Definitely a nice lap quilt or nap quilt would be good for the first one... It's harder than it looks lol. I taught myself with books and this forum but often wish I had signed up for a class or two. I would look around and find a nice 12 inch block that uses just squares and half square triangles. Squares are easy and HSTs are almost as easy really and they open up the possibilities immensely. But really anything you take the time and effort to make will be appreciated people love quilts... and to be honest I love giving them as gifts.