45 Cars Birthday Party Ideas

Fuel the excitement for the next birthday celebration with a high-energy racing theme.

These ideas focus on the iconic world of Radiator Springs, using bold primary colors and industrial textures to create a cohesive experience for young fans.

From pit crew challenges to fueling station snacks, discover ways to bring the speed and fun of the track to the party venue.

The Winner’s Circle: Dessert Tables and Backdrops

1. Championship Podium Stage

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Construct a multi-dimensional victory lane using a numbered podium, oversized tire props, and a custom racing logo for a high-impact photo station. This setup serves as the primary focal point for the celebration and a dedicated spot for the birthday child to stand for pictures.

The combination of 3D props like tires and flat graphic cutouts creates depth and visual interest that looks professional in photographs.

Use painted cardboard boxes or cylinders for the podium to save on costs while maintaining the industrial racing aesthetic.

2. Radiator Springs Trophy Stage

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Build a multi-dimensional focal point using layered arched backdrops and tiered pedestals to frame the dessert area.

Varying heights and bold patterns like checkers draw the eye toward the cake while creating a professional-looking photo zone.

Construct arches from foam board or plywood painted in red and black. For a cost-effective alternative to custom pedestals, wrap sturdy cardboard boxes in checkered contact paper or fabric.

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Incorporate personalized branding by mimicking the movie’s iconic logo font for the child’s name on the central backdrop.

Consistent typography makes the theme feel cohesive and provides a clear center for photography.

Keep the cake design simple with a white base and add a checkered edible wrap around the bottom tier. Top with a licensed Lightning McQueen toy that the child can keep after the party.

3. Multi-Layered Racing Hub

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Build a high-impact focal point by layering character cutouts, organic balloon arches, and textured backdrops to define the party space.

Combining floor-level elements like character standees with elevated balloon clusters fills the vertical space of a venue, creating a polished look even in a simple community hall or large living room.

Use a wood-paneled or solid-colored backdrop to make the bright red and yellow accents pop, and secure larger cutouts with hidden weights to ensure they stay upright during the celebration.

4. Route 66 Sweet Station

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Build a focal point around a multi-tiered cake featuring iconic movie symbols like the Route 66 shield and checkered patterns.

Elevating smaller treats on white risers ensures every cookie and candy apple is visible and organized for the guests.

Incorporate real-life desert elements, such as a potted cactus, to bring the desert setting to life on a countertop or table.

5. Spiral Racetrack Tiered Cake

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Construct a multi-story cake design that mimics a vertical racetrack, allowing small toy cars to climb the tiers.

This layout creates a sense of motion and height, transforming a standard dessert into a dynamic focal point that incorporates the racing color palette and patterns.

Secure small plastic cars with a dab of stiff frosting or edible glue along a fondant road to keep the vehicles stable while moving the cake to the display table.

6. Victory Lane Dessert Stage

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Construct a multi-layered backdrop using a solid color circle and a wire mesh grid to provide a clean and coordinated stage for the birthday cake.

Layering different shapes and textures adds visual depth and makes the dessert area the undeniable focal point of the room.

Secure a neon sign or custom vinyl lettering to the mesh grid for a personalized touch that glows in photos.

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Utilize tire-patterned cylinders or wrapped barrels as secondary pedestals to display themed treats at varying heights for better accessibility.

Varying the height of the food display keeps the arrangement dynamic and allows for more items to be shown in a compact space.

Place heavier items like candy apples on the lower, sturdier pedestals and keep the main cake on the tallest central stand.

7. Character-Focused Layered Cake

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Transform a standard frosted cake into a movie-accurate centerpiece using character cutouts and custom logos.

Combining 2D cardstock toppers with 3D elements like toy tires creates depth and visual interest without the need for complex fondant sculpting.

Purchase a plain textured buttercream cake and apply printed cardstock toppers and small toy tires to achieve a professional look on a smaller budget.

8. Radiator Springs Scenery Cake

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Feature a narrative-driven cake that incorporates the rocky terrain and flora of the desert environment alongside the main characters.

Using a mix of 3D elements like traffic cones and flat character cutouts creates visual depth without requiring complex sculpting for every piece.

Use crushed graham crackers or brown sugar around the base of the cake board to simulate the sandy floor and hide any imperfections at the bottom edge.

