For summer babies I have made receiving blankets that are actually just a single piece of seersucker hemmed on all sides as well as ones that are just two pieces of flannel stitched all around or a single piece of fleece stitched all around for winter.
I've also done traditional pieced quilts with top/batting/backing that are either quilted or tied.
No matter which ones are given, the moms use 'em and love 'em.