I got a set of these as a gift with my first child. I bought this set as a gift for my sister's baby. (When my 18 month old saw the package, she wanted to get them out and start playing!)
The links are wonderful toys (great fun to shake) and functional for keeping other toys from getting chucked overboard. My daughter also liked the various textures when she was small. They are easy to attach / detach to & from one another. I found to be useful in MANY situations; I used them for play things, attaching toys, and even holding a blanket over the stroller on windy or sunny day.