This post is great! Your parenting style sounds similar to mine. One time when my daughter didn't have any toys available I remember watching her prepare and cook food (a pillow) and place it into an oven (an empty cupboard) to cook. The imagination of a child is a powerful thing.
We have tried to restrict the number of toys in our house, but it is a difficult battle. People keep giving them so much stuff!
Upvoted and followed :)