a set of toy building blocks has several different basic block shapes with multiple numbers of each shape . each block has a magnetic base at one end that enables the block to be attached magnetically to the base end of another block . further , each block has one - half of a mechanical connection at its other end that is complemental to certain of the connectors on other blocks in the set . the mechanical connectors at one end of the blocks and the magnetic couplings at the other , together with a variety of different shapes , preferably of abstract form , permit a wide variety of toy structures to be created and erected in accordance with the child &# 39 ; s imagination and creativity .