10 Nugget couch alternatives you can buy on Amazon right now
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If you aren’t already familiar with the Nugget couch, the “infinitely configurable play couch” was the pandemic purchase that turned living rooms into play gyms, saving the sanity of stir-crazed parents everywhere. Made up of four foam pieces—a foldable base, foldable cushion and two triangle pillows, all covered in a super-soft, spill-proof microsuede fabric—it has sustained popularity for two years straight.
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Maybe you’ve been Nugget-curious, wondering if it's worth the $259 price tag. Maybe you’re comparison shopping and simply looking for a Nugget couch alternative. Or, maybe you’re looking for a more sustainable or more budget-friendly version of the popular play piece and couch combo. Whatever your reason, we’ve got options.
Read on for the absolute best Nugget couch alternatives available—all with free shipping!
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1. Greenguard-certified and wipe-clean option: Foamnasium
Best for: Slipping and sliding
Cleaning options: Wipe-clean
Parts: Four pieces
The Foamnasium is readily available, can arrive in days via Amazon and may be the Nugget’s most popular competitor. Made with medical-grade vinyl, this wipe-clean, easy-to-disinfect option gets rave reviews for durability. Greenguard-certified, it’s made from polyurethane foam and is lead- and phthalate-free.
Since most of the higher-end Nugget couch alternatives on the market are made with microsuede or microsuede-style coverings, the vinyl Foamnasium Blocksy stands out as a smart choice for kids who tend to be a bit messier and—since it’s made from slippery vinyl—it’s best for kids who like to have a bit of a slide with their play structures.
Like the Nugget, this play couch arrives in four parts: a base cushion, a support cushion and two wedge pieces for different configurations.
2. Architectural option: The Figgy Couch
Best for: Serious fort building
Cleaning options: Machine-washable cover
Parts: Seven pieces
Durable, thoughtfully designed with a lux look and feel, the high-quality Figgy play couch has a few added features that may have you choosing this one over the famed Nugget.
Unlike the Nugget, the Figgy has a waterproof liner (shouldn’t everything that kids use have a waterproof liner?) to keep the cushions intact, no matter what spills it may encounter. We also appreciated well-hidden zippers (to prevent pieces from catching on clothes and hair) and convenient carry handles.
Our favorite feature, however, is the smart—and strong—Velcro attachment system that allows pieces to sturdily attach. If you have a serious fort builder in your family, this is the ultimate play couch. It also comes with two base cushions, two top cushions, two rectangular side pieces and one wedge—making for loads of building options.
The separated top and base cushions further add to the Figgy's architectural elements, giving kids more options when constructing their creations. If your kid is a builder, this may be the best Nugget couch alternative for them.
3. All-in-one option: Jela Modular Kids' Couch
Best for: Best bet for a truly full set
Cleaning options: Machine-washable cover
Parts: Eight pieces
Sure, all of the Nugget couches come with multiple pieces but—for the Nugget and almost all of its competitors—if you want an extra bolster or wedge, it's going to cost you.
This 8-piece couch comes with two base cushions, two top cushions, two bolsters and two wedges and will never have you wanting for additional pieces for building or for comfort. Plus, it comes in some of the best colors on Amazon.
Like many others, the Jela Modular Kids' Couch has thoughtful features like covered zippers and machine-washable microsuede covers. The manufacturers also claim that this kids' couch is made from eco-friendly and non-toxic materials and has passed CertiPUR-US testing, which prohibits any CFCs use, or any harmful elements in manufacturing.
4. Budget option: Costzon Convertible Kids' Couch
Best for: Playing on a budget
Cleaning options: Machine-washable cover
Parts: Four pieces
None of these couches are cheap but, for the most authentic Nugget Couch alternative at the lowest price, certain colors of the Costzon will run you fewer than two Benjamins; it's also very similar to the Nugget couch in terms of play options.
Like the Nugget couch, the Costzon Convertible Kids' Couch is made from high-density foam and the cover is made from super soft, machine-washable micro suede. It comes with a base, a cushion, and two triangular pillows.
