The Best Nugget Couch Alternatives Available Now
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 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 outweighed the supply, meaning a bunch of Nugget couch alternatives 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 play couches available now.
In this article:
What is a Nugget couch?
Tips for choosing a Nugget couch alternative
The best play couches
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 $229 for the original play couch in classic colors and go up to $399 for the outdoor Nugget.
There are tons of Nugget dupes on the market—some of which are considerably cheaper than the original. That said, it’s important to know that not all play couches are created equal. Here are a few things to consider when selecting play furniture for your home.
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Materials: 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 a play couch 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.
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Cost: Before making a purchase, set a budget and stick to it. The Nugget alternatives on this list range from $165 to $399.
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Size: A 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 couch is best for your family.
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Shipping Last year, 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.
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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.
Curious to learn more about this toy-couch combo? Keep scrolling to find our picks of the best Nugget couch alternatives, plus the pros and cons of each item.
Foamnasium 4-Piece Blocksy Set in Gull Gray
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 on the market, 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. The play couch 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.
Age range: 6 months to 5 years
Dimensions: 70" length x 25" width x 19" height
What we love:
- Wipes clean
- Foldable base cushions
- High-density foam blocks are super-durable
- Greenguard gold certified
- Certi-pur certified
What to consider:
- Blocksy is more expensive than the Nugget’s standard model
- Vinyl blocks are not as soft as fabric cushions
Buy it: $260, buybuyBABY.com
The Figgy
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.
Age range: 2+
Dimensions: Base cushions: 33’’ length x 33’’ width x 4.5’’ height; Rectangles: 22’’ length x 11’’ width x 11’’ height; Wedge: 22’’ length x 15’’ width x 11’’ height
What we love:
What to consider:
- Optional waterproof liner and wedge pillow cost extra
Buy it: Starting at $269, FiggyPlay.com
Mack & Milo Mendonca Kids Sofa and Ottoman
Next up is a versatile 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 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.”
Age range: 2 to 5 years
Dimensions: 16’’ height x 40’’ width x 20’’ depth
What we love:
- Machine-washable covers
- Doubles as a bed
- Small footprint is good for compact spaces
What to consider:
- Not as flexible as other options on our list
Buy it: $224, Wayfair.com
Pillowfort Modular Seating
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.
Age range: 2 to 5 years
Dimensions: Base: 33’’ width x 4.5’’ height x 47’’ depth; Triangular cushions: 9’’ width x 9’’ height x 23.5’’ depth
What we love:
- Affordable price
- Machine-washable covers
What to consider:
- It can take up to two weeks for the cushions to fully expand after being unboxed
Buy it: $165, Target.com
Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Kids’ Explorer Sofa
Here’s another Nugget couch alternative that won’t break the bank: The Mark Kids’ Explorer Sofa. The four-piece set comes with 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 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.
Age range: 2 to 5 years
Dimensions: 66’’ length x 22’’ width x 33’’ height
What we love:
- Affordable price
- Machine-washable covers
- Stash pockets
What to consider:
- Sold exclusively at Sam’s Club
Buy it: $190, SamsClub.com
Delta Children Serta Perfect Sleeper Convertible Sofa and Play Set for Kids and Toddlers
Delta Children is a go-to brand for nursery furniture—so it’s no surprise that they offer a Nugget alternative too. Available in soft pink or 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 cozy nap spot or set the base upright to create a puppet theater. How fun!
Age range: 18 months+
Dimensions: 40" depth x 20" width x 16" height
What we love:
- Affordable price
- Sturdy construction
- Machine-washable cover
- Small footprint is good for compact spaces
What to consider:
- Not as flexible as other options on this list
Buy it: $180, Amazon.com
Design Skins Transformable Play Furniture Cake Sofa in Blue
Designed to help kids learn about shapes and spatial relationships, this play couch has a fun, monster-inspired design. The two-piece set works as a seat or can be flipped over and used as a desk. But with a little creativity the soft foam segments can become a mini fort, row boat or even a step stool. Unlike other Nugget dupes, this sofa is wipe-clean only.
Age range: 2 months+
Dimensions: 20.47" length x 13.78" width x 14.17" height
What we love:
- Wipe clean
- Quirky design
- Affordable price
What to consider:
- Limited building options
Buy it: $200, buybuyBABY.com
Cushy Couch
Pegged as the play couch you don’t have to hide when the company comes over, the Cushy is practical, fun and aesthetically pleasing. Made up of four pieces (two triangles, one foldable base and one foldable thin base) the handmade couch offers tons of play possibilities. The soft micro-suede fabric is easy to spot clean, and the removable covers are machine washable. Best of all, the zippers are hidden to give a clean look.
Age range: 2 to 5 years
Dimensions: 33" depth x 66" length x 8.75" height
What we love:
- Neutral design
- Machine-washable covers
- Certi-pur certified foam
What to consider:
- Expensive option
Buy it: $399, CushyCouch.com
Halo Cuties Tangerine Orange Kid’s Play Couch
Need to get your hands on a Nugget alternative—and fast? Halo Cuties offers same-day shipping and fast delivery on all play couches. Made using non-toxic, vegan materials, the play couch is covered with a woven fabric that’s touchably soft and easy to clean. The four-piece set includes two triangular pillows, a base and a cushion to layer on top. We adore the bright tangerine color, but there are a few different shades available.
Age range: 2 years +
Dimensions: 66" length x 33 height x 16 width
What we love:
- Machine-washable covers
- Same-day free shipping
What to consider:
- Some customers report that the zippers break easily
Buy it: $250, HaloCuties.com
Foamnasium x PBK Blocksy Mini Kids Couch
Last up on our list of the best Nugget couch alternatives is a collab between Fomnasium and Pottery Barn Kids. Just like the original Blocksy—but a little bit smaller— its comfy cushions can be arranged any-which-way to provide hours of entertainment. The only major difference (aside from the size) is that unlike the original vinyl version, this couch is upholstered in a woven fabric for added comfort.
Age range: 6 months to 5 years
Dimensions: 46" width x 23" depth x 16" height
What we love:
- Foldable base cushions
- Small footprint is good for compact spaces
- Greenguard gold certified
- Certi-pur certified
What to consider:
- Spot-clean only
Buy it: $289, PotteryBarnKids.com
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