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What's the difference between using the "tie buddies" and the plain old loops as your guide?

I don't get it. I'm not following what the buddies do - and I don't see how it's any easier than just learning to tie shoes.

So the kids have to make an adjustment / or graduate to tying shoes the real way after they learn this?!

I actually do remember how frustrated I was as a preschooler trying to learn to tie my shoes. (I never learned the bunny-goes-through-the-rabbit-hole method - or whatever it was. My parents simply taught me to tie a knot and a bow.) But I remember my parents standing across the room, watching me work at it - telling me I could do it - and when I was frustrated and couldn't do it - mom would tie them if we were headed out the door, and tell me that I would figure it out soon. She certainly allowed me to fail as that was the only way to learn.
I also recall the surprise once I got it, that as soon as the very next day it wasn't a struggle anymore. (like riding a bike!) I was pretty sure it was going to be that hard forever!!

I think learning to tie shoes is a right of passage. A real sense of accomplishment, that teaches a child to be proud of hard work. Because learning it is a real bugger and they deserve the sense of accomplishment. I certainly wouldn't want to take that away from a kid.

it basically holds the loops in place, so the child only needs to learn to do a knot. This might be a good idea. Only I don't see why I can't make it myself!

$9 is a little high. I agree, learning to tie shoes should let kids figure out patience, learning and then the reward of knowing!