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Provide guests with individual-sized cakes featuring specific characters to add variety to the dessert display and make serving more efficient.

Small cakes allow for high-detail fondant work, such as miniature road signs and tire accents, which creates a dense and visually rich centerpiece.

Use edible prints for character faces to ensure accuracy and pair them with 3D elements like fondant cacti or checkered flags to add texture and height.

9. Clean Character Cake Design

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Focus on a single-tier cake that uses height and bold graphics rather than complex shapes.

A white base makes the red racing car and checkered pattern pop without looking cluttered.

Use paper straws to prop up a personalized name banner for an easy vertical element.

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Anchor the dessert table with a solid-colored arch backdrop and a large character logo.

This setup provides a clean, professional look that highlights the cake and treats without visual clutter.

Use a foam board or plywood arch painted in a neutral grey or soft blue to make the red character elements stand out.

10. Lightning McQueen Character Cutouts

Add life-sized character presence to the party without the cost of a mascot.

Large cutouts create a 3D effect and provide a perfect backdrop for photos.

Place high-quality foam core cutouts of Lightning McQueen and Mater at the base of the dessert table to anchor the display.

11. Industrial Racing Backdrop

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Utilize industrial props like oversized tires and a favor shelf to create a layered environment that feels like a racing garage.

The combination of large-scale items and repetitive favor boxes creates a sense of depth and abundance, making the party space feel fully themed.

Stack a real or prop tire in the corner to anchor the scene and provide a sturdy base for leaning larger character cutouts.

The Starting Line: Entrances and Welcome Signage

12. Racetrack Arrival Zone

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Build a high-impact entry using a black floor runner with white tape markings to simulate a road leading into the party space, anchored by a ‘START’ banner.

The floor decal provides a clear visual path that excites children as they enter the themed environment.

Flank the path with clusters of red and yellow balloons and orange traffic cones to guide guests toward the main event area.

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Position large character cutouts like Fillmore at eye level for children to create an immediate photo-ready environment.

Using overhead bunting and string lights helps transition a backyard or patio into a defined celebration zone without needing heavy construction.

Secure cardboard cutouts to heavy bases or tent stakes if hosting the event in a breezy outdoor location to prevent them from tipping.

13. Radiator Springs Welcome Sign

Set the narrative tone immediately with a movie-accurate greeting.

A weathered, desert-style sign transports guests into the setting of the film as soon as they arrive.

Construct the signpost using scrap wood or a wooden pallet for a rustic feel, and surround the base with tumbleweeds and small cacti.

14. High-Octane Balloon Arch

Create a grand entrance using a primary color palette.

Large-scale decor provides an instant visual impact and clearly defines the party space.

Mix red, yellow, and black balloons with silver chrome accents and several large checkered flag foil balloons to mimic the finish line.

15. Radiator Springs Entry Path

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Direct the flow of guests with a winding floor decal that mimics a desert highway leading into the celebration area.

High-contrast road markings and oversized props like traffic lights and gas pumps create a sense of scale that makes small children feel like they are part of the movie.

Use temporary vinyl for the road to ensure it stays flat, and anchor the edges with heavy items like toy traffic cones or tire-shaped ottomans to prevent tripping.

16. Two Fast Welcome Display

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Greet guests with a custom age-themed sign that incorporates iconic characters and racing puns.

A mix of standard latex balloons and specialty tire-shaped foils creates a dimensional look that frames the entrance without requiring a full arch.

Use a sturdy easel to hold the signage and secure balloon clusters to the legs with fishing line or command hooks to prevent them from shifting in the wind.

The Souvenir Shop: Party Favors and Goodie Bags

17. Luigi’s Custom Favor Display

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Transform a favor station into an immersive movie location using a storefront facade like Luigi’s Casa Della Tires.

This setup serves two purposes by providing a high-impact photo opportunity while organizing take-home gifts in an accessible way.

Incorporate character cutouts like Mater at the base of the display to ground the scene and add a sense of scale for young children.

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Offer reusable fabric drawstring bags as a durable choice for take-home gifts.

Fabric bags are easier for small hands to carry than paper handles and can be reused for school or play after the event.

Coordinate the bag contents with small, themed containers like playdough or stickers to keep the gift sets cohesive and manageable.

18. Radiator Springs Gift Shop

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Set up a dedicated station where guests can pick out their own gear like pit crew shirts and plush characters.

