Lens props for kids shoots

I've seen some people use these little stuffed animal type props that they place on their lenses for shooting children.

i saw some on the web as well as etsey


What are your thoughts on these?
Good results? a must for kids and family shoots?

If yes What are your favorites or alternative ideas or props.

Thanks
Michael

I've never had anyone use one of those with my kids, but thought about getting one myself. The best preschool pictures I've seen really depended on the photographer being engaging with the kids, though. The same stuffed animals in different hands probably wouldn't have helped at all.

I have used those in photographing autistic children who avoided eye contact and they worked fine. (I used a baffle made of a large cardboard mickey mouse, with a hole cut in Mickey's nose for the lens). It all depends on the age of the child, the temperment of child, etc. Regardless, it is just a tool and there is no one "tool" that will get the job done. As YourLeftHand said, your personality can be the best tool in engaging kids of all ages.

I put a Pez dispenser in my hot shoe