I know this is rather unamerican to say but here it goes. You are not entitled to be able to buy an iPad.
Apple is a business offering a product. If you want said product you must follow the rules set fourt by the seller.
Maybe we should get obama involved. It's just not fair one cannot buy an iPad the way he/she wants.
Get over it and play by the rules. If you don't like the rules you don't have to play.
Maybe go by a Best Buy card next time.
Or maybe don't buy any giftcard altogether because swiping giftcard and debit card is the same... except debit card are accepted almost everywhere...