Okay, looks like for the time being I am screwed! Doesn't look like I am gonna be able to get a refurbished iPad 1 anytime soon, as the online store inventory is wiped out of all affordable models. All thanks to the snail's pace shipping of my Apple gift card (which in turn made me wait to be able to purchase one...)!
Update: just bought one during the Verizon deal! Bc they didn't have any 16gb models left, I grabbed a 32gb model. Love it! Don't really know what I'm going to do with the Apple gift card yet, as I bought a case from Amazon...