Considering a Nugget couch or a Sam's Club Member's Mark Kids' Explorer Sofa for your kids? Let's compare them side by side to see which is best for your family.
Everyone is always looking for a Nugget knock off! Most of them are more expensive, and many aren't even readily available, but Sam's Club actually recently released a cheaper option! Let's take a look at it.
Here are my 12 favorite indoor climbing toys for toddlers!
Note: I own a Nugget but not an Explorer, but I have nothing against the Explorer! Click here for my full Nugget review.
What are the differences between a Nugget and a Sam's Club Member’s Mark Kids' Explorer Sofa?
The Sam's Club Explore kid's sofa looks like a pretty straight knock off to the Nugget. If you have a Sam's membership, it's actually cheaper than a Nugget. You just have to catch it when it's in stock!
The biggest difference that I have seen is that people say that the Sam's club cushions are softer and more for sitting on and not as stable for building.
I will say, Sam's Club has a very nice return policy, so I'd think its low risk to buy one!
Cover Material
The material on these kids couches is similar, plus the Nugget covers fit Sam's Club couches.
Nugget
The Nugget is made of microsuede that is soft and comfortable.
Sam's Club Member’s Mark Kids' Explorer Sofa
It is said that the Explorer has fabric very similar to the Nugget double brushed microsuede.
Do Sam's Club Explorer Kids Sofas fit in Nugget Covers?
YES, you can fit a Sam's Explorer kid's couch in a Nugget cover. The rectangles fit perfectly.
The Sam's triangles are more pointy than the rounded Nugget ones, but they still fit the covers. Leave the Sam's original cover on the triangle under the Nugget cover for a tighter fit!
Washability
Both of these couches have washable covers.
Nugget
Nugget covers are machine washable, hang to dry.
Here's my guide on how to wash a Nugget cover.
Sam's Club Member’s Mark Kids' Explorer Sofa
Explorer also has zipper covers that are machine washable.
Colors
Nugget comes in more colors compared to the Sam's Club couch. Plus, if you are buying in a Sam's store, you are limited to whatever is in stock.
Nugget
Nugget comes in 3 permanent colors - black, gray, and navy - and a rotating slate of seasonal colors. There are currently 15 limited edition colors!
Sam's Club Member’s Mark Kids' Explorer Sofa
The explorer comes in 6 colors: sidewalk (gray), flamingo (pink), denim (blue), emerald (green), meteorite (dark gray), ocean (royal blue).
Size
These couches are identical in size.
Nugget
Rectangular cushions are 33″ x 66″.
Sam's Club Member’s Mark Kids' Explorer Sofa
- Base Layer: 66" x 33" x 5.75"
- Comfort Layer: 66" x 33" x 3"
- Triangles: 16"W x 13.85"H x 22"L
Ease of purchase & delivery time
If you can find a Sam's couch, it is instantly available. Nugget has some wait time, more around the holidays.
Nugget
Nuggets are now available and ready to ship!
Sam's Club Member’s Mark Kids' Explorer Sofa
The Explorer sofa is currently available online AND in store at Sam's Clubs.
Price
Sam's Club explorer is cheaper than Nugget.
Nugget
Nugget sells for $249 with free shipping in the USA. Click here to shop for Nuggets!
Sam's Club Member’s Mark Kids' Explorer Sofa
The explorer runs $180 - but you have to be a Sam's Club member to get it.
Summary of differences
Here are all of the differences summarized in a handy table!
| Nugget | Sam's Club Member’s Mark Kids' Explorer Sofa | |
| Cover Material | Micro suede | Micro suede |
| Washability | Machine washable | Machine washable |
| Colors | 18 colors | 6 colors |
| Size | 33″ x 66″ | 33" x 66" |
| Delivery Time | Immediate | immediate |
| Price | $249 | $180 |
See my comparison of all of the Nugget knock offs here!
Want more Nugget-y content?
Click here to shop the newest Nugget play couch options!
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- Nugget double vs single brushed suede
- Outdoor covers for Nuggets
- Pikler Triangle Benefits
- Nugget cleaning cheat sheet
- Nugget build configuration ideas
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- Can you use a Nugget as a couch?
- How to stick felt to a Nugget kids couch
- How to store a Nugget when not in use
- How to move a Nugget
- Best climbing toys for toddlers
- How to get the covers back on a Nugget
- Nugget Obstacle Course ideas
- Nugget fort building ideas
- Nugget tunnel build ideas
- Nugget configuration ideas
- Nugget slide ideas
- Can you use a Nugget as a bed?
- How to make Nugget builds sturdier
- The best Nugget ottoman covers
- Is a Nugget Montessori?
- A favorite build: steps + slide combo
- How long does it take a new Nugget to fluff up?
- Is there a Costco Nugget alternative?
- Nugget alternatives in Canada
- Nugget alternatives in Australia
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I'm Morgan, the creative mind behind CelebratingWithKids.com! As a parent of two lively little ones, I've made it my mission to turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, sharing playful activities, thoughtful toy reviews, and delightful printables to help families celebrate every moment together. 🎉👨👩👧👦🎈
Terra says
Shipping IS available on the Sam's club explorer sofa. It's included for plus members and takes less than a week
celebratingwithkids says
Thanks for pinging me on this! It was sold out when I originally wrote the post but I've updated it to reflect that it's available!!