Really good ideas here.
I like the bucket and camera as tools. Also not all recipes will be unlocked at the start. you'll get more by completing missions or finding them places.
So thirst and hunger. I've been giving that a lot of thought. I am trying to think of a good way to do it. I like the idea that hunger and thirst is something that if you are well fed or hydrated you get bonuses and if not you get some sort of debuff.. Well fed maybe will give you some health regen and being famished will get lower your health to %50 slowly. Thirst will be affect your stamina. I still haven't decide on what to do about it. I don't want it to be you die, I feel like it doesn't really fit this game as it is not a hard core survival game.
Magic will be more in line of technology.