Last Updated on August 13, 2023 by bethrmartin
For the past few years, the Nugget play sofa has taken over Instagram and children’s playrooms, and it’s easy to see why.
Forget the days of stealing all the cushions from your sectional sofa to build a fort. The soft foam cushions can be used as a couch to watch tv, shaped into a mega castle, designed like a spaceship, set up like a playmat, or used to create an obstacle course.
The possibilities are only limited by your kids’ imagination, making it a pretty perfect toy.
If you are looking for an option other than the play couch that started it all, this guide will help you find the best Nugget couch alternative.
Here we go!
Skip Ahead to the Best Nugget Alternatives ↓
My Top 3 Favorite Nugget Couch Dupes:
What is the Original Nugget Couch?
The original Nugget play couch is a specific brand of play sofa that has exploded in popularity.
It includes four foam pieces: a sturdy base, a soft cushion, and two triangle pillows.
The microsuede covers are easy to remove and machine washable, which is extra necessary for those playtime spills. There are three classic colors, tons of cute limited edition colors, and even special edition patterns like Elmo or Toy Story.
- Four Piece Set: 1 base, 1 cushion, and 2 triangle pillows
- Available in 3 classic colors, 11 limited edition colors, and 5 special edition colors
- Machine washable microsuede covers
- No sharp corners
- 30-day trial
- Free shipping
You can even combine multiple Nugget sets to create the ultimate imaginative play couch building block set!
Why Other Play Couches And What To Consider Before Buying Nugget Couch Alternatives
The original play couch is great, but many excellent brands make quality Nugget Couch alternatives.
This guide is for you if you want something more unique, affordable, eco-friendly, smaller, or even waterproof.
Supply chain issues are also still an important factor. With everything in constant flux, having a backup option’s not the worst idea when you are in the market for specific kids’ toys.
Before you make your choice, you might want to take the following things into consideration:
How It’s Washed
Some play couches, like the Nugget, have removable, washable covers, and some only wipe clean. Versions that wipe clean are usually cheaper, but they are generally also very durable and easy to clean.
Washable covers must be durable because they will most likely be washed frequently.
Cost And What You Get For The Price
Play couches have a massive range of prices, and let’s face it, the Nugget isn’t cheap. But this play set will likely get a lot of rough play, so if you think it will be around for a while, the cost may be worth the investment.
You can find many adorable options for a fraction of the price – they might just not look exactly like the Nugget.
Consider A Variety Of Shapes
If you want something exactly like the Nugget, you should go for a play set with the same foam pieces – the classic sturdy base, a soft cushion, and two triangle pillows.
If you are okay with a little variety, you will find many cushion shapes on this list. Many play couches include a half-moon, cylinders, or even a tri-fold cushion.
Really, kids want to build and have fun, right?
Design
Some Nugget couch alternatives are designed to fit your home decor seamlessly, and some are bright and colorful and would look great in a kids’ play space. If you want something more like the sofa in your living room, look for a play set with neutral colors.
Waterproof Liners
Unlike the Nugget, some sets that have removable covers come with or offer an option for waterproof liners. This is a wonderful upgrade option considering little ones can be messy.
Play sets that don’t have removable covers are usually a type of vinyl, so they are already waterproof.
So let’s jump in and search for the best Nugget Couch alternatives.
What are the best Nugget Couch Alternatives of 2023?
Here are my top picks for the best play couches of the year:
- The Figgy – Best Nugget Alternative
- Yourigami Play Couch – Best Budget Option
- Brentwood Home Play Couch – Best Luxury Upgrade
- Jaxx Zipline Playscape – Best Nugget Dupe
- Foamnasium Blocksy Mini
- Member’s Mark Kid’s Explorer Sofa
- FDP SoftScape Playtime
- MeMoreCool Kids Couch
- Cushy Camper
- Athletic Equipment Crash Couch
- Gathre Arc Playset
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1. The Figgy – Best Nugget Alternative
The Figgy is one of the best Nugget couch alternatives because it’s constructed from high-quality materials, and the base entirely comes apart. This change makes for easy storage and gives your little ones more ways to create.
The Figgys’s machine washable covers come in many attractive colors, and you can select waterproof liners. Hooray for less mess!
These improvements make this versatile play couch extra durable, so you can worry less about those little accidents that are bound to happen, and your children can focus more on playtime.
When you sign up for the Figgy newsletter, you get $15 off your order, which is a pretty good deal.
- Free shipping within the US on orders over $140
- Each infinitely configurable kids’ couch includes six pieces, with an additional wedge for purchase.
