Perhaps the friend assigned to you thinks that you enjoy to write or draw? It does seem unthoughtful compared to the other gifts, but I wouldn't think too much about it. It's about having fun and being together, not about the gifts you get. Pens were actually on my Christmas list this year lol.

don't worry, there's always one in every group. come to think of it, I'm usually that person.....

I probably would have been the pack of pens giver because I suck at figuring out what to get people. Just say thanks and move on. It's certainly not the worst gift in the world. You could always use more pens!

There will come a time when you and your friends are frantically filling out forms of life-changing import and their pens will run out of ink. They will turn expectantly to you; only to be flipped off as write using all of the pens they gave you. The form will look like a mess; but so will the looks on their faces.

Yeah if they do that more than once or even at all, I'm not sure they should be considered your friends.

I feel ya. I got a $1 scratch off ticket

I did a secret Santa in high school, and the person that got me forgot to bring a present and never brought it.... She kept saying she would but didn't.... And everyone in the secret Santa kept asking me what I got... As they all stood around happy playing with or looking at what they got while I just stood there all awkward....

Haha I have had many experiences with situations like this! But I just close my eyes and remember how Christmas is about giving and then I feel better and can enjoy the rest of the party :) also the 5$ limit helps hahaha

That's what I hate about Secret Santa gifts, there's always one person who just can't be bothered getting a nice gift.

It's a good idea, but setting a price won't really help here since there were home-made gifts like the album of memories.