I keep vermiculite for more moisture-loving plants, as it releases water for a bit longer than perlite while still providing drainage. My African violet loves it.
Sand is amazing for just drainage and I always add it to cactus and succulent mixes.
Small pebbles (I like lava rocks) have been a must-have for me for a long time. I add them as a top layer for everything. Combined with bottom watering, fungus gnats don't stand a chance. They're also good for cacti and succulents that don't like to sit on top of wet soil for too long. I find them versatile because they can be used as a medium too, for example for succulents. A bonus is that they look real cute and you don't tend to see the mineral deposits from water (water where I live is rich in minerals).
Hope this helps!