I’ve also wanted ducks but have abstained for many of the reasons others have already posted.

If your priority is cuteness, have you looked into Japanese silkie chickens?

They’re a common show breed that look like Dr Seuss creatures. Since they’re popular with that crowd, you can often find breeders giving away excess birds that aren’t up to the ridiculously high showing standards (i.e., a toenail may be too long or the coloring is less than symmetrical). They’re small, social, and my experience with them is they have playful personalities and are all-around friendly little goofs.