What should a beginner crochet?

Dear users, dear authors,
What makes a good crochet project for beginners?

I think there are lots of things that would work. 

In any case, I would make something that you’d actually like to have. As a rule, you’re more motivated when you see a “purpose” behind the work. 
That’s the problem many students used to have: they couldn’t really do much with potholders. 

So in my opinion, whether it’s a little stuffed animal, a shawl, or a bag doesn’t matter. 
What’s more important is that the item doesn’t consist of too many details. 
Better to crochet a simple, “naked” teddy bear than a complicated dragon that also has 1,000 spikes, a hat, and a flame coming out of its mouth. 
Better a shawl made from one pattern repeat and lots of repetition than a shawl where every row is different. 
Better a granny bag with a simple pattern than a complicated tapestry-pattern bag
...

You know what I’m getting at :)
You shouldn’t make it too hard for yourself, and it’s better to celebrate a “quick” success than to give up in frustration. 

I agree with Krea_Tina.

I’d also recommend not starting with a big project right away.

Try crocheting a simple headband, wrist warmers, dish towels, or something even smaller: makeup remover pads.
That way, you’ll experience a quick sense of accomplishment and feel motivated to tackle more projects.

A pot holder isn’t actually a bad choice—it’s easy to spot if you miss the first stitch, which happens quite often when you’re just starting out. But of course, a dishcloth or washcloth would also work well for practicing how to make a straight edge.

I started with a hat; I also think makeup remover pads, wrist warmers, and headbands are good ideas.

A cell phone case would also be a good option.

I started crocheting in 2016 with small, simple amigurumi—an owl and a cat. I still had the basic crocheting skills I’d learned in school stored in my memory. There are also helpful videos online, as well as here at CrazyPatterns under *Help* > “Learn to Crochet,” which I always mention in my patterns. 

You should definitely start with something small. Pot holders are always a good choice, of course…
I started as a kid and crocheted little pouches out of simple rectangles.

I started with granny squares. Before that, of course, I practiced chain stitches, single crochet, and then all the different types of double crochet.