bells and whistles

American  

Sometimes whistles and bells

plural noun

Informal.

1. features added to a product; special parts or functions; extras.

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bells and whistles British  

plural noun

1. additional features or accessories which are nonessential but very attractive

   my car has all the latest bells and whistles

2. additions, such as options or warranties, made to a financial product to increase its market appeal

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Etymology

Origin of bells and whistles

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Not to go all Charlie Brown here – and yes, a Peanuts-themed fireplace exists on the Interwebs – but might we introspect about these commercialist and consumerist bells and whistles leading us astray?

From Salon

There are no ads, paywalls, dark patterns, or bells and whistles at all.

From Slate

But in a digital age of flashier bells and whistles, why are comics appealing to them?

From BBC

Organizers said the desire to outfit the exhibit with digital bells and whistles came directly from the top.

From Los Angeles Times

Flighty users pay for access to the full suite of bells and whistles, though a limited version of the app is free to download.

From The Wall Street Journal