have to break the bank to find a nice alternative! :)
This lovely gown is used often in underwater customizations, and it's pretty expensive. But we've got a solution for you~!
I was one of the people who bought a butterfly dress when it was in the mall. I remember it well. I traded it away later, but I still have fond memories of it. The butterfly dress is one of the most sought after dresses. And for good reason. It's pink, purple, frilly, and yet so sophisticated that even the most snobby customizer will want one. Thankfully I have a few suggestions!
I decided not only to showcase the use of alternate dresses for this section, but I also decided to create a cheaper version of one of the NC chat's most loved customizations. Involving the Butterfly Dress, as well as the AC wig and NY in FL. I felt that showing a different, and cheaper method of achieving the same look would challenge people's preconceived ideas that the expensive stuff is the BEST for making a good customization.
Loved by a lot of customizers, this gown is perfect for the Belle of any ball. But it can be pretty expensive, which is why we have suggestions.
This coat is a beautiful one, and I understand why people like it. Thankfully, TNT has created some alternates that are easier to get. xD
A lot of neopians like certain retired superpacks, and like the general look they have all together. Superpacks such as the Nutcracker Superpack, or the Spyder Web Superpack. Thankfully, we've got a few suggestions as to how to make these more expensive customizations a bit cheaper. This superpack is often kept together. And it's very expensive, particularly if you include the staff. Here we have a customization using a spyder web superpack, verses a few alternate items thrown together.Superpacks
Spyder Web Superpack
Items Involved:
Haunted Mansion Background (NC)
Spyder Web Mask (NC)
Spyder Web Staff (NC)
Boo-ffant Wig (NC)
Spyder Web Gloves (NC)
Spyder Web Dress (NC)
Items Involved:
Haunted Trees Background (NP)
Purple Spyder Web Mask (NC)
Dark Faerie Magic Orbs (NC)
Purple Highlight Bob Wig (NC)
Spyder Web Gloves (NC)
Dark Princess Gown (NC)
Spyder Web Garland (NC)
Giant Suspended Spyder Webs (NC)
You will notice that I kept the spyder web gloves in this customization. A good rule of thumb that I have when creating an alternate for a superpack, is to have at least one of the items from the superpack included somewhere. This way it makes it look more like the substitute for the superpack it's supposed to be.
See, the spyder web gloves made the dark princess gown look more like the spyder web dress, which made the entire customization more believable.
Often known as "Nutty" on the NC chat. This superpack is perfect for those pets who have always wanted to be toys. However, with three of the items over ten caps each, it's a very expensive one. Thankfully, we have an alternate!
Taking a few items from the Regulation Meridell Chainmail Superpack, I decided that making your toy soldier into a toy knight seemed like a really cute and original idea. Plus, all of the colors match too!
One of the girliest and most loved superpacks, it can get pretty expensive. But we've got you covered! :D
Foregrounds and Trinkets can help add a sense of whimsy to your backgrounds, and help communicate where exactly your pet is, and what it's doing. They are very important for customizations, which is why they get their own section for alternates!
One of those trinkets that retired a few years ago, and still has it's value regardless. Thankfully, we have two pure NP alternatives for you!
One of the most inflated items in the NC chat, and the first bonus from the first ever MME to boot. Thankfully, we've got an alternate.
The answer here is simple. Pretend your mini monster went out to lunch, leaving his little flower closed up. If you're wanting the same look and colors, this is the way to go. If you simply want the item so you can look like a rich and elite person, then good look with that. *salutes*
One of those foregrounds people love to use in customizations, it's pretty expensive and hard to find. Thankfully we have a few suggestions.
There are two "categories" of people who desire this foreground, I believe. The people who want it for the clouds, and people who want it for the fact that it matches New Years in Faerieland and other faerieland themed backgrounds. I'm going to start with the cloud alternates.
All of these alternates are the best "cloud alternates" we can find. However, there are some people who just love this foreground because of the faerieland aspect of it. We have alternates for them too!
These are just a few of the many foreground items that I'm certain could go with NY in FL (and other faerieland backgrounds for that matter!) wonderfully. So why not experiment and see if you can find something that fits you?
Sometimes, you just have to take out your anger by smashing something. Which is the reason this trinket comes in handy. Thankfully, we've got an alternate.
I personally like the Referee Smasher Better not only because points are tallied, but because the TNT Staff Smasher can look awkward on certain backgrounds. Add the fact that the Referee Smasher is a lot cheaper, and generally under-appreciated, adds to the charm.
A cute and spooky little trinket that involves some tombstones muttering to each other. It's a very good trinket for spooky pets, but the price is not very friendly. Let's see what we can do about that!
The Subservient Sentient Stones are a little on the small side. Some people like them that way, some don't. If you want a bigger alternate, then the Malevolent Tombstones, or the Tombstone Foreground are both ways you can go, depending on if you have neocash or not. If you still want something small, tying out the Holiday Decorated Tombstone, or the Broken Heart Tombstone may just be your ticket to NC savings.
