Instead of involving a database would it be possible to use a multi-dimensional array or just have a cookie that stores the information? This doesn't need to be secure, it just for random users to create a quick grocery list.
Like array(array1, array2, array3, array4, ect...) and each array contains the id, category, product_name, note, qty of each custom product added. Possibly have a mini cart that loops through the arrays and shows the product name, qty and a delete next to it. The delete would use unset what ever the that array would be. Under the mini cart would have a view whole cart which would be exactly like the mini cart but with the addition of showing the note.
Thanks for the help.