- Available in nine cover colors
- CertiPUR-US Foam Inserts
- Uniform pad thickness for easier and more predictable building
- A superior cover material that is comfortable, water resistant, and machine washable
- Available with or without waterproof liners
- Covered zippers to protect your kids’ skin, walls, and floors safe
- Velcro connecting strips help keep the cushions together
2. Yourigami Play Couch – Best Budget Option
If you want an alternative to the Nugget Couch that looks almost the same for a fraction of the price, the Yourigami is perfect. You get the same four parts, and the covers are still removable, but the price is significantly lower.
You don’t get as many color options with the Yourigami, and the zippers might not be as reliable. Still, this set is a fantastic budget steal that will provide hours of fun for your whole family!
They also offer a castle and gym configuration that are both so cute.
- 4 Color options
- Four pieces: 2 base cushions and 2 triangle pillows
- Removable and washable covers
3. Brentwood Home Play Couch – Best Luxury Upgrade
This play couch has six pieces – two more than the Nugget – and is chock-full of eco-friendly accolades.
Like the Nugget, the Brentwood Home play couch is Greengard Gold Certified and formaldehyde-free.
But Brentwood Home goes even further, using fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, and the company is 100% carbon offset and powered by 100% renewable energy – which is seriously impressive.
The cushions are made from high-density foam formulated with up to 20% BioFoam®, meaning it’s made from vegetable materials. This gives a softer feel than the Nugget couch, making it extra comfy but not as sturdy for fort building.
With the extra pieces and luxury materials, this Nugget alternative is the best elevated version of the Nugget Comfort.
- 6 available colors
- Each play couch is made of 6 pieces
- Covers are removable and machine washable
- The only Greenguard Gold Certified and Formaldehyde-Free claim verified play couch on the market
- Awarded 2021 Best Tested Product by Good Housekeeping®
- 1-year limited warranty
- They donate to the National Forest Foundation for every mattress sold
4. Jaxx Zipline Playscape – Best Nugget Dupe
The Jaxx Zipline PlayScape is similar to the Nugget but with updated details.
The zippers are hidden under the fabric so they won’t get snagged on soft skin, and you can feel confident with the eco-friendly, made-in-the-USA foam.
With ten punchy color choices, you will surely find the perfect choice that your kids will love. The Jaxx Zipline also offers many clever accessories that will make this a versatile play couch and the envy of all playrooms.
- The set is made of 4 pieces: 1 top cushion, 1 bottom cushion, and 2 triangle-shaped pillows
- Available in 10 solid cover colors
- The Jaxx Zipline has easy to clean machine-washable covers
- Covered zippers are extra kid-safe
- Made in the USA
5. Foamnasium Blocksy Mini
When you don’t have room for an entire play couch, the Foamnasium Blocksy Mini is the perfect play chair and will offer just as much enjoyment for your kiddos. This compact couch only has one main base cushion, making it ideal for tight spaces.
The Foamnasium Blocksy Mini is Greenguard Gold Certified, so you know your kids are playing with the best possible materials. The vinyl covers are not machine washable but will wipe clean easily.
The foam is firmer than other couch alternatives, so consider this before purchasing. This firmness is excellent for builders, but you might want to add an extra pillow for movie night.
This is the best Foamnasium option for smaller rooms or tight spaces.
- The set is made of three pieces: one folding base and two wedge cushions
- Foamnasium Blocksy Mini is great for small spaces
- Available in nine colors
- Made in the USA and part of a family-run company since 1952
- Entirely handmade
- Antimicrobial and wipe clean easily (but not machine washable)
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Foam and vinyl construction
- Additional accessories are sold separately
- The Foamnasium Blocksy kids’ couch is also available if you like this style but want a full-size version
6. Member’s Mark Kid’s Explorer Sofa
The Member’s Mark Kids Explorer Sofa from Sam’s Club is a great budget alternative to the Nugget, and the components are very similar to the original.
If you already have a Sam’s Club membership, this is a fantastic price, so keep in mind that membership is required.
Some customers have issues with the zippers breaking, so consider what type of use this set will get before buying. Spot cleaning most of the time and only taking off the covers when necessary will most likely prolong the life of your investment.
There are some quality differences between the Nugget vs. Sam’s Club Couch, but this set is still of the best play couches if you are on a tight budget.
