I didn't use a pattern, but decided on 16x16 pillows for my mom, aunts, and uncle. I decided on 12x12 pillows for my siblings and myself. I cut the squares to 5x5 and went from there. I didn't take too many pictures because it was a secret project. Each pillow was different, which I really enjoyed.
I didn't really think about the timing when I sent them, but a couple of the pillows got delivered on what would've been Grandma's birthday, which was really special.