I have a step-grandson...don't see him very much but I would like to try to make him feel part of the family. I am making the other kids (all girls and my natural grand children) quilts so I would like to make him one. Not knowing him very well and It is a surprise and his mother doesn't really give a rats about quilts and tradition and sentiment...won't give me any ideas what he likes. His room is space, but he is 10 and might be out of that phase soon. Plus, they are moving and most likely they won't do his room the same way. He is into super heros, but again, his age...by the time I get the quilt done probably around summer time..he will be nearly 11 and good chance out of the super hero stage. He likes out door camping etc, so I have been looking at wild american animals and maybe safari kind of animals (elephants, lions etc) But he is also proud of our country and has been teaching his sister (she's 5) about WWII and Abe Lincoln! So I thought a flag theme quilt. I want something he will be able to keep for many years and not grow out of and mom toss the quilt! I need it to be a twin bed size. I am novice/beginner as I just came back into quilting after 20 years out of it, and just learning about doing squares and charm paks etc.

So here's what I'd like to know....anyone have suggestions on a theme for a boy this age? I am out of the kids stuff alot cause I don't have kids around much, so I don't keep up with it all. Age 11..what do boys that age do/like?

For the animal theme...got any suggestions or patterns to share for ideas?
For the American flag... I don't want to do one that the whole quilt is a flag..but more patches that are flags, and maybe going different directions. Any suggestions?

I need to start now looking for materials as money is tight and I have to watch for sales and if I know what I will be doing couple quilts down the road, I can be buying the stuff on sale etc. I know the 4th of July fabrics will go on sale around probably April.

But is there anything other than animals and flag? Been a long time since my boy was that age!!! I don't remember!

Thanks for any ideas or suggestions and if you have pictures...please post them! I learn more from pictures than just reading,