I used to use "My Perfect Laying Tool" and I got pretty stitches with it, but then I started doing two-handed stitching (one hand above my stitching, one hand below) so I stopped using the laying tool and instead railroad the stitches.
A cheap stilletto used for quilting can be used as a laying tool (cost about $6) and that should give you an idea if you will use one long enough to want to invest in one that is prettier but more expensive. I've seen some really gorgeous ones over the years but couldn't justify the expense balanced with other financial needs.
I use a laying tool with my cross stitch. I got it from a local fabric craft store. It was in the sewing accessories. It has a round handle on it that fits very nice in my hand. My stitching looks much better since I started using it.