Do you have any ideas about making your own percussion instruments?

I’m working on some music these days, and I’ve been using some MIDI drums to play the role of my drummer. The problem for me, is that these never really sound real or alive, and so although they keep the beat just fine, I find them a little lacking. The idea of getting an actual drum kit, although appealing, is unrealistic for many reasons, not the least of which is space. So I have a tambourine, and am thinking of making some shakers with seeds and cans and such. Do you think I can come up with a good percussion section this way? Any ideas on how to make other percussion instruments out of common stuff? Can you think of any must purchase items? I’m hoping to come up with a percussion sound that is as unique as the rest of my work.