whimsy

An idea or activity that's whimsical can seem playful and unpredictable. Whimsy often comes from someone's imagination.

When people talk about something having whimsy, they usually mean it has a quirky or fanciful quality to it. Imagine going into a store that sells handmade crafts - there might be a collection of jewelry made with unusual materials like seashells or keys. The shop owner might say this is her favorite piece because it captures the whimsy she likes to see in people's designs. Others might talk about a film having whimsy if it has magical elements, wacky characters, and an unpredictable plot that keeps viewers guessing.