This foreground is loved by people who want to include something nature-y in their customizations. However, it can be a little hard to get ahold of. But don't worry, we've got the natural solution for the job!
This is one of those cases where a NP alternate actually looks better than the NC item. The Tranquil Stream Foreground not only looks beautiful, but the added flowers and green to the foreground help add more of a nature theme.
A frame that is loved for ice/snow themed customizations, and is usually quite overpriced. Thankfully, we've got alternates!
One of those items desired by brightvale customizers, it's pretty hard to get ahold of if you aren't willing to pay a lot. Thankfully we have some solutions!
These are two very simple alternates right here. The first is a frame given out almost every year for the Altador Cup, and the second is a garland item that not only shows off Brightvale's lovely colors, but Meridell's as well! Both are a lot cheaper than the frame!
This frame is desired by those customizers who love underwater customizations, however, you'll be exploring the depths of your wallet if you want this frame. But we're here to help!
Loved by mutant lovers, and by anyone who enjoys toxic waste, this foreground is pretty expensive, particularly for stuff people should be glad to get rid of. But don't worry, we're here to help.
A really loved foreground that provides a fog like setting that can add a dark mood to your pets' customizations. Thankfully, we've got alternates!
For the best previewing experiance, I suggest pulling up these items using a wardrobe app/site, such as JN's Wardrobe, Dress to Impress....etc.
Loved by those who create beach customizations, there is one alternate that looks a lot like this one!
In the end, I like the Delicate Sandcastle better. It looks cuter, and more feminine to me.
A simple stone birdbath with a weewoo on top, this item is a highly valued trinket on the NC Chat. Don't worry. We have two lovely alternates for you!
I personally love the Flying Petpet Bath Trinket out of the two, because live Pawkeets actually come and drink from the bird bath. Which I find to be really cool. Regardless of your choice, both of these trinkets are a lot cheaper!
Known as "Blooming", this foreground goes amazingly well with the Radiant Sun Rise Background. They have almost always been a pair from the get-go. Thankfully, we have an alternate, although it took a while to find!
Garlands and Showers can help you so much when it comes to filling in the space above your pet's head. We have alternates for you, and fun suggestions as to how to use them! :) Shenkuu customizations are all of the rage, and these lanterns certainly add class to any shenkuuvian customization! But their price is a little steep for some paper lanterns. Here are some alternates!Garlands
Commemorative Colourful Paper Lantern String Lights
Items Involved:
Commemorative Colourful Paper Lantern String Lights (NC)
Items Involved:
Colorful Paper Lantern Garland (NC)
Items Involved:
Glowing Hanging Lanterns (NC)
Items Involved:
Round Paper Lantern String Lights (NP)
Items Involved:
Shenkuu Lantern Garland (NC)
Items Involved:
Snow Covered Lantern Garland (NP)
Items Involved:
Striped Floating Lantern Garland (NC)
Items Involved:
Glowing Lamps Garland (NC)
There are a TON of different paper lantern options to choose from! There's even a few other lantern items that aren't even Shenkuu themed! All of these alternates are quite a bit cheaper than the commemorative lantern string lights!
Clouds that are an eerie red, and involve lightning. Thankfully there's one alternate that is really close.
Popular because of it's Shenkuuvian style, Cherry Blossom Garland is a popular garland for Shenkuu customizations. Thankfully, there's an alternate out there!
The Peaceful Tree Garland is a pretty alternate that looks a lot like the Cherry Blossom Garland. Even down to how the leaves fall off of the branches!
This shower is a beautiful shower filled with falling flowers. Thankfully, we have a few alternates planned for you. :)
There are quite a few different showers that are flowery enough to replace this one. Including the Figure Skating Rose Shower, which is a buyable. :)
A beautiful rain shower with a bit of mystic fog at the bottom. This MME phase is pretty expensive, but we've got suggestions to make it all better.
Although I have had a few suggestions to add the MME2-S2: Glowing Light Lagoon and MME2-S2: Misty Magic Lagoon to the rain shower to make it look MORE like the MME, doing so would make the "alternate" close, if not exactly the same value as the Mystical Rain Shower Itself. Which is why they are not suggested here. :)
This lovely shower is liked because of it's delicate snowflakes, falling gracefully to the ground. It's quite expensive though, but we've got you covered. :)
If you are wanting a light snow shower that's cheaper, then the Snowflake Shower is the way to go. However, if you want your neopet to be caught in a winter storm, struggling through the snow, then the Heavy Snowfall Shower is the alternate for you.
A beautiful firework item that can light up the night. But it's pretty expensive, not to mention in high demand too! Thankfully we have alternates.
For the best previewing experience, pull up a neopets wardrobe app and compare the alternates to the original item. This is an animated item, so it shall be hard to judge on my previews alone.
Both give you a very "firework like" feel to any background you use. Although you'll need to check a wardrobe app to see which fits you best!
