The UK Nugget alternatives – round-up of Play sofas!
Jan 14, 2024 - Montessori Home , Where to find - By Carine Robin
The Montessori community has been raving about the Nugget Play couch for years, and now, UK-based parents have a plethora of options to choose from. One such option is the Little Imagineers Play sofa, which I had the pleasure of trying out.
What is a Play Couch or Play Sofa?
A kids play couch, such as the Little Imagineers Play sofa, is made up of modular cushions of different shapes and sizes. It is designed to encourage your children to build, climb, roll and slide their way without destroying your adult sofa.
Is it Montessori friendly and do you need it?
The Nugget is the US has been quickly associated with Montessori and seen as an necessary item for many Montessori families.
A play sofa will allow you to redirect your child every time he wants to climb on the sofa. This type of play sofa promotes freedom of movement and gross motor skills, making it perfect for Montessori families.
A play sofa is a great addition to your child's playroom. It is not only useful for playtime, but it can also be used as a reading corner, a sleepover bed, and even a normal sofa.
The sofa is so comfortable that my son prefers sleeping on it instead of his bed. It is also perfect for sleepovers, and adults can sleep on it comfortably.
While children need very little, a play sofa is a great bonus.
Features of the Little Imagineers Play sofa
I will be honest "Little Imagineers" is not the cheapest option but they have gone the extra mile to make it comfortable, safe and ecological.
It is made with premium microsuede from a leading European manufacturer, ensuring its durability and stylish appearance. The sofa is also Reach compliant, meaning that the materials used do not harm the environment or human health.
The fabrics are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, ensuring that no nasty chemicals are used in any stage of production, while the 70% Polyester / 30% Cotton mix ensures luxury softness and comfort even on sensitive skin.
One of the standout features of the Little Imagineers Play sofa is that it is compliant with toy's standards, making it safe for children of all ages, including babies and toddlers. The sofa has hidden zips and tags, ensuring that it won't nick your child's skin or scratch walls or furniture.
The foam is from a leading UK manufacturer, ensuring years of comfortable use, and it does not contain any toxic compounds and can be recycled.
Our review
Unpacking the Little Imagineers Play Sofa was an easy task, and there was no need to assemble anything. There was no weird chemical smell, and the sofa felt very luxurious to the touch. Even as grown-ups, we found it extremely comfortable.
The packaging was also fun and provided an additional element of play. Our 9-year-old son played with it constantly for days!
During a sleepover, we found the sofa to be super comfortable, and our son now uses it as a normal bed. When all piled up, it does not take up too much room. We have been using it for a while now, and the quality is outstanding.
Other brands and alternatives
- Zonky seems to be one of the most popular playsofa: starting price is £249. Zonky is made to order in either the UK or EU, depending on where you order from. Zonky is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and CertiPUR® certified!
- Sofee is another luxury one with starting price at £495. The founder is a lovely mother who runs everything by herself!
- Possum: Another well priced sofa at £295. I like the round cushions! (they could be wheels, steering wheel, moon, sun and much more!)
Do you have a play sofa? One of those brands or another one? Let me know in the comment!
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About the Author: Carine Robin is a qualified and experienced Montessori teacher and founder of The Montessori Family. With over 15 years of experience, Carine offers a blend of professional insight and personal understanding as a mother of two and qualified child psychologist. Inspired by the success of her Montessori subscription box, she created The Montessori Family to provide a comprehensive resource for parents and teachers globally. This platform aims to support child growth and well-being through curated educational activities. Additionally, Carine maintains the UK's most popular Montessori blog and administers the largest Montessori UK Facebook group, making her a central figure in the Montessori community.
