Buy gift. Wrap gift. Sing “Happy Birthday.” Eat cupcake. Repeat.

If the birthday party circuit has you seeing balloons all weekend, Katrina Cristobal (who teaches Home Eco-Nomics classes at Eclectica) has some ideas for recycling something other than good cheer.

Boxed In
Fold up your gift (tee, sweatshirt), tuck it inside an empty cereal box, and reseal the top with glue. It’s a new twist on “Free Gift in Specially Marked Packages.”

In the Bag
Resurrect a glossy shopping bag that’s taking up space in your pantry. Have your child draw a picture on a blank piece of paper. Tape his art to the outside of the bag (over the logo). Voila! Instant customized gift bag.

Milk It
Rinse out an empty milk carton (a juice carton works, too) and dry the inside thoroughly. Place gift inside and refold the top shut. Punch two holes at the top (where the carton comes together at a peak) and tie with a piece of ribbon.

And that’s a wrap.

For more information about Home Eco-Nomics, go to eclecticamiami.com.

WATCH
Willy Wonka
What: Staged performance of Roald Dahl’s sweet tale, including musical numbers.
Why: It’s a world of pure imagination.
When: Thru Mar. 14. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 & 8 p.m.
Where: Miami Childrens Theater, at Coral Gables Youth Center, 405 University Dr., Coral Gables (305-274-3595).

FEED
Yummy in My Tummy
What: The organic baby food delivery service opens a store.
Why: Foods from Stage 1-3, ecofriendly products, and toys.
When: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 13770 W. State Rd. 84, Davie (954-358-2414).

MEET
Sir Topham Hatt
What: Take ’em to Day out with Thomas, featuring a 25-minute ride on a full-size Thomas the Tank Engine; live music; and storytelling.
Why: Chug, chug, chug.
When: Thru Mar. 15. Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 12450 SW 152nd St. (305-253-0063).