For the little ones, I love to make an "I Spy" quilt and as they get older they can ID the cat, or dog or fish or whatever, sunshine, snow, etc. I made one for our neighbors who had a little girl - She still uses it and knows it all by heart now.
I make a 12" block with fussy cutting for the centers or wherever there is a square. I have three blocks across, five blocks down - 2" sashing, 4" border and it lays on the floor while baby is napping or on the couch while little child has a tummy ache or on top of a twin size bed. I generally use 4" squares for the backing with some form of I Spy pictures. I just sew them altogether and I have my backing, used up some fabric and had fun making it - joyous time all 'round!
Have fun! Edie