Cars come to mind first. I'm in Texas and I have a boys quilt for CASA planned. The focus fabric is boots. I just looked at an I Spy quilt in progress on the wall and saw horses, wildlife, bowties and fish that would all work for a boy. I'd stay away from pink, orchid and other pastels. Other than that, anything goes.
I made a Texas quilt for my late husband. My two teenage male friends both want the quilt. I made it with a panel that I cut apart.
CASA here doesn't take the fleece blankets that are tied around the edge. They suggest a crocheted edge. I have one that's tied I've had for years, and every time I wash it, I have to retied several of the ties. If my sister hadn't made it, I would toss it.
bkay