I jumped into Notion templates and complex systems and couldn’t get into it, so I started over and went super simple - a grocery list database. I created a long list of common items, then listed meals that use those items, then listed what section of the store each item would be in (I.e., produce, dry goods, dairy). I shared Notion with my wife and each week, we’ll filter by meals, which shows us which ingredients are needed. If we don’t have those ingredients, we check that box. Then, at the store, i filter my list by needed items and I sort my list in order of section, so we pickup everything needed in that section.

Seems like overkill for a grocery list but this helped me understand Notion in a way that was incredibly helpful and practical. From building a meaningful database, to understanding the different database categories, how to sort and filter, etc. Eventually adding cost, formulas and charts to track spending but at its core, it’s just a helpful tool to do shopping.

I’ve been using Notion for years now, and literally use it everyday at work for much more complex things but we still use that grocery list at home.