DON'T GIVE A WOK AS A GIFT

A wok in colloquial Cantonese also means a small disaster, usually at home or in the office. Giving someone a wok symbolizes asking someone to take the blame for something that has gone wrong. In modern days, the frying pan is also avoided as a gift in Chinese culture because of its name in Chinese (a "flat-bottom" wok).

Source: http://www.wiredtourist.com/travel_articles/Items_to_Avoid_in_Chinese_Gift_Giving.html