Thows are really popular right now. Materials vary so much that you can use just about anything that appeals to you. For a casual throw you could serge two layers of fleece together - I did that for our TV room and we use it all the time.

If you knit or crochet, there is a plethoria of wonderful yarns out there. If you don't know how, JoAnns has classes. A throw is about as simple as they come so makes a great learning project.