Using a bic lighter is OK, but using an alcohol lamp is the preferred method, as it leaves no residue.
Also, while chem lab supplies are definitely best, most can be substituted with mason jars of various sizes. Baby food jars are also apparently great and vac seal fine with the pressure cooker, although i have not tried that one personally.
For an easy and cheap stir plate, take an old computer fan (12V or 5V) and an old AC/DC converter to match the fan (12V or 5V, duh) and glue a magnet to the center of the fan blade (i used a magnet out of a computer HD, strong, small, flat). It can be a PITA to position the magnet correctly, I had an issue of the fan not working because of the misplaced magnet, and also if it's off center it will shake the rig. I found Tupperware a good enclosure for the device, and you can use cardboard to space it correctly inside. Works as a great cheap stir plate, just use a stir bar or piece of wire (less ideal). This setup has no speed settings, but you might be able to use a dimmer switch or such to do that, but no guarantees.
Searching google you can find instructions with pics and more detail.