The one thing that I find sewers rarely make for themselves is the thread catcher/pin cushion. I sewed for years before I finally did one for myself because I was working out a pattern. Boy, are they handy. I like to do the fake water bottle exchange myself. I have described it here before but I will do so again for those that may have missed it.
You take a bottled water and carefully peel off the label. You then use a knife to puncture the bottle over the sink and then cut the bottle neatly in half. You dry out the bottle well and insert a fat quarter of blue water fabric. You then use clear packing tape to reconnect the bottle halves and glue the label back over the join. The water bottle looks like it's still sealed but with a faux water in it. Makes a great gag gift.