This pattern for baby blanket was a lot of fun with the added bonus of some simple quilting. I got it from someone else on this board who posted their take on it. If you don't want to make 3 each have everyone bring 1 yard if baby fabric and 1 yard of a coordinating fabric for the back cut as directed and mix it up.
http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns_d...er/patt230.pdf
I see paperprincess mentioned bags, how about canvas or denim grocery bags?