As I sit here and write this article about squeaky shoes, I am serenaded by my tow young daughters leaping and dancing around the house with their squeaky shoes on.

They don't generally wear shoes in the house, but it is the attraction to the squeakers that make them not want to take them off. I think one of my girls would actually sleep in them if I let her.

Squeaky shoes make a wonderful and practical gift. You don't often see a child wearing squeaky shoe crying because the shoe bring joy to them and to the parents and to all those around who are wondering where the squeaky noise is coming from.

Take a walk down the street with your child in a pair of squeaky shoes and watch all the heads turn and the change in people's faces from a frown to a smile. These shoes really can change the mood of everyone you come into close proximity to.

I can't tell you how many compliments my children have received because they are wearing their squeaky shoes. They are used to getting compliments from time to time, but when they are wearing the shoes, it is not unusual for them to get 10 compliments a day from passers by with big smiles. It does great for their self-esteem.

The shoes can be worn all over the place, whether walking down the street to go shopping, or in the store. It helps to know where your children are and it is easy to keep up with them when they are in earshot. You can tell if they are running away, or if it gets quiet for a minute, maybe they are up to something they shouldn't be. A great tell tale sign is when squeaky shoes stop squeaking.

In speaking of the shoes not squeaking, you can take the squeaker out of the shoe if you want to wear them to school, church, library or any other place where the squeakers may be a distraction. It is easy to extract and to insert whenever you wish.

There are a huge variety of shoes sandals and boots to choose from, so there is a squeaky shoe for every occasion. Some of the more popular shoes are the Mary Jane style which can be worn with dresses for a little formal outfit, but sandals are great for the summer and in the cooler months, the boots are ever so popular.

There is not a parent I know who doesn't love the squeaky shoes and the extra attention it gets for their child really makes a difference to them. Everyone asks where you got them? and how much? and can I order a pair? or can you order me a pair?

This means that they would make an excellent present for birthdays and especially the for Christmas.

There is generally quite a range in price for squeaky shoes depending on where you go to buy them. They are finding their way into children's boutiques and are generally sold for quite a high price. You can expect to pay almost double in these kind of store than you would if you bought them on the internet. Ebay is always an option to see if you can manage a good price, but there is still usually a minimum bid and sometime competition can make the shoes almost as expensive as the boutique stores. As a general price range, the squeaky shoes go for between $20-$70 depending on the style you choose, the demand for that style and the place you purchase the shoe.

Best advice, shop around as there are many people selling the shoes. It may be hard to find a store in your area who sells them as they are still pretty few, but if you can, go in and check them out, see what styles and colors you like best, try them on and see what size fits best, then shop online to see if you can find a good deal.