Lego has had sets to build for ages as well as freeform packs which you can still get, both normal blocks and Technics. They even had branded sets way back in t

Lego has had sets to build for ages as well as freeform packs which you can still get, both normal blocks and Technics. They even had branded sets way back in the 50s (VW and Esso, for example). Of course the really cost-effective way to get it remains buying it second-hand by the kilogram. Adults getting in on the game and dropping hundreds on nostalgia-provoking kits is a relatively newer thing, but it's not preventing access to freeform building supplies.