Pretend play things are perfect at this age! Last year at Christmas my son was 2.5 years old too!
I got him:
Pretend kitchen set, plates, cooking things, play food, shopping cart, cash register
Also, a garage (the tall ones with the windey ramps) & cars/trucks
Books, puzzles, art supplies, play dough
Blocks & legos -- They LOVE to build at this age!
Those pretend sets like Little People (although i think you call them something else in the UK)
Little Tikes Basketball hoop
Oh, and i had gotten my son a small indoor trampoline....... bc he has lots of energy!
A tunnel (this has always been one of his fave things to play with) -- Great for obstacle courses & large motor development
Is he potty-trained yet... or working on it?? I had gotten my son a potty book, a spongebob potty (the seat that fits on the big toilet), and fun cartoon character underwear
I always get him fun, character sheets for his bed... and pajamas too!
Hope this helps!