5. Space-saving option: Betterhood Play Couch
Best for: Small space living
Cleaning options: Machine-washable
Parts: Six pieces
Desperately want a Nugget couch but you don't have the space? The standout feature of this Nugget dupe is it comes in two sizes. The small version of the Betterhood Play Couch is almost six inches smaller than the Nugget and Nugget competitors.
It's not only a fave because of its diminutive size. Another nice feature: For considerably less than the Nugget, this play couch comes with six pieces as opposed to the Nugget's four. In the smaller version, we are particularly charmed by the round bolster-style armrests, which immediately inspire us with play options.
While the color options are limited (at this time only gray is available), this is versatile play couch arrives quickly and is a space-saving deal.
6. Aesthetic option: Whatsit Kids’ Couch
Best for: Color block style and easy cleanup
Cleaning options: Machine-washable cover
Parts: Six pieces
Everything you love about the Nugget, but with Prime shipping from Amazon. While certain colors of this kids’ couch are more expensive than a Nugget couch, it does come with the ease of Amazon purchases and returns.
The Whatsit Kids' Couch boasts all of the same features as the Nugget—including a stain repellent and machine-washable microsuede exterior, lux fabric shades and a six-piece set that includes two bases, two top cushions and two wedge-style backrests.
What it also lays claim to is a cool color block design that looks super chic.
7. Mini option for small spaces: Jaxx Zipline
Best for: Small spaces
Cleaning options: Machine-washable cover
Parts: Three pieces
How about a little loveseat for your little one? This adorably pint-sized modular mini couch is just right for smaller spaces and has fun configuration options that kids will love. Coming in at well under $200, this is an affordable option with a surprisingly creative design.
Made with only three pieces, the Jaxx Zipline may not have as many building options as the Nugget couch, but it’s incredibly versatile in its own right.
This cleverly designed, microsuede loveseat can transform into a stage for putting on shows, it can be pulled apart to build fortresses and it can be used as a comfy sleeper, a study center and more!
The foam core is perfect for bouncing on and the cover is 100% machine-washable.
8. Toddler option: The SoftZone Climb and Crawl
Best for: Little climbers
Cleaning options: Wipe-clean
Parts: Five pieces
This five-piece colorful foam play set is just right to encourage climbing, balancing, building and sliding. Made with toddlers and preschoolers in mind, it is the perfect gateway climber and fort-builder for tiny ones, and it also configures into a perfect lounger for story time.
The lightweight pieces each have a non-stick base and are easy to carry, making this set a great choice for younger kids to independently flex their creative building ideas.
The ECR4Kids SoftZone Climb and Crawl is a sturdy set that is made with non-toxic, Greenguard Gold-certified foam and soft, easy-to-clean polyurethane, making it a set that stands up to messes and drool, while also being safe for teething mouths.
9. All-in-one option: Milliard Tri-Fold
Best for: Sturdy fortress foundations
Cleaning options: Machine-washable cover
Parts: One piece
Don’t underestimate this connected, folding play mat and lounge chair combo. This all-in-one, one-piece kids’ sofa can still inspire all the creativity of the Nugget, but without taking over your living room.
While you can’t get all of the configurations you may with moveable couch pieces, unfolding the Millard Tri-Fold can be a perfect starting point to a respectable fortress—just add blankets.
Available in five sizes, from single to king, It’s also an excellent option as a play mat and a comfy, sturdy sleep mattress for naps and house guests. Best of all, it folds up to a compact size that can be easily stowed away when not in use.
10. The best napping-on option: Serta 2-in-1 Loveseat and Sleeper
Best for: A comfy slumber
Cleaning options: Machine-washable cover
Parts: One piece
This budget-friendly option made by Serta features sturdy foam that’s just as good for jumping on as it is for napping on. Covered in a machine-washable, super soft, baby sheep-embossed slipcover that’s repeatedly reviewed as “snuggly,” this is a cozy option for kids.
This 2-in-1 sleeper is made by a mattress legend, so you know the quality is going to be good. This lightweight couch can go from the bedroom to the playroom, and the non-slip bottom prevents it from sliding when it’s being used for bouncing instead of sitting. A clever side pocket keeps books within easy reach.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
This article originally appeared on Reviewed: 10 Nugget couch alternatives for kids to shop on Amazon
