Batiks are my favorite! :)
For me it's all about color, lots of color. Texture also plays a part. There are certain brands that I know are good: Island Batik and Hoffman are probably my favorites.
I primarily get batiks which may have colors but which "read" as being one color. I prefer batiks that also have texture (pattern), but I don't care for the big Chop patterns with high contrast. The watercolors also have their place. I usually buy without a particular plan for what I'm going to do. If I see a GREAT one I buy it on the spot because it seems no two bolts are ever same, once it's gone, it's gone!
This stash drawer nearly all batiks.