aquarium, hamster     
Our mall has one of those pet centers where they have the cute little puppies in the front window and we always have to check them out. This quickly moves to checking out the hamsters, birds, and the back aquariums with all the tropical and freshwater fish. Each time we go, the kids get all excited and want some sort of pet. The last time my wife and I gave them a choice; a hamster or some fish. After a lot of consideration (actually an hour of going back and forth) the kids chose to get fish.

We bought six fish and a small temporary fish bowl. Two for each child. When we got home I went online and bought an aquarium and all the supplies for half the cost. I had express shipping and the kids were so excited to set up the aquarium, that they started clearing off the mantle immediately after it arrived. Once the aquarium was set up it looked great. I'm glad the kids chose the fish. I don't think it would have been easy keeping the cats away from the hamster cage. The aquarium is high enough not to be a worry