6 Nugget couch alternatives you can buy on Amazon today

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. 

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 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 and dupes available—all with free shipping!

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 play couches 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. 

$254 at Amazon

2. 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 this kids’ couch is 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.

$350 at Amaon

3. 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.

$149 at Amazon

4. 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 storytime.

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.

$180 at Amazon

5. 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.

$140 at Amazon

6. 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.

$70 at Amazon