I don't want to get them a goldfish because they die to quickly, so what other fish make good first fish?

Or how about a hamster?  Those are good first pets too right?

I had a guinea pig when I was little and they make great pets.  You can raise them and they are smart enough to form a bond and play with you.

I never had any fish though, probably would have killed one of those right away.

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Finding my muse

A Betta perhaps though I am not sure how hearty those are.  I assume you can't get a big animal, ie a dog or cat or something of that sort.  In all honesty, though very expensive, parrots can be ridiculously loving, very smart, and are known to outlive their owners.  I myself am not a big fan of birds.  Perhaps a bunny rabbit or a chinchilla could be appropriate?  I love Chinchillas.