Yeah I know he's young but he took care of his fish and yep I live pretty close by. I wouldn't get him red eyes or axolotls because I know the care they require, he just enjoys mine
I was thinking to get him a hamster or some small rodent if I couldn't get any feedback on other things, I just wanted to hear what everyone else thought about it.
My mom is fine with him having a small pet for his 10 gallon, he just doesn't have room for anything bigger than that right now.
It's not like any of these would be a surprise to him the day of his bday, I would make sure whatever I chose that he would like it to or show interest in it and make sure he knew the care of it beforehand.

Thanks for all you guys help and input