How about rummaging at your local glass shop for squares of tempered glass? You could use plexiglass too. I think Home Depot cuts them to size.
There used to be a great store in my area, Habitat for Humanity Restore, that sold all kinds of donated building materials. I picked up stacks of glass for projects for next to nothing.
The tempered glass doesn't break as easily, and usually has a nice beveled edge that won't cut you. If you go with regular glass, you can duct tape the (sharp) edges to prevent a visit to the E.R.