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The 10 Best Nugget Couch Dupes Available Now

Looking for a fun play couch? These ready-to-ship nugget couch dupes are just as good as the original.
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By Martina Garvey, E-Commerce Editor
Updated August 8, 2023
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Image: Target
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Open-ended play helps kids grow mentally, emotionally and socially. One of the best options to help encourage imagination and creativity? A Nugget (or a similar kids’ play couch!). Part-furniture, part-toy, the Nugget couch makes an excellent fort, play gym, reading nook and more. It’s the perfect item to keep kids happily entertained indoors—all while providing physical and mental stimulation.

Like many trendy toys, at times the demand outweighs the supply, meaning a bunch of Nugget couch dupes have flooded the market. Whether you’re looking for a cheaper option, or simply want something more compact, here you’ll find a list of the best kids’ play couches available now.

What is a Nugget Couch?

The Nugget is the original configurable play couch. Suitable for ages 6 months and up, it features four foam pieces (a base, cushion and two triangle pillows), which can be set up in multiple ways for open-ended play. The cushions can be arranged to create a fort, a comfy seating area or any other creation your kid dreams up. It has a microsuede fabric cover that’s removable and machine-washable, meaning you don’t need to worry about spills or stains. It’s best to use the couch in open spaces; at 33" deep and 66" long in its standard configuration, the Nugget takes up quite a bit of space. But, the lightweight design (the entire couch weighs in at just 27 lbs) makes it easy to move from room to room, and the base is foldable for easy storage. Prices start at $249 for the original play couch in classic colors.

Tips for Choosing a Nugget Couch Alternative

There are tons of Nugget couch dupes on the market—some of which are considerably cheaper than the original. That said, it’s important to know that not all kids’ play couches are created equal. Here are a few things to consider when selecting play furniture for your home:

  • Materials: Kids’ play couch cushions should be made from a squishy foam to ensure a soft landing during boisterous antics. To keep it from getting too grubby, go for one with a machine-washable cover that can be removed for easy cleaning. Alternatively, you could opt for something with a wipe-clean vinyl cover. Options made using certified foams and Greenguard Gold-certified materials are best, as they’ve passed rigorous tests for harmful chemicals and emissions.

  • Cost: Before making a purchase, set a budget and stick to it. The Nugget couch alternatives on this list range from $124.99 to $399.99.

  • Size: A kids’ play couch can take up a lot of space, and can be awkward to store. Measure the room you intend on placing it in ahead of time, to determine what size is best for your family.

  • Shipping In previous years, major shipping delays led to many parents seeking out Nugget couch alternatives. Currently, the Nugget couch should ship within five business days in the contiguous US, and over seven days to Hawaii and Alaska. Other retailers promise to deliver within one to two weeks. As furniture is often considered a bulky item, you may also need to factor in additional shipping costs.

  • Safety: It’s important to note that children should always be supervised while using a play couch or other soft-play equipment. Aside from this, look for play furniture made with soft, child-friendly materials and avoid anything with sharp edges or unfinished seams.

The Best Nugget Couch Dupes

Curious to learn more about this toy-couch combo? Keep scrolling to find our picks of the best Nugget couch dupes, plus the pros and cons of each item.

Overall best nugget couch dupe

What We Love
  • Concealed zippers for added protection
  • Velcro strips join blocks together
  • Option to buy extra rectangle and wedge segments for even more building options
  • Certi-Pur-certified foam and OekoTex-certified fabric
  • Machine-washable cover
Things To Consider
  • Optional waterproof liner and wedge pillow cost extra

Don’t want to limit your little one’s creativity? This Nugget alternative offers the most building options by far. A stage, a den, a rocketship—any dream can be a reality with a Figgy (and a little imagination, of course). It comes with six pieces: four base cushions, two rectangles and an optional wedge pillow. Each section has a handle and a velcro strip that make your creations extra-sturdy—and for an extra fee you can get a cover with a waterproof lining. Customers are besotted with this innovative set, with one reviewer writing: “We love the Figgy! It’s such an upgrade from our first play couch. The Figgy allows builds that aren’t possible with any other brand.” High praise indeed.

