19 details and references you probably missed in 'Elf'

Erin AjelloDec 11, 2020, 23:54 IST

Will Ferrell starred in "Elf."Warner Bros.

"Elf" is a Christmas staple, but even fans who've seen it dozens of times may have missed these details.
The costumes and North Pole characters are very reminiscent of another classic holiday movie, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
There are a lot of brand names and recognizable toys in the background of the film.
Gimbels, the department store in "Elf," actually closed in 1986.

Ever since its release in 2003, "Elf" has been a beloved Christmas movie.

The movie is as well-known for its delightful plot as it is for its iconic New York City scenes and ridiculous moments.

But even fans who rewatch "Elf" every Christmas may have missed some of these sneaky details:

The beginning of the movie seems to make a reference to a popular cookie company.

Keebler is a popular US cookie brand with elf mascots. Warner Bros.

The elves in Santa's workshop are making some recognizable toys and games.

Bob the Builder and Mr. Potato Head are on their workbenches. Warner Bros.

The elf costumes may look familiar to fans of another classic Christmas movie.

They are similar to the ones in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Warner Bros.; Rankin/Bass Productions

The toy production schedule in Santa's workshop shows the most popular gift requests.

Real toys, like Barbie dolls and Etch A Sketches, are on the spreadsheet. Warner Bros.

Leon the Snowman is also reminiscent of a character from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

Leon the Snowman in "Elf" (left) and Sam the Snowman in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (right). Warner Bros.; Rankin/Bass Productions

Santa's comment about Ray's Pizza is incorrect.

Edward Asner as Santa in "Elf." Warner Bros.

Buddy's father's secretary has a pretty strange phone call.

Amy Sedaris as Deb in "Elf" Warner Bros.

There are real books and book posters in Walter's office.

"The Sea King" is a real children's book. Warner Bros.

Gimbels closed years before the movie was made.

Gimbels was a department store in New York City. Warner Bros.

The manager at Gimbels wears a name tag that was meant for a different actor.

Faizon Love played the manager at Gimbels. Warner Bros.

Buddy recreated the Mona Lisa on an Etch A Sketch.

He recreated the famous painting while decorating the department store. Warner Bros.

There's an anti-tobacco poster at the doctor's office.

It's a real add that circulated in the early 2000s. Warner Bros.

The film's director made a cameo.

Jon Favreau directed "Elf." Warner Bros.

They never explain how Buddy got all of the sugary food he eats at the Hobbs'.

They either already had them, or we missed an eventful shopping trip. Warner Bros.

Buddy's schedule of cozy winter activities includes another branded item.

There are lots of toy and food brands featured in the movie. Warner Bros.

Will Ferrell actually ate Buddy's super-sweet meals.

It would be hard to fake those shots. Warner Bros.

Buddy's coworker wasn't putting syrup in his coffee.

Mark Acheson played "Mailroom Guy" in "Elf." Warner Bros.

Buddy makes a reference to the scene where he got hit by a cab.

Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel starred in "Elf." Warner Bros.

The NY1 reporter says the wrong year in reference to the Central Park Rangers incident.

The Simon and Garfunkel concert happened in 1981. Warner Bros.

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