I would think that fleece lap sized "quilts" maybe in a rag style with 2 layers could do well. Maybe in a local or favorite college colors or college themed fleece, or a kid theme. Or a lap sized faux cathedral windows maybe in blue jeans if they're popular there. Or any rag quilt or anything else that would go together quickly.
I would make something that you might like to receive as a gift or send as a gift - maybe Christmas ornaments. The folded fabric one looks very complicated but isn't really, and it could be made on a flat surface either for a christmas ornament or as a pot holder. Others have suggested table runners, placemats, ... maybe for other seasons as well -- snow, skiiing, valentine/love, spring/Easter, 4th of July, summer/swimming, fall/harvest/Halloween. There's the table runner that starts with a square and adds French braids