Already lots of good points here, but I’d add an additional thought: if the use case is writing plus lightweight computing (email, web browsing, messaging, etc.), you may also want to consider an iPad. It, too, plays in the Apple ecosystem along side her iPhone and provides a lightweight and portable device to work on.
They’re pretty dead simple to use and you aren’t stuck with a single, permanent keyboard. There’s multiple first and third-party options for keyboard cases/folios and you then have the option to use a nice desktop keyboard at her usual work location.
And, something that is much rarer on laptops, you also have the option of cellular. If connectivity and mobility are important, an iPad would provide both.
Looks fantastic! Thanks for your effort in this. Really looking forward to the season and your GDTs!