First,
ask her what she's really interested in, because that will certainly influence the decision. No one telescope can do everything, however imho this is the one that will do the most.
https://www.opticscentral.com.au/cel...telescope.html
My first telescope (if you want to call it that) was an AstroMaster 130, and it was the worst thing I've ever used. Quite frankly, if she's still interested in astronomy after using one then that's quite an achievement.
My next scope was the Celestron Evolution 6" (linked to above). Perfect for the planets, the Moon, the Sun (with an Eclipsmart filter), and you can use it for the brighter DSO's with an appropriate camera and focal reducer (which you can get later). It's small and lightweight, easily fits into the car boot but packs a serious punch.
The Evolution mount can hold an 8" or 9.25" SCT, and the Goto feature is good (but not perfect). She can put it on a wedge later if she's interested in DSO photography. I would not bother with a manual Dob, sure they are cheap but just the sheer frustration of finding anything and keeping it in the field of view is a turn off for me.
Get an astronomy app for her phone (I use SkySafari Plus for $10 or so) which can also control the Evo mount and a couple of good eyepieces.
I note that there's an Evo mount on the classifieds for just $1000 (in Melbourne), that's a great saving and you can then get the actual optical tube to mount it on elsewhere.
https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/...d.php?t=214367
Andrew