I, too, would suggest the mini wand type. I've done several and haven't
messed with getting the special bearings or anything. I just cut the
blank over length and over size, glue it to a scrap block, drill it on
the lathe, then gently snug up the live bearing in the hole, follow the
instructions exactly, working from the tail end, then part it off at
the exact length. This will only work easily with the mini wand, but
they are great presents and actually only take a few minutes to turn
and a few more to assemble.
Earl