A mala is a counting tool. The 108 beads give you something to keep track of while the attention is elsewhere, and the guru bead at the end marks the point where you turn back. That is the whole mechanism, and it works the same whether you have a practice or are just trying one.
This set pairs a sandalwood mala with a brass stick holder and a pack of plain unscented incense — no fragrance added, so nothing to react to and nothing to go off. The beads are 6 mm, which makes a doubled strand about 60 cm. Comes in a cotton pouch inside a box.