My recipie books are the regular notebook size. It would allow for a recipe and pix on the same page, plus you could put more than one recipe and /or pix on the same page. I bought the notebooks at Dollar Tree, they now have scrapbooking items so it isn't as costly as it used to be. By the way, its just the right size for my cookbook holder. The holder are also easy to make and are on an easel so the book is easier to see.
Another idea is the hand towels that you can hang. The top can be crochet or sewn. You can get 2 from one tea towel so they'd have a set. I use left over yarn or fabric so I'm only spending 1 dollar per set. I usually put it with a quart jar of cookie, muffin, etc. mix. Ingredients are layered which looks nice. My nonbakers love this as they only have to add the eggs and milk.
Vivian