buttercream or royal icing for cupcakes?

[Rojak]

Help, I'm a baking novice!

I am making DS some cupcakes for his beach theme birthday. I found some cheap plastic flip flops which I want to put on top of the cupcakes.

Which icing is better for this? I am worried about the flip flops falling off the cupcakes?

I'm keener on buttercream as I think the kids will prefer this icing but worried it won't hold the flip flops.

Thanks!

I would do buttercream as it is easier and then I would dis the top in brown sugar so it looks like sand in the style of this one here

dip

oh cool - that's a good idea for sand - I see she just has the toys sitting on top. So I could try "sand" and flip flop lying on top rather than trying to stick flip flop into icing.

can I ask - where did you get the flip flops from?

I'm out in Asia! But I googled and they are similar to these which I think are used as partybag novelties?

www.partykiosk.co.uk/party-bag-filler---flip-flop-key-rings-packs-of-12-1043-p.asp

brilliant - thank you

Little cocktail umbrellas are good on beach themed cakes too.