A Printable Grocery List Only A Mother Could Love

My grocery list has gone through several metamorphoses. It all started when a few years ago, in an attempt to “redeem the time,” I Uber-organized myself by creating an Excel spreadsheet for just about every area of my life. Grocery lists were only the beginning. However, the grocery list lasted the longest and sees the most constant use.

I needed a printable grocery list that worked!

I was tired of jotting down the same old items every week, only to forget to get ketchup yet again, or throw about fifteen things I didn’t really need but “felt” we might be low on into the cart. So after browsing online for a standardized grocery list (wow, those state-testing terms keep cropping up in my regular life!), I decided to make my own. I categorized the list based on the typical grocery store layout, and listed basic items our family purchases regularly (hmm, Gummi Bears aren’t on the list – I need to revise!).

How I use my printable grocery list:

I keep my grocery list on a clipboard (teaching habits die hard!) or on the fridge. When we run out of something, or I notice we are low, I circle that item on the list. I have a few blank lines in each category to add one-time or specialty items, or things I see on sale.

Before I shop, I plan my menu, circling items to buy. Then I go through my coupons and circle coupon-item purchases (if not already circled) and mark a “c” next to the item so I remember to use the coupon (something I was forgetting to do previously). Finally, I look at store circulars, and sometimes I jot a note about which store I’ll buy each item.

Honestly, I thought all this organizing, list-making protocol was totally normal until awhile back. I was in a wholesale club with my shopping list propped in the cart’s child seat in front of me, happily shopping away, paying no mind to the shoppers who looked askance at the crazy lady with the grocery-list-attached-to-a-clipboard. As I waited at the deli counter, a lady looked at me about twelve times, so I smiled. This must have emboldened her to point at my clipboard and ask, “Um, may I ask, is that your GROCERY LIST?”

To which, I happily replied, “Oh yes!” and launched into a full-blown explanation, when I saw the glazed look in her eyes. I would’ve offered to email it to her, but… I didn’t want to alienate the only shopper who was brave enough to speak to the crazy grocery list mama! I contented myself to being happy she’d asked, and made a mental note that perhaps not ALL shoppers are so attached to their Excel spreadsheets as I am.

Get your own copy of my Printable Grocery List!

Yes, if you’re as insanely organized about your grocery shopping as me (or want to be!), you can print out your own copy of my list – just click the image! It will open a Google Doc, which you can then “Save As” your own file and edit!

How do you grocery shop? Do you have a list or method?