creative handmade teacher gift to go with gift card?

[Mommy_Again]

I'm organizing teacher gifts for DS's 2nd grade class this year (fun fun!). We have the system down pat - cash donations from each parent, gift cards to teacher/teaching assistant.

Has anyone done any cute creative/sentimental token gifts that the whole class can contribute to? I think the last time we did this was in PK4 or K...each child drew a picture and they were put into an album or something. I don't want a ton of work for myself so I'm not even sure I want to open this can of worms.

One idea was to get each child/family to submit their favorite recipe, and I could put together a cookbook. But I know it will stress me out if not all parents contribute - and then what do I do? Give it to the teacher with some kids missing? If not everyone contributes to the gift card, it's not as obvious -but something creative like this, it would be.

Any ideas?