Displaying favors on retail-style shelving makes the experience interactive and serves as a massive visual decor piece for the venue.

Use a simple white bookshelf and add a red velvet rope to guide the flow of little shoppers as they select their items.

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Present take-home gifts on a clean white shelving unit and a matching flat display board styled with checkered racing accents and a bold balloon garland.

Arranging uniform items like Lightning McQueen bags and plush characters in rows makes the favors look like part of a retail shop while keeping the party area tidy.

Apply black and white checkered contact paper or washi tape to the edges of any standard bookshelf to achieve this look on a lower budget.

19. Fuel Can Favor Kits

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Assemble favor kits using ‘fuel’ themed boxes paired with novelty cone sippy cups.

The bright orange cones and graphic boxes provide a functional gift that doubles as vibrant table decor.

Fill the boxes with racing-themed items like stickers, temporary tattoos, and small die-cast cars for a complete set.

20. Pit Crew Lanyards

Offer wearable favors that make children feel like part of the race team.

Lanyards are affordable and double as a costume piece during the event.

Create ‘VIP Pit Pass’ badges featuring the birthday child’s name and a Lightning McQueen graphic to attach to red and black lanyards.

21. Gas Can Sippy Cups

Provide a functional favor that serves as a practical take-home gift.

Sippy cups are age-appropriate for the 2-7 group and fit the fueling station theme.

Use bright red plastic sippy cups shaped like vintage gas cans and arrange them with personalized name tags for each guest.

22. Gas Can Favor Tier

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Organize party favors on a tiered pedestal to serve as both a gift station and a visual centerpiece.

Red gas can boxes and checkered tissue paper provide a bold color contrast against a neutral background, making the exit station pop.

Secure a themed bunting across the base of the stand to ground the display and tie in secondary colors like royal blue and yellow.

23. Integrated Favor Displays

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Use themed backpacks as functional chair decor that guests can take home at the end of the celebration.

Hanging favors on chairs saves table space and ensures every child knows exactly where their gift is located while adding character art to the room.

Pre-fill the backpacks with lightweight items like stickers or plastic medals to ensure they hang properly without pulling the chair over.

24. Gift Drop-Off Signage

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Use racing terminology like Unloading Zone to label functional areas of the party.

Themed signage keeps the immersion consistent even in transition areas like the gift table.

Choose favors that double as decor, such as tire-shaped bags, to fill the space before guests arrive.

25. Die-cast Car Display

Present the most popular theme-related favor in an interactive way.

Allowing guests to choose their own car creates a memorable ‘souvenir shop’ experience.

Create a wooden display case shaped like a giant ’95’ and fill it with various die-cast character cars for guests to select.

Pit Stop: Table Settings and Guest Seating

26. Serpentine Racetrack Seating

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Arrange guest tables in a winding S-curve to simulate the flow of a professional racing circuit.

This layout transforms standard seating into a major decorative element, maximizing the theme’s impact while providing a cohesive space for large groups of children to eat and interact.

If curved tables are not accessible, create a similar effect by angling rectangular tables in a zig-zag pattern and using a continuous black paper runner with white tape ‘lane’ markers to unify the surface.

27. Grand Prix Dining Layout

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Create a high-energy dining area by layering bold red linens with checkered flag runners.

The contrast between the solid red and the black-and-white pattern mimics a racetrack finish line, providing a cohesive look across multiple tables.

Use round tables to maximize floor space and anchor each setting with a themed centerpiece like a mini trophy or a small traffic cone.

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Lay a checkered runner over a red base cloth to create a high-contrast track that anchors the guest seating area.

The bold color combination immediately establishes the racing theme and provides a structured layout for large groups.

Use disposable plastic table covers for the base and runner to ensure a quick and easy cleanup after the meal.

28. Trackside Dining Station

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Layer a black paper runner with white dashed tape down the center of a long table to serve as a built-in racetrack for toy cars. This interactive element keeps children engaged during the meal while reinforcing the racing theme.

Traffic cones and gas pump centerpieces provide vertical interest and act as natural dividers for seating assignments without obstructing views across the table.

Use blue or red plates to contrast with black and white checkered napkins, and provide themed water bottles with custom labels for a polished, cohesive look.

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Transform dining tables into a racetrack using black covers and white tape.

