ias far as tarantulas go, I've only handled my rosea, and she was calm and it went well. I've heard they can be quirky and unpredictably, not all are nice.
My A hentzi is wacky, and took her quite some time to adjust when i first got her. She's a lot of fun to watch, but not something I plan on holding anytime soon because she seems easily stressed.

I think that hissing cockroaches are great. They are really low maintainance, easy to handle, and harmless. I have two females (no breeding there). I rarely see them, they like to hide all day. But I can get them out and hold them, and they are fun to show off. They don't stink, don't bite - I'd recommend them over a hamster for a child's pet any day!