This section is for face paints, contacts, glasses, masks, and any other items that go on your pet's FACE specifically. :) These blue-green contacts are pretty expensive. But thankfully, we've got you covered!Face/Contacts
Zenco the Magnificent Contacts
Items Involved:
Zenco the Magnificent Contacts (NC)
AND
Items Involved:
Illusens Collectors Contacts (NC)
Idea submitted by vickysavage
Items Involved:
Icy Blue Eyes (NC)
Both of these contacts are a lot cheaper than Zencos, and still give you the same general look, just for less. :)
Known as "Skelly" this item is by far the most expensive face paint on the entire neocash chat at this moment. We have some spooky alternates for you!
While these are not perfect suggestions, these are the alternates that have been suggested to me the most, and are the closest items I can find. I do have one more, however, it is suggested for WHITE PAINTED PETS ONLY simply because of how it looks.
I suggest Jazans Guyliner for white pets only, because it's the black markings around the pet's eyes. It does not have the white makeup that is so loved by the masses. ;)
Accessories are essential to customization. They accent your look, and help to shape your customization. There are quite a few accessories that are needing alternates, but we feel up for the job! One of those few items that just suddenly got popular, the Brilliant Yellow Faerie Wings are a lovely pair of yellow wings that go smashingly with a lot of customizations. Here are our alternate suggestions!Accessories
Brilliant Yellow Faerie Wings
Items Involved:
Brilliant Yellow Faerie Wings (NC)
Items Involved:
Sparkling Carmariller Wings (NC)
Items Involved:
Delicate Autumn Wings (NC)
Items Involved:
Sparkling Faerie Wings (NC)
Items Involved:
Golden Holiday Wings (NC)
Submitted by cutiepie4707.
Wings such as the Sparkling Carmariller Wings, Delicate Autumn Wings, Golden Holiday Wings, and Sparkling Faerie Wings are beautiful alternates for these wings. And most importantly, they're cheaper too! Use these ideas well!
Originally a prize from Nox's Corridor, these wings somehow shot up in value after people started realizing how amazingly pretty the brilliant faerie wings are. Thankfully, we've got a few alternates to suggest!
Originally from Nox's Corridor, these wings shot up in price suddenly. Thankfully, we've compiled a list of alternates. :D
One of those nox wings that just shot up in value, these wings are perfect for purple customizations. But we've got some alternates that will make you green with envy!
Seeing Red? These brilliant red wings are loved for valentines customizations, but they've inflated a wee bit since their release. Thankfully, we've got options!
One of those items that despite being re-released many times, is still popular with a lot of people. Thankfully, we've got an idea of how to pay a little less. ;)
This section is for items that do not fit in the other sections. Mainly wacky items that just don't belong anywhere. :) One of those desired background items that's loved because it's so pretty. Thankfully, we've got an alternate. :DOther
Sparkling Rainbow
Items Involved:
Sparkling Rainbow (NC)
Cloudy Sky Background (NP)
Items Involved:
Dazzling Faerie Rainbow (NC)
Cloudy Sky Background (NP)
You can be a part of the wonderful team here at Substitute by joining our staff. Our staff is a group of users who work part time to help add alternates, create boards, and keep me updated on suggestions that are sent in. The basic job of a staff member is to find alternates to suggest, or make boards for the site, and submit alternates to me that others have suggested. (This will require a very good memory, OR a place for you to write down suggestions and the username of who suggested it.) You do not have to do this too often, or be too incredibly active. It can be done at your own pace. :) If you would like to apply to be a staff member, please fill out the form below! That's it! Now, onto the information about our current staff!Staff
Mousie
Mousie or mousie_is_so_cute was the first staff member to ever join the ranks here at Substitute! She's got a great eye for items, and has suggested quite a few items to me, including an alternate for Isca's Wig!
Yvonne
Yvonne, or _sushi65_ is a wonderful staff member who actually managed to help me find an alternate for radiant. She's always full of such innovative and wonderful ideas. :)
Amber
Amber or princess_daisy186, is a really great staff member who has been helping me with quite a few ideas. She's really great at finding alternates that are not as "used" or well known as others. :)
Twump
Twump or twumpbabie, is really awesome at finding alternates, and really is helpful when I need second opinions on suggested alternates. :)
Rudy
Rudy or Twirlzys, is one of those NC'ers that just seems to know every popular and unpopular alternate on the planet! Rudy has been submitting alternates to me for a while on his own, but then I convinced him to join the staff!
Alex
Alex or Squid_Pumpkin, is a dedicated staffer who enjoys the art of customization, and the idea of looking for NC alternates appealed to him. We're glad to have him aboard! 
Taylor
Taylor or pand_1421, understands that not everyone can afford the expenses of Neocash. Which is why she dedicates her time to helping us find alternates!
Jordie
Jordie, or plushielynis, has long had to budget his neocash, and desires to help other neopians on a budget as well. We're glad to have him on staff! :)
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