Question:
Wow, so many replies to this, so quickly!
I think people misunderstood me here a little. When I said I wanted to get her perfume, I meant in addition to a few other gifts (probably should have stressed that a little stronger in my first post) - I was planning on buying her some jewelery as well and taking her out to dinner, maybe getting a gift certificate from the spa. No worries there - I'm not so much trying to force it onto her as I am attempting to give her something to try out. More for fun than anything else. It's not my style to try to force my own interests onto other people, for the most part. I just wanted to clear that up.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far! I'll look into samples since everybody seems to be recommending them so highly, and I'll also look into some of the suggested scents!

Answer:
Try XS pour Elle by Paco Rabanne or Anais Anais by Cacharel.
XS pour Elle: Green Fresh Fruity Marine Floral Woody Powdery
Anais Anais: Green Fresh Fruity Floral(Muguet) Powdery Woody
My mother is also Chinese and the same age, she isn't big on fragrances and doesn't like anything too sweet, strong, or aldehydic smelling. Her favourite perfume is XS pour Elle which smells very fresh and is floral without being too citrus. She also like Anais Anais.
Good luck and I hope you will find a fragrance she will enjoy!

Answer:
One of the first scents that hit me was Narciso Rodriguez edt.It's a little woody and not overly sweet.After a while it settles to a close to the skin scent.Not the typical "perfumey" scent from my point of view.

Answer:
I have never caught my Chinese mom wearing perfume. She hates and is allergic to certain perfumes. She loves expensive creams and I suggest that if you buy her scented creams, she will actually use it. It's hard to get her into the habit of spraying because if she doesn't absolutely love the scent, she'll probably never use it. It would be hard for her to change her habits, especially 50 years of habits.

Answer:
Flower by Kenzo Eau d'Été.
she sounds perfect for it.

Answer:
Lovely from Sarah Jessica Parker is a fresh scent, close to the skin and no to strong.
Omnia Crystalline from Bulgari is also along those lines.
They both feel green and light to my nose; I have had several bottles of them; very good everyday scents imho.

Answer:
I wouldn't get her a perfume no matter how fun it may be for you. It might end up being a waste of yourr money and time. sorry... I'd go with a candle. good luck.