One way you could do it is to categorize them and create separate toolbars and place those toolbars on the edge of the drawing space. AutoCAD should automatically create a smaller "icon" version of the drawing or block which sounds like would give you what you are looking for.
Research toolbars and their options. Each block can be created in a separate drawing for easy changing (without having to explode and redefine the block) but you might want to pay close attention to how AutoCAD inserts these blocks and drawings so that you ensure you are getting the most updated block. I believe if they are separate drawings, when you insert the "block" it will insert whatever is in the .dwg file (the entire drawing is inserted) so it goes out and gets the .dwg on insert which should ensure it's the current file.
You can even get even more in depth with it and create a separate "workspace" so that those toolbars are only visible when you need them if you only use them for certain types of drawings.
Best of luck to you and I hope this gives you some ideas...
Trae
