We use a list on the fridge. It works best for our family--anyone can add something (good luck getting that iPhone, though, DS10!). There are items in the kitchen that I don't use, like bread and butter pickles. Of course, not only won't I notice that we're out, I won't care! So, if you want more, write it down! It's a combo list--food items as well as general products (toothpaste, index cards). We're a family of 6, and I shop at multiple places, so this system works for us.
I can see the phone thing working for some people, but in our family, I could see someone telling me to add something, rather than going through the process themselves. And then getting mad at me because I didn't hear them or forgot. Also, DS10 doesn't have a phone at this time (although he has a kindle). DD13 frequently forgets her phone, and DS19 simply wouldn't go through the trouble. Switching to a phone system would require re-training everyone.
Another thing I do is use the
Walmart pick-up service. I place an order for pick-up a couple days in advance, then I go inthe night before I'm picking up, and add anything to the order that's come up since then. Obviously, this doesn't work for emergency milk runs, but it does for most purchases.
