The Nugget foam couch set is one of those holy grail kids’ products that’s talked about so much that you start to wonder if it could really be as good as it seems. At $249, it’s also not the cheapest kids’ item you’ll ever buy. But that’s when the best Nugget alternative options come in to save the day and your bank account.
We rounded up the best Nugget couch alternatives to help you save some money. These lesser-known brands are just as well reviewed as well as in stock right now.
For more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, text HACKS to 57299. Or, download the Krazy Coupon Lady app.
Limited-Time Deal: Costway 4-Piece Convertible Kids Couch and Play Set
This couch is on sale right now for $149.99 (reg. $359.99) at Target, that’s a 60% savings. It comes with two folding mats and two triangular pillows and can be used for endless imagination-building. The covers are removable but be advised — handwash only! Use your Target RedCard and save an additional 5%.
What is the Nugget Play Couch?
The Nugget comes with four foam pieces: a base, a cushion, and two triangular pillows. These are meant to be used to create any kind of play structure your kids want. However, four pieces isn’t a lot, and many parents say that in order to really make fun structures, you actually need to purchase two Nugget sets, which comes out to a total price of $498. Of course, you don’t have to buy two Nugget sets, but a lot of parents say one set isn’t enough.
Since $498 (or even $249) is quite a bit of money to spend on foam cushions that your kids will inevitably destroy as best they can, here’s a look at some Nugget alternatives that are either a lot cheaper or offer more for the money.
Play Couch Deals we’ve found in 2023
Yourigami Folding Convertible Kids and Toddler Play Couch
The first Nugget alternative is this Yourigami Folding Convertible Kids and Toddler Play Couch, $135.99 ($199.99. Kohl’s. It comes in three colors, blue, gray, and green — and similar to the original Nugget, features four modular pieces, four squares, and two triangle cushions. Did we mention this Nugget alternative also has removable zip covers that are machine washable and dryable? Plus, at Kohl’s, right now you get $30 Kohl’s Cash and free shipping.
You can also find this at Costco or Amazon for $199.99.
Delta Children Serta Perfect Sleeper
The most budget-friendly option we found was the Delta Children Serta Perfect Sleeper ($69.99, Amazon) now on sale for just $55.99. Although not quite the same as the Nugget, this little loveseat is a good way to get your toddler comfortable. They can sit on it, climb on it, or pull it out to turn it into a sleeper bed. It’s cute and inexpensive, and you’ll save about $200 compared to buying the Nugget.
M Hi-Mat Soft Climb and Crawl Activity Play Set
The couch set suitable for younger toddlers and babies is the M Hi-Mat Soft Climb and Crawl Activity Play Set ($99.99, Amazon). It’s about $150 less than the Nugget and comes with five to six blocks of different foam shapes that come together to create a little play structure. These pieces are smaller and more manageable, and while they don’t turn into a couch, they’re still a lot of fun.
Jaxx Zipline Modular Loveseat and Ottomans
For parents who want something their kids can actually sit and relax on, this Jaxx Zipline set, $122.99 ($169.99, Amazon) is perfect. Instead of a set of foldable cushions and triangular wedges, this one comes with a little loveseat that can be used for sitting or can be folded down to look like more of a flat cushion. It also has two smaller square cushions as well to turn the loveseat into a resting nap spot.
The Foamnasium Blocksy Mini
Another smaller option for parents who are trying to save money is the Foamnasium Blocksy Mini, White ($107.79, Amazon). A few colors come in at about $160. Both prices are still cheaper than the Nugget. They come with four pieces, and the difference is that they’re smaller than the original Foamnasium and the Nugget. This makes them ideal for younger toddlers or anyone who doesn’t have a ton of room.
Foamnasium Mini Blocksy, Pewter
The Foamnasium Mini Blocksy comes with one folding base and two wedge cushions. Right now you can scoop up this Nugget lookalike in the color Pewter for $120.14, Amazon. The covers are removable and washable — a win in any parent’s book. This couch set is comparable to the Nugget: the dimensions of the Blocksy Mini are 16″ tall x 23″ wide x 23″ deep.
