Make double edged items
Why not create some items that give some stats but in turn take away one or two stats Something like the active of gargoyles stone plate but in the form of a passive on the item.
For example, this item gives you X amount of mana but takes away X amount of Hp This item gives you X AD but takes away X amount of HP and Armour. This item gives you X amount of MS but takes away Magic Resist.
Maybe make them into some type of passive on the items in addition to unique passives.
is literally the definition of a double edged item.