This is an easy one for all ages and it gives you a sense of completion when finished.  A project that is quick and easy is all based on a square - any size or number of blocks.  You can either purchase the precut blocks from ebay or get material from anywhere to start.  The easiest is a nine block sequence

and above are some samples of what you can place in the blocks; or just use two different patterns and change them when you put the blocks together. Ex: print, solid, print - next line solid, print, solid - next line print, solid, print - and then on the next block reverse the pattern and start with solid, print solid.  It will change the look of the design and make it easy and fun for anyone to put together.  You can take two blocks and sew them together - right sides together on three sides - turn right sides out - stuff with a pillow or polly fill and stitch the top together and you have a pillow in less that an hour.  You could also use liquid embroidery on plain material, use cut out designs and spray fabric glue, or make up your own design.  If you have a favorite picture - xerox it on a lazer jet printer and iron it onto the fabic for an heirloom.  The kids will enjoy making their own pillow and blanket, even picking out the material for their project too.  If you want the blanket just use a favorite solid material and cut it into the desired number of strips to hold your blocks together and the balance of the material for the back of the quilt.  There are so many different designs and shapes that everyone will have their own tough added to a simple project and take home a piece of their own history to last a lifetime.  I hope that you will be able to get as much fun from trying these ideas as my children, grandchildren, girl scouts and more have in the past years.