Hi, I have kept reptiles for over 40 years, sheesh thats scarey !
My Dad used to catch snakes in Africa for antivenom etc ...
I would not advise a Gecko as they are fast ( as they have to catch insects and often diffcult to keep. I have had a few Leopard Geckos as they are so so beautiful alas they do not live that long,
Their food can eat them from the inside (mealworms if you don't cut the heads off. Crickets can eat them from the outside.
The corn grain used instead of sand can block up their insides and they can die. Sand can also block them up too.
Basalisk and other reptiles can detect when a woman is having her period and get agressive..so be aware of that
As previously advised, I would get a Bearded Dragon. they look a bit scarey with their apparent thorns but they are usually sweeties. .. unless previously abused. SO handle it first.
They eat most things though lettuce can give them the runs, as do too many woodlice. They love spagbol and chick weed tend to eat crickets and become very tame.
They can scratch a bit when older, but not intentionally but then she will be confident.
They have their own character and will sit happy on your shoulder or in your coat or on your lap whilst watchihng TV.
Get one from a breeder or a shop who knows what they are talking about not fromn Pets4u etc.
Good Luck
Peter
Good luck