What are some practical tricks that is done with a wand? Something that doesn't take up too much pocket space?

Using the mini-wand with a set of mini cups?

Depending on how small the wand is, one could use Williamson's Strike Vanish still, or if it is really small (just larger than a tooth pick) you could use it as a sight gag, when performing cards or coins.

Processing out loud.

RevJohn

If the size suits, use it for manipulation instead of a cigarrette.

It will open you up to a wide range of gags and one-liners.

Hmmmmmmm that's a good idea. Cigarette + wand. What it the wand actually produces smoke! Woots!

Check out Recap by Gregory Wilson from "Off the Cuff". It's more of a routine with a small pen, but the moves could be adapted easily.

Kennedy's Stir Fry?

Wand and Pin, simple-visual penetration.

I have used chop sticks for years as wands with good reception. The key for me is giving the off-hand something to do and giving a 'hands off' feel to many effects. So, I guess that is 'using a small wand'. When I do C&B with teacups I use the wand to lift the cup by the handle.

Bob Read had a similar cup handle on wand idea (but not with a mini wand) and would do it with the wand under the armpit but without anyone realizing it even though it was done in full view and was thus making one of the cups disappear for a couple of second.

It's in his penultimate C&Bs.

Is the mini wand really a good idea? Seen from the audience's point of view, isn't the wand a symbol of the magician's power: making it small has always seemed odd to me.

when you're poor you use whatever you can get. ;-) In Medieval settings I used a small dagger with an antler handle. It ws so powerful someone stole it. I've always thought of a wand as a power focusing tool, so size doesn' tmatter. As staff, on the other hand ...

One of my staffs is from a limb of a 1000 yr old Redwood and people ask permission to touch it -- so I never use it when performing, but allow a spectator to hold it for me. Oh, the stories they tell of the magic I do.