FDP Softscape Toddler Playtime Corner Climber
If you’re looking for something fun that takes up a lot less space than the Nugget, the FDP Softscape Toddler Playtime Corner Climber ($159.99, Amazon) is currently on sale for $127.14. That’s over a $120 savings from the Nugget. It comes with four small foam pieces that allow little ones to climb and play and can be snugly tucked into a corner when not in use.
Huddle Customizable Kids Play Foam Couch
Another favorite Nugget alternative is this Huddle Customizable Kids Play Foam Couch ($129, Walmart) which can be customized into so many different styles making it an ultimate playroom must-have. Although this sofa is priced as low as $129 for the pink and gray colors, you can also grab it in blue for $139. This one is sure to be a hit and with this low price would also make a great option to give as a special gift idea for any little one.
Milliard Kids’ Couch
The Milliard Kids Couch, ($129.99, Amazon) comes with three pieces: a large base cushion that folds and two square cushions. These can be used to create a couch or an area for kids to lie on, or they can do whatever they want with them. You’ll save about $140 purchasing this one, and it’s a great alternative to the Nugget. It also comes with removable and machine-washable covers.
Costzon Climb and Crawl Foam Playset
The Costzon Climb and Crawl Foam Playset, $139.98, Amazon, comes with eight pieces. While some of the pieces are smaller than what you would get for two Nuggets, it’s still a great deal. You can easily build a lot of different structures with this one without taking up as much space. These are easy to wipe clean and have a nonslip surface.
Costway 4-Piece Convertible Kids Couch or 2 Chairs Toddler to Teen Sofa and Play Set
This couch is on sale right now for $149.99 (reg. $359.99) at Target, that’s a 60% savings. It comes with two folding mats and two triangular pillows and can be used for endless imagination-building. The covers are removable but be advised — handwash only! Use your Target RedCard and save an additional 5%.
Betterhood Play Couch Sofa
The Betterhood Play Couch Sofa ($159.99, with $20 off Amazon coupon) is a great deal because you’ll save over $110 buying this one over the Nugget, and it comes with six pieces instead of four. Like the Nugget, it comes with two cushions and two wedges, but it also comes with two bolster cushions that can add support to your play structures.
Delta Children Convertible Sofa and Play Set
The Delta Children Convertible Sofa and Play Set $143.99 ($179.99, Amazon) is sort of like a larger version of the budget-friendly Delta seat mentioned above. It comes with a flip-open sofa base and two ottoman cushions, as well as a handy storage pocket to stash toys and accessories. The size of the cushions will help your kids get really creative. This is a savings of about $100 for a really great set.
Children’s Factory The Whatsit Kids Couch
A popular couch option is the Children’s Factory Whatsit Kids Couch, in on sale for $179.54 ($271.49, Amazon). While it’s regular price is a few dollars more expensive than the Nugget, it does come with six pieces instead of four, allowing for a little bit more building versatility. You can use the cushions to create two chairs, a loveseat, or something else entirely. It’s also a good option if the Nugget is out of stock.
The Sam’s Club Nugget Alternative: Members’ Mark Kids’ Explorer Sofa
The Sam’s Club version of the Nugget is the Members’ Mark Kids’ Explorer Sofa ($179.98, Sam’s Club). With this priced at $180, you’ll save about $90. This one is a pretty in-demand alternative, as it’s often out of stock in several colors, but it’s a great choice. It’s extremely similar to the Nugget, and the covers can be removed and washed just like the Nugget covers.
Related: Check out our tips every Sam’s Club shopper should know.
Jela Kids’ Couch
If four pieces just aren’t going to do it, opt for the Jela Kids’ Couch ($218, Amazon). This set comes with eight pieces: two base pieces, two cushions, two wedges, and two rectangles. This is the same amount of pieces as you would get buying two Nuggets, and you’ll save over $250 with the Jela. The different-shaped pieces offer versatility and can create a large loveseat if your kids just need a place to relax.
Modular Foam Montessori Play Couch
The Modular Foam Montessori Play Couch ($230, Etsy). It has a 4.8-star rating on Etsy with over 1K reviews. This couch set includes four pieces: A foldable base (two cushions), a foldable topper (two Cushions), and two triangle pillows.
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