- Four cushion set: 1 base layer, 1 comfort layer, and two triangles
- Available in 9 solid colors
- Must have a Sam’s Club membership
- 1-year warranty
- Removable covers are machine washable
7. FDP SoftScape Playtime
This set isn’t exactly a play couch but a giant set of soft building blocks. Your kids can let their imagination run wild and build just like they would with blocks, and what is more fun than that?
You can’t remove the covers on this set, but the material is a durable polyurethane that can easily be wiped clean. This set is on the smaller side and best suited for children under one.
- 6 piece set with unique cushion shapes
- Available in five cover colors
- Wipeable and water-resistant (no machine washable covers)
- Greenguard certified (gold)
8. MeMoreCool Kids Couch
If you are looking for a play couch that acts more like a piece of furniture, this Toddler sofa is a practical and cute option for any kids’ room. The size is perfect for toddlers, and the couch will remain entertaining as your child grows, and the glow-in-the-dark covers are not only adorable but machine washable too.
This kids’ couch has fewer pieces than others on this list and no triangle pillows, but it’s super cute and perfect for smaller spaces. The price is also fantastic.
It’s available as a loveseat or a single, so ideal for even the most compact areas.
It can be used as a couch with two ottomans, or when your children are done sitting, the sofa can flip into a play mat, and the fun begins. The product description shows this set turned into a ball pit, which is such a clever idea!
The glow-in-the-dark unicorn pattern is a personal favorite, but it’s also offered in stars and dinosaurs.
- Available in 6 colorways: 6 glow-in-the-dark print options
- Each play couch is made of 3 pieces
- Slipcovers are removable and machine washable microsuede
- Additional covers are available for purchase
- The sofa has a side storage pocket
9. Cushy Camper
This quality four piece set by Cushy Couch is specifically designed for playing outdoors. The fabric is extra durable and water-resistant for outdoor use, and the covers are removable and machine washable, which means endless entertainment for your kiddos.
The overall design of the Cushy Couch is very similar to the Nugget, and they both use the same folding base with two wedge cushions. This play couch offers convenient upgrades and attractive covers that will look fantastic on your outdoor patio.
- Five different color combinations
- Set is made of 4 pieces: 2 triangle pillows and 2 base cushions
- 1-year warranty
- Removable covers are machine washable and are 99% recyclable
- Hidden zippers
- Made in Canada
- Also available in an indoor version
10. Athletic Equipment Crash Couch
Athletic Equipment specializes in professional-grade mats for sports like rock climbing and gymnastics, so they know a thing or two about quality. The high shock absorbent foam used in their Crash Couch will give you peace of mind when your little ones are playing extra rough.
- The set is made of four pieces: 2 mailbox mats, 1 bi-fold crash mat, and 1 bi-fold throw mat.
- Available in 3 patterns
- Handsewn microsuede covers can be spot cleaned or machine washable
- Made in a woman-owned family business
- Made in the USA
- 1-year warranty
11. Gathre Arc Playset
This adorable arc-shaped playset has three pieces that nestle together to create a cute rainbow form that will look like a modern sculpture in your home. The colorways from Gathre are ultra-sophisticated, while the charming forms will evoke imagination, seesawing, and endless entertainment.
The biggest downside with the Gathre play set is that it is not machine washable. The faux leather material is still easy to clean, but you should consider this before you purchase.
If you are interested, you can learn more about different types of leather qualities, including the PU leather used on this set, here.
- Available in 9 colorways: 6 solid options and 3 print options
- Unique arc shaped design
- Dimensions: 42″ x 16″ x 21″
- Color swatches are available for purchase
- Wipeable and water-resistant
- 100% vegan leather with cushy, solid foam interior
- Ethically and responsibly made
- Free of toxins, PVC, phthalates, and lead. CPSIA compliant
Final Thoughts
The original play couch has become an instant classic, but you can now see you have many great Nugget couch alternatives to keep your kids busy for hours.
My ultimate recommendation on this list would be The Figgy. Since they have added waterproof liners and covered zippers, this set costs more, but the benefits far outweigh the cost. It’s an investment, but it’s built to last and be the hit of the neighborhood for kids of all ages.
If you are on a budget, you can’t beat the price of the Explorer sofa as a Nugget alternative. The components are almost the same as the Nugget, and while they might not be the same quality, you will definitely get your money’s worth.
These play couches will bring your family so much joy and entertainment, so you can’t go wrong. No matter which one you choose, grab your favorite play couch and start building.
If you need some play couch configuration ideas, this handy guide will give you a ton of Nugget couch ideas to keep your kids busy for hours!
Would you choose the Nugget or one of these other kids’ couch options?