This design serves as both a decorative element and an interactive play surface for children with toy cars.

Apply white electrical tape or masking tape in short strips down the center of a black plastic tablecloth to mimic road lines.

29. Checkered Flag Dining Table

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Create an interactive dining experience by using paper placemats that double as activity sheets for young guests.

The combination of bold checkered patterns and functional elements like tire cups and crayons keeps children engaged while they wait for food.

Use low-profile centerpieces like small trophies or potted greenery to ensure kids can see across the table, and choose clear chairs to keep the focus on the vibrant table decor.

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Arrange a long dining table with a neutral white base to highlight bold orange traffic cones and checkered flags.

A white tablecloth provides a clean canvas that makes the graphic patterns and vibrant colors of the racing accessories pop without overwhelming guests.

Place a checkered flag at every other seat to maintain a balanced look that doesn’t obstruct the view across the table.

30. Interactive Racing Tabletop Setup

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Transform the dining area into an activity hub by integrating character toys and coloring sheets directly into the table settings.

Using Lightning McQueen and Mater figurines as anchors for balloon strings keeps the theme central while providing immediate entertainment for toddlers.

Secure toy cars to the table with removable adhesive to prevent balloons from drifting, and provide custom-printed placemats with checkered borders to define each child’s space.

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Create a focal point in the seating area by running a track down the center of the table.

It directs the eye and provides a built-in play surface for kids while they wait for food.

Anchor the ends of the table with large tire-shaped foil balloons to add height to the room.

31. Piston Cup Trophy Centerpieces

Add vertical interest and a winner’s feel to the dining area.

Trophies reinforce the competitive and celebratory nature of the racing theme.

Fill gold-painted plastic trophies with yellow tissue paper and small checkered flags to use as focal points for guest tables.

32. Road Tape Table Runners

Use a quick DIY method to turn any table into a racetrack.

It provides a play surface for kids while they wait for food and anchors the table decor.

Apply a black paper table runner with a double yellow line painted down the middle and place small die-cast cars along the ‘road’.

33. Checkered Napkin Styling

Reinforce the racing pattern in a subtle and organized way.

The checkered pattern is synonymous with racing and adds a graphic element to the place settings.

Fold black and white checkered cloth napkins into triangles and secure them with a silver tire-shaped napkin ring on a red plate.

The Fueling Station: Themed Food and Drinks

34. Retro Gas Pump Candy Bar

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Create an interactive refueling station by mounting candy dispensers onto a vintage-style gas pump facade to serve as a functional snack hub.

This vertical setup provides a high-impact visual that mimics the Radiator Springs aesthetic while keeping the floor area clear for guests to navigate.

Scale this down for home use by painting a narrow bookshelf red and attaching a black flexible hose with a silver-painted spray bottle nozzle to act as the pump handle.

35. Stoplight Fruit Skewers

Provide a healthy, visually on-theme snack that is easy for small hands.

Using fruit colors to represent a traffic light makes healthy eating part of the fun.

Thread a strawberry, a piece of pineapple, and a green grape onto wooden skewers and display them upright in a foam block covered in black paper.

36. Dipstick Pretzel Rods

Add a mechanical garage feel to the food table with a simple DIY treat.

The name and presentation turn a standard snack into a thematic prop.

Half-dip large pretzel rods in yellow and red chocolate and serve them in a clean metal oil can or a glass jar labeled ‘Dipsticks’.

37. Themed Racing Bites

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Add racing flair to standard party snacks with checkered flag picks.

It is an affordable way to maintain the theme throughout the meal using common party supplies.

Place these on a white or red platter to contrast with the black and white flags for a graphic effect.

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Coordinate the dessert display by using character toppers on treats dipped in a uniform red coating.

The repetition of the red color and character graphics creates a high-energy visual on the treat display.

Secure small cardstock character cutouts to the sticks with a tiny amount of hot glue after the coating has hardened.

38. Spare Tire Cupcake Display

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Turn standard cupcakes into spare tires using graphic edible toppers.

This approach works for store-bought cupcakes, allowing for a quick theme upgrade.

Use red cupcake liners to match the racing color palette and display them on wooden tiers to mimic a workshop shelf.

39. Pit Crew Tool Treats

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Incorporate mechanic elements like wrenches and age-specific numbers onto chocolate-covered pops.

