What pet would be good!?

I am looking for a new pet, but not a hamster or a gerbil. I don't want anything that is close to a ferret. Some kind of pet that is kind and doesn't mind being handled on a daily basic. Maybe an exotic pet, but not TO exotic. I am not to busy, but I don't really like cleaning cages to much. I will though clean the cage I don't mind that much. I do understand every animal needs something different. We don't want an expensive pet since we don't have much money. Like nothing like 500-600 dollars. Nothing like that. Hope you can help!