I've been a Discovery Toys representative since 1983.  I can't remember a time that we haven't had these links in our product line!  That speaks very highly of this product!   This IS the newest packaging.  The box for packaging the links was discontinued many years ago.  The links are safe for the birth-3 year category.  Use them at birth for visual stimulation, hanging a teether to the car seat, etc.  The links are super easy for little fingers to grasp.   Use them as safety latches on kitchen cupboards.    Count them, natch colors, and link them together.   The uses are endless.  You get your money's worth out of the product many times over.