Luckily, Reddit user LoveExperimentation found a neat workaround that you can use to get your own free gift card. All you need is: an Apple TV, a receipt of purchase, and the box it came in.
A good attitude probably wouldn't hurt, either!
LoveExperimentation explained that when he brought his Apple TV and receipt to the Apple Store, they refunded his purchase and let him rebuy it so that he could get in on the deal.
"Awesome experience as always with Apple Customer Service," he said.
It's unclear whether this will work 100% of the time, but it should, since the Apple TV hasn't ever changed price.