'Tis the season! Well, almost. You may be thinking of fall, but retailers are already ready for the holidays. But there are a few reasons why experts say getting a head start may be a gift to yourself. Innae Park has more.

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ALBANY, N.Y. -- From the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the Tabeo, there are dozens of toys that kids will be clamoring for this holiday season.

While you may be thinking it's a little early, Toys"R"Us released its "2012 Holiday Hot Toy List" before autumn officially began, and more stores are sure to follow. Rebecca Flach, the Vice President of the Retail Council of New York State, said, "They've started earlier and earlier than we've seen in previous years."

However, Flach says it's not just because of the economy, but demand. "There's a large percentage of consumers, somewhere between 20 to 40-percent who start their holiday shopping early."

Stores also see it as a way to promote safety. "Retailers are very concerned about what's happening on Black Friday morning, or even Thanksgiving evening, with the crowds in their stores," said Flach. "They're doing all they can with crowd control and encouraging consumers to take it easy."

Shoppers were saved from a potentially big blow this season as well, with the International Longshoremen's Association threatening to strike. The union representing employees who unload shipping cargo in the U.S. had a contract with the United States Maritime Alliance that was set to expire September 30, 2012. Negotiations had not reached any conclusion, and the threat of a strike seemed imminent. However, this week, the dockworkers' union and the Maritime Alliance agreed to extend their contract another 90 days “for the good of the country."

Which means, "Less stress! And we can all use that during the holiday season," said Flach.

For the full Holiday Hot Toy List from Toys"R"Us, click here.