You have a lot on your plate. So it’s easy to understand why some things (an end-of-the-year teacher’s gift, ahem) fall off the radar.

But the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami shouldn’t be forgotten — especially now that the story is no longer part of the nightly news cycle.

Which is why we love Peko Peko: Family-Friendly Japanese Recipes, a cookbook put together by a group of food bloggers, writers, and photogs in support of the country’s recovery.

Created with the home chef in mind, the tome teems with Japanese and Japanese-inspired family meals. If edamame is as close to Tokyo as your cooking usually gets, there’s a glossary to familiarize you with common ingredients. Don’t have mirin in your pantry? Substitution suggestions and tips help you get worldly in no time.

Best part: $11.45 of each sale goes to the GlobalGiving Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Fund. The rest covers printing costs. Nobody besides the families in need will see a dime.

And that’s worth going back for seconds.

Available online at blurb.com, $30.

We found six more ways to shop and give back to Japan.

CELEBRATE
Trophy Party Room Opens
What: She’ll be in heaven if her next birthday’s at the new decorate-your-own cupcake spot.
Why: Make sure her shindig stands apart with a fancy garland, handmade hats, and invites from its adjacent shop.
When: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Trophy Cupcakes and Party, Wallingford Center, 1815 N. 45th St., ste. 209 (206-632-7020). To book, email party@trophycupcakes.com. Cost is $125 and up.

BOOGIE
Recess Monkey
What: The local favorite launches its latest CD, Flying, with a rocking performance.
Why: Your mini music lover is too cool for nursery rhymes.
When: Sat., 10:30 a.m.
Where: Mount Baker Community Club, 2811 Mount Rainier Dr. S. Tickets online at brownpapertickets.com. Adults and children, $6; family of up to four, $14.

ROAR
Great Community, Great Zoo Festival
What: Face painting, live music, and hands-on activities.
Why: Keep eyes peeled for ceramic leopard paw prints scattered around Tacoma. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, take it in for free admission and prizes.
When: Sat. & Sun., 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma (253-591-5337). Adults and teens, $15; children 5-12, $12; children 3-4, $8; under 3, free.

Photo: Marc Matsumoto / Courtesy of Peko Peko