Dimensions: 33'' (L) x 33'' (W) x 4.5'' (H) (base); 22'' (L) x 11'' (W) x 11'' (H) (rectangles); 22'' (L) x 15'' (W) x 11'' (H) (wedge) | Age rating: 2+ years | Weight: N/A | Material: Polyester, foam, Velcro | Number of Pieces: 6

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Best creative kids’ play couch

Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Kids’ Explorer Sofa
Image: Sam's Club
Buying Options
Sam's Club|$189.98
What We Love
  • Has stash pockets to hold play items and essentials
  • Available in nine cool colors
  • Machine-washable covers
  • One of the more affordable options on our list
Things To Consider
  • Sold exclusively at Sam’s Club
  • May take up to two weeks for the couch to fully expand

Here’s a Nugget couch alternative that won’t break the bank: The Mark Kids' Explorer Sofa. The four-piece set is made up of a base layer, two triangle wedges and a comfort layer. It comes in nine colors and offers endless configurations. Plus, it has handy stash pockets to store a book, tablet or favorite toy. And like many of the best kids’ play couches, it boasts machine-washable covers. One possible downside? It’s sold exclusively at Sam’s Club, meaning you’ll need a Sam’s Club membership to buy one.

Dimensions: 66" (L) x 33" (W) x 5.75" (H) (base); 66" (L) x 33" (W) x 3" (H) (comfort layer); 22" (L) x 16" (W) x 13.85" (H) (triangles) | Age rating: 2 to 5 years old | Weight: N/A | Material: Foam | Number of Pieces: 4

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Best nugget couch dupe with ottomans

Mack & Milo Mendonca Kids Sofa and Ottoman
Image: Wayfair
Buying Options
Wayfair|$209.99
What We Love
  • Machine-washable covers
  • Doubles as a bed
  • Small footprint works well for compact spaces
  • Super lightweight
Things To Consider
  • Not as flexible as other options on our list

Next up is a versatile kids’ play couch that doubles as a bed. Available in an array of cute colors, the Mendonca Kids Sofa by Mack & Milo consists of a solid loveseat and two square ottomans, made from a high-density foam. The stackable segments boast removable covers with childproof zippers. Simply unfold the base and slot the ottomans inside to create a comfy sleep space for toddlers. Still not convinced? This play couch for kids has tons of five-star reviews. One happy customer wrote: “My grandkids love this! Every time they come to visit this is the first thing they bring out. They use it as their trampoline, a bed, a couch, a tent, a corral to keep the toddler penned up and any other thing their imagination allows them to see.” We’re sold!

Dimensions: 40" (L) x 20" (W) x 16" (H) | Age rating: 2 to 12 years old | Weight: 14 lbs. | Material: Polyurethane, foam | Number of Pieces: 3

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Best affordable kids’ play couch

Milliard Modular Kids Sofa
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Can be converted into several seating and play arrangements
  • Made from CertiPur-certified foam
  • Has a soft, machine-washable cover
  • Most affordable option on our list
Things To Consider
  • Some reviewers say it’s smaller than they expected it to be

Nugget couch dupes don’t have to cost a small fortune. Case in point: This kids’ play couch. Ringing in at under $130, it’s the most affordable option on our list—and just because you’re getting a good deal doesn’t mean you’ll lose out on quality. The Nugget couch alternative is made from sturdy, CertiPur-certified foam that you can count on for years down the line, and has a soft, machine-washable velour cover. The three-piece set will arrive ready to use, and can seamlessly be converted into a pint-sized couch with ottomans, a toddler bed or even a puppet theater—how cool!

Dimensions: 39” (L) x 20” (W) x 16” (H) | Age rating: Up to 6 years old | Weight: 15 lbs. | Material: Velour, foam | Number of Pieces: 3

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Best vinyl kids’ play couch

What We Love
  • Foldable base cushions
  • High-density foam blocks are super durable
  • Greenguard gold-certified and Certi-Pur-certified
  • Easily wipes clean
Things To Consider
  • Vinyl blocks are not as soft as fabric cushions
  • Heaviest option on our list

Foamnasium offers a great Nugget couch alternative with one key difference: Rather than a fabric cover, the Blocksy is upholstered in medical-grade vinyl. It may not be as soft as other options, but the fact that it wipes clean is a major plus for parents. Another standout feature we love? Non-skid fabric on the bottom ensures the couch won't slip and slide during playtime. This Nugget dupe has two folding bases (one is slightly thinner than the other) and two wedge cushions that can be set up any way your kiddo wants. It’s slightly longer than the Nugget and easily accommodates two seated adults and toddlers, so it’s a good option if you have space to work with.

Dimensions: 70" (L) x 25" (W) x 16" (H) | Age rating: 6+ months | Weight: 26 lbs. | Material: Vinyl, plastic | Number of Pieces: 4

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Best kids’ play couch for small spaces

Pillowfort Modular Seating
Image: Target
Buying Options
Target|$175
What We Love
  • Compact design is great for smaller living spaces
  • One of the more affordable options on our list
  • Machine-washable covers
Things To Consider
  • May take up to two weeks for the couch to fully expand

This three-piece play couch is an affordable Nugget alternative. The set includes a large, squishy base, which can be folded in half to create a comfy seat and two wedge cushions. It comes in three bright colors and has a soft fabric cover which can be removed for easy cleaning. Your little one can use it as a cozy reading nook, a soft play zone or simply as a spot to sit down and relax. Smaller than other options on the market, this pick is perfect for folks looking for a compact option.