Small details like silver-painted fondant tools reinforce the garage atmosphere.

Use a textured mold for the base of the treat to mimic the look of a workshop floor or metal plating.

Piston Cup Challenges: Games and Activities

40. Custom Racetrack Ball Pit

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Transform a standard ball pit into a themed activity by adding vinyl decals and a checkered border.

It provides a safe, high-energy play zone for toddlers while staying strictly on-theme with racing graphics and character art.

Place the pit on a patch of artificial turf to keep the area clean and use white or clear balls to represent ‘bubbles’ or ‘gas’ for a sleek look.

41. Cardboard Box Car Racing

Engage children in a DIY activity where they become the cars.

This interactive game allows for creativity and physical movement as kids race their custom vehicles.

Transform colorful cardboard boxes into cars using paper plate wheels and ’95’ decals, then line them up at a ‘Starting Line’ on the grass.

42. Character Canvas Painting Station

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Keep young guests engaged with a structured art activity that provides a creative break from high-energy games.

Using pre-sketched canvases with outlines of Lightning McQueen or Mater helps children aged 2 to 7 achieve a recognizable result without needing advanced drawing skills.

Set up individual stations with mini easels, small paint pots in the theme’s primary colors, and a cup of water to simplify cleanup and prevent color mixing.

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Designate a creative zone where young racers can customize their own racing-themed canvases or coloring sheets.

Providing individual stations with pre-sketched art allows children of varying skill levels to participate successfully in a themed activity.

For a more portable setup, use a low picnic table with checkered plastic tablecloths and clipboards instead of easels to save on rental costs.

43. Tire Toss Challenge

Adapt a classic carnival-style game for the racing theme.

It is easy to set up and accommodates various skill levels for children aged 2 to 7.

Suspend three black spray-painted hula hoops or real small tires from a frame and provide bean bags shaped like oil cans for throwing.

44. Car Wash Bubble Station

Create an outdoor sensory activity that mimics a car wash experience.

Bubbles and streamers provide a low-mess, high-excitement interactive station.

Build a PVC pipe frame with hanging blue streamers and place a bubble machine nearby to create a tunnel for kids to run through.

45. Tabletop Coloring Station

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Integrate entertainment directly into the table setting by using themed coloring pages and crayon packs at each place setting.

This low-mess activity keeps children occupied during the transition from arrival to mealtime, helping to manage energy levels in a confined space.

Bundle small packs of crayons in coordinating colors like red, yellow, and blue to keep the palette consistent with the rest of the decor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a DIY cardboard car for a racing party?
Transforming cardboard boxes into racing vehicles is a budget-friendly activity. Remove the top and bottom flaps of a medium-sized box, paint the exterior in bold colors like red or yellow, and attach paper plates as wheels. Use suspender-style ribbons or duct tape straps so children can step inside and ‘drive’ their cars through an obstacle course.

What are some healthy ‘Cars’ themed snack ideas?
For a nutritious ‘Fueling Station,’ try ‘Stoplight’ skewers using red strawberries, yellow pineapple chunks, and green grapes. Sliced cucumbers or rounds of zucchini can be labeled as ‘Tractor Tires,’ while baby carrots serve perfectly as ‘Traffic Cones’ when paired with a side of hummus.

How do I decorate a party space to look like Radiator Springs on a budget?
Focus on iconic signage and color schemes. Print ‘Welcome to Radiator Springs’ signs on cardstock and use black butcher paper with yellow tape to create roads on floors or tables. Incorporate orange traffic cones as centerpieces and hang checkered pennant banners to instantly transform a room into a racing hub.

What are the best ‘Cars’ movie puns for food labels?
Creative labels add a playful touch to the menu. Use ‘Spare Tires’ for chocolate donuts, ‘Dipsticks’ for pretzel rods, ‘Motor Oil’ for dark juice or soda, and ‘Luigi’s Tower of Pizza.’ For a snack mix, try ‘Nut and Bolt’ trail mix to keep the mechanical theme consistent.

What items are best for a ‘Pit Crew’ themed party favor bag?
Practical souvenirs include ‘Pit Crew’ lanyards with personalized badges, small die-cast cars, and checkered flags. For younger children, custom ‘Gas Can’ sippy cups or racing-themed stickers and temporary tattoos are popular choices that fit the high-energy visual style.