How about after you do quests for all the goodies like hammer, boomerang and more hearts instead; do quests for items like keys or ganis? Example: Someone lost the key to their mansion or w/e. You go where they say they lost it and find it. Bring it back, you now have access to that building which could be a cool place for people to hang out and farm (like a grotto or resort). Or another example: say some wizard has had difficulty using his magic and needs assistance from *insert random name here* but their path is guarded by baddies and monsters. Being the badass you are, completely GG no Re everyone and head there. Speak to the person, he/she then teaches you some ability (something like snowstorm or w/e just for the sake of a cool effect). Head back to the wizard, then tell him what you learned. And now you're able to use that power as well.

Keys and whatnot can lead to new areas, ganis are just for fun and amusement.