Tot tools come in all different shapes, sizes and textures. Everyday things easily become something useful for teaching your tot.
My absolute favorite place to look for school tools is at thrift stores, dollar stores, and Target's $1 zone. Our Goodwill consistantly has great learning toys that are gently used up for grabs. I've picked up Melissa and Doug toys, Pottery Barn kids, etc there.
If there is a tool I have in mind that can be found at a craft store, I always wait until I can use a coupon to get it half off.
These are some of the tools in use at our house:
