I have a son like Shanga's very academically clever, very good at maths and puzzles. I could tell before he was 1 that he was like this. My brother was the same...
My experience is that with some children you can tell quite early, if you know a child well, that they are unusually good at something. Of course there are other children who's particular talents become obvious later on.
My son would spend a long time figuring out how things worked, building little towers, fitting things together, focusing on one thing. He loved nesting toys, shape sorters, wooden bricks, puzzles, bright coloured markers, etc.
I would try to be imaginative about the things that interest your daughter and find lots of creative ways to do them. If she likes tunnels and soft play, maybe get her a giant cardboard box, decorate it and turn it into a temporary play house, with a door and windows. Find interesting places to play- look at some books with ideas about playing outside and engaging with nature in new ways. I think if you notice what your daughter loves and widen her world in that area, you will encourage her, without pushing her.
Your daughter sounds lovely and very bright. People don't like the label of "G and T", as it can be pretty meaningless and unhelpful so are being a bit harsh with you.