Kerrytown Spotlight: Aidan Weeks Makes Sure There are “Kid-Powered” Toys at Mudpuddles

Ruth Shikanov, Emmy Chung, Malcolm London, Mia Fletcher, and Mariah Zeigler • September 27, 2023

Aiden Weeks believes that toys should be ‘kid-powered’.

Mudpuddles, the toy shop located in Kerrytown, sells a variety of toys that are non-battery operated, from plushies to Shashibo magnetic cubes. To Weeks, co-owner of Muddpuddles, toys that are kid-powered — fueled by imagination — is something central to the philosophy of the toy shop.

“It kind of makes us stand out from Target [and] Meijer, the places that you’re going to get toys,” Weeks said.

The unique, one-of-a-kind toys in the shop come from small businesses that Mudpuddles collaborates with; in total, the store works with 200 unique vendors. Mudpuddles staff also attend toy fairs once or twice a year in search of toys that are currently trendy on the market. To Weeks, ‘value-added play’ is what the toy shop actively seeks, making it a special place for children and adults alike.

About the Contributors

Ruth Shikanov, Print Editor-in-Chief

This is Ruth's seventh semester on staff and first year as one of the Print Editors-in-Chief. You can typically find her commuting between her classes or doing homework, but in her free time, Ruth enjoys being outside, walking her dog, Juno, reading, going on runs near Bandemer and trying new recipes. She cannot wait for all of the amazing work that will be created in Room 300!

Emmy Chung, Journalist

Emmy is going into her fifth semester on the Communicator staff. She is excited for what the year will bring and finally being a senior! She spends most of her time playing soccer, which she has played since the age of six. Emmy enjoys being outside as the weather gets colder, going on long runs, and discovering new coffee shops.

Malcolm London, News Editor

Malcolm is the News Editor for the Communicator Magazine. By day, he writes articles and performs for the Community Ensemble Theatre. By night, he fights crime and selflessly commits honorable acts of heroism. With the shadows as his only ally, Malcolm has single-handedly turned the crime-riddled streets of Ann Arbor into a joyful utopia. This is his second year on staff.

Mia Fletcher, Journalist

Mia Fletcher is a sophomore at community beginning her first semester of journalism. When not at school or crew practice, she can be found drawing, reading, playing video games, or finishing homework. She looks forward to the experiences journalism will bring and also hopes to contribute art to the Communicator or Midnight Sun Yearbook.

Mariah Zeigler, Yearbook Design Editor

Mariah is a sophomore at Community High School, and this is her first semester in journalism. When she's not at school, you can find her hanging out with her friends, thrifting, looking at Pinterest, or rewatching New Girl.

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Kerrytown Spotlight: Aidan Weeks Makes Sure There are “Kid-Powered” Toys at Mudpuddles

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