I usually make bright quilts with animals or alphabet theme--got my master's in color therapy and the bright colors are what attrack little eyes. They never see the pastels we are so fond of. My niece requested a small blanket to use in the car seat and at daycare, made of minkie on one side and a satiny fabric on the other. She didn't know what sex, so I just made white. My great niece Adeline, who is nearly 2, still loves her "softie" whenever she is tired or sick or riding in the car seat. She also has a bright red and yellow alphabet quilt that is nearly worn out from being used at daycare for her nappy bed. She received a lot of store bought blankets for a shower, but still gravitates toward the ones I made. I think little ones know that the homemade ones are filled with love.