Trying to make a custom lamp, what "parts" should I be looking for?

I want to give a lamp with a figurine at the base to a friend as a Christmas gift. I have the figurine (which is a chalk bust of a historical figure) and I am looking to attach it to some sort of base and then of course buy a shade for it. Where can I find simple lamp bases with thin necks that will allow room so that I can place the figure at the base? A friend of mine had some great bases that she put all different kinds of horses on but I have no clue where she got them. Any help would be appreciated - thank you!