How do you pick a meaningful project when learning a new stack?

Start with something you actually need, even if it's a tiny problem. Think about tasks you repeat, information you have trouble keeping organized, or a tool you keep wishing existed.

Do a quick search for existing options too. If they already solve the problem perfectly, pick another one. If they're awkward or missing something you care about, that gap can give your project a clear purpose.

Pick one feature of a bigger idea and make that the whole project for now. With a month available, a finished small website is more useful for learning than an ambitious plan with half its pieces missing.

Choose a slice that stretches you a little, but isn't so far beyond your current skills that you spend the month stuck. You can add complexity later if the basic version works and still interests you.

Don't get too hung up on whether the idea sounds impressive. A straightforward website can be meaningful because it gives you a reason to put the stack together and finish something. Make it as simple or complicated as your time allows.

Interest is a real constraint here. If an online store sounds boring, skip it. Look at a hobby or everyday annoyance instead, then pick a project idea that makes you curious enough to keep working when it gets fiddly.