Most anyone will say that teenagers are the most difficult to buy gifts for during the holidays. It’s not easy keeping up with their constantly-changing fads and trends and the last thing you want is to give a gift that goes directly in the recycle bin.

The key is simple: be observant or ask someone close to them. Are they into sports, music or movies? Do they have a Playstation, Wii or iPod?

Teens love all the gadgets that go along with their hobbies and activities, and gift baskets are a great way to “present” them as well as letting them know you cared enough to recognize their interests.

According to Ian Lindley, game buyer for Bull Moose, buying gaming gifts can be terrific, basket fillers. “Bull Moose is a great please to shop for teen gamers,” he said.

“We have a wide selection of new and pre-owned games and accessories; from racing and sports games to games that help you exercise and rhythm games like Rock Band. We even have games about cheerleading.”

What games are hot right now?

“Call of Duty: Black Ops, released on the Xbox 360 and PS3,” said Lindley. “It’s looking like a great game, but is definitely for the older teen. One game I’m really excited about and I think will appeal to teens is Epic Mickey for the Wii. Clever game play mechanics and the inclusion of popular and obscure Disney characters make this a game teens will want this season.”

What sports gifts are hot right now?

According to Sandy Heldman at Gee & Bee Sporting Goods, there are hundreds of sporting accessories to choose from for the sports-minded gift baskets.

“Performance-enhancing equipment is a lot of what we do and is very popular right now,” said Heldman. “Technology plays a big part of helping the athlete and most of the equipment is lighter, stronger, and more durable.”

Heldman suggested such items as the Shock Dr. mouthpieces, which reduce concussions and Under Armor, which is form-fitting, moisture-wicking clothing worn under sportswear and popular among teens. Other ideas are swimming goggles, golf balls, hockey pucks, and t-shirts.

Fast food basket:

Stop by numerous eating places and pick up gift certificates. Teen favorites are Sam’s, Subway, Dunkin’ Donuts, KFC and burger places. In fact, ask KFC if they will give you an empty bucket and use it in place of the basket and fill the container with paper grass or candy. Grab skewers to tape certificates on and slide into the bucket for eye appeal.

Music lover basket:

Most teens love music and own an iPod. There are cases and skins, headphones, speakers, docks, and car chargers. Don’t know what to get for music? Head to the nearest box store or pharmacy and you will find iPod gift cards starting at $15.

Movie lover basket:

Fill a popcorn container with movie CDs or a gift certificate to a local theater or video store. Add microwave popcorn, Twizzlers, Starbursts, M&Ms and a few bottles of their favorite beverage.

Car owner basket:

Fill a basket with car accessories such as air fresheners, cleaning wipes, a portable waste basket, travel mug and a gas card. You could even line the basket with microfiber window and mirror cloths or fill the wastebasket with gifts inside.

Personal basket:

Girls especially love gifts that pamper. Fill a basket, or better yet, a funky carrying case or tin, with hand lotions, body washes, and bath poufs. Add fingernail polish, emery boards, and mascara. Don’t forget the lip gloss. Bath & Body Shop has a great selection of basket fillers with scents for every nose.

Reader basket:

Bookstores have perfect accessories for the bookworm in your life. Let them choose their own book with a gift certificate, but add book marks, a book light for night reading, and throw in a few Sudoku or word search paperbacks. Bookstores also carry other items that may fit in as well such as a calendar, diary, or funky pen.

Once you know the theme of your basket, the rest is easy as most items will be displayed together in the store for easy access and price checking.

Just be as creative as you can. Whenever possible, use one of the gifts, such as the popcorn container, in place of the basket for that wow factor.

Although a teen may not admit it, they still enjoy the sights of the holidays and the sounds of wrapping paper being torn.