I agree with the rest, a sampler would give you lots of experience and also you would learn which types of quilting you prefer. Thats what I do...always something different...trying to find my "style".
You could look at quilters cache and see if any of those blocks strike you and your husband's fancy if you don't want to go the sampler root.
Either way..enjoy and have fun putting it together. Whatever you decide, it will turn out great.