Department store today unveils gift list for separating couples to include household staples and non-iron shirts.
Debenhams has announced the launch of its new divorce gift list service, which encourages parting couples to ask friends and family for household items to help set them up in their new single life.

Inspired by the growing popularity of 'congratulations on your divorce' greetings cards and divorce celebration parties, the list will include cookware, cutlery, glassware, crockery, bed linen, towels and small electricals such as kettles, toasters and microwaves. Also expected to be popular are non-iron shirts, plasma screen TVs and computer games.

Debenhams head of retail Peter Moore said: "With so many couples now living together before they marry, the wedding gift list concept is now regarded as more of an upgrade service, rather than stocking up the first home with the basics.

"However, a divorce means that one partner will be leaving the marital home and therefore be left without any essentials in their new house".

Debenhams has been running a wedding gift list service for more than 10 years and now holds 12% of the market share. On average, couples include 120 items on their gift list, totalling £1,500.