My 33 year old cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer in April. I asked her if she wanted a quilt, and when she said yes, I had her select the fabric and pattern for her quilt. She wanted bright and cheerful. I live in Texas and she is in Kansas City, so all of the selecting of fabric and pattern was done online. I sent her pictures of quilts I had made, and she liked one of the patterns. Then she told me blue and yellow with daisies. I found appropriate fabric and took pictures of it before I bought it. It worked out quite well. She has a quilt I know she likes, and I got to make her a quilt!
I saw no reason for the quilt to be a surprise. If you don't either, this might work for you.
Dina