Dimensions: 47'' (L) x 33'' (W) x 4.5'' (H) (base); 23.5'' (L) x 9'' (W) x 9'' (H) (triangles) | Age rating: 2 to 5 years old | Weight: 16.5 lbs. | Material: Polyurethane, polyester | Number of Pieces: 3

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Best convertible kids’ play couch

What We Love
  • Sturdy construction and super lightweight
  • Small footprint is good for compact spaces
  • Machine-washable cover
  • One of the more affordable options on our list
Things To Consider
  • Not as flexible as other options on this list

Delta Children is a go-to brand for nursery furniture—so it’s no surprise that they offer a Nugget alternative too. Available in neutral gray, the three-piece design comes with a loveseat and two ottomans, made from a dense, durable foam. Better yet, the velvety soft cover is machine-washable. Use it as a sofa, flip it open to make a comfy nap spot or set the base upright to create a puppet theater. How fun!

Dimensions: 40" (L) x 20" (W) x 16" (H) (sofa); 14" (L) x 14" (W) x 8" (H) (ottomans) | Age rating: 18+ months | Weight: 14 lbs. | Material: Foam | Number of Pieces: 3

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Best kids’ play couch for multiple kiddos

 Isabelle & Max Marrero Kids 9'' Adjustable Height Foam Floor Cushion
Image: Wayfair
Buying Options
Wayfair|$399.99
What We Love
  • Suitable for a wide range of ages
  • Great for families with multiple kiddos
  • Six-piece set can be altered in a variety of ways
Things To Consider
  • Higher price point than other options on our list

On the hunt for a kids’ play couch that can accommodate more than one child? Look no further than this Nugget dupe from Isabelle & Max. The six-piece set consists of four foldable cushions and two triangular pillows that can be configured in whichever way your little one sees fit. According to reviewers, the foam is sturdy enough for playtime and relaxing—plus, the wide base makes it perfect for two kiddos to enjoy, whether that be as a couch, a fort or anything in between. This Nugget alternative comes in eight colors, ranging from vibrant lime and grape to timeless navy and charcoal.

Dimensions: 66” (L) x 30” (W) x 21” (H) | Age rating: 2 to 12 years old | Weight: 20 lbs. | Material: Foam | Number of Pieces: 6

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Best Montessori kids’ play couch

ShopJoeyCo Modular Foam Montessori Play Couch
Image: ShopJoeyCo | Etsy
Buying Options
Etsy|From $230
What We Love
  • Parents say it’s comfortable and sturdy
  • Handmade design
  • Available in five cute colors
Things To Consider
  • Extra charge for shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico

Creating a Montessori environment at home for your child? Then this kids’ play couch will be a perfect fit. The modular sofa is handmade, and offers a soft, padded base for a wide range of activities—from reading a book or watching a movie to playing with a favorite toy. This versatile Nugget dupe is sure to become a well-loved spot in your home in no time!

Dimensions: 32” (L) x 32” (W) x 18” (H) | Age rating: N/A | Weight: N/A | Material: Foam | Number of Pieces: 4

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Best folding kids’ play couch

What We Love
  • Versatile, foldable cushions can be easily converted and stored
  • Made with CertiPur-certified foam
  • Machine-washable covers
Things To Consider
  • Not suitable for younger toddlers or infants
  • One of the heavier options on our list

Last but not least is our pick for the best folding kids’ play couch. Speaking to its versatility, this convertible design can easily be transformed into a reclined lounge chair, a standard sofa, a padded stage or anything else your kiddo can think of. With this set, you’ll receive six pieces, including two hinged rectangle cushions (that are super easy to fold) and two plush triangle pillows. You’ll also appreciate the cushion handles for straightforward maneuvering, the machine-washable covers and the CertiPur-certified foam interior.

Dimensions: 66'' (L) x 33” (W) x 8” (H) | Age rating: 3+ years | Weight: 21.8 lbs. | Material: Nylon, polyester, foam | Number of Pieces: 4

Buy Now

How We Chose the Best Nugget Couch Dupes

Buying children’s furniture can be overwhelming—even fun pieces like kids’ and toddler play couches. To help you find the best Nugget couch dupes on the market, we browsed options from leading childrens’ brands and trusted online retailers, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. We considered several factors when choosing products to feature, such as quality and durability, size, age rating, material, number of pieces and, of course, style. We also read user reviews to understand how these kids’ play couches have worked for real families, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

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