Why is my apple gift card taking so long to email

My husband offered to pay half fot a new iphone, so he sent me an email gift card..(because I am at work and the site stated delivery in an hour) its well over an hour.. Im stuck waiting for the gift card via email, I dont want to put out another $1200.00. I am late back to work- I wish there was more transparency and realistic delivery times. This has been the worst experience.. I would not have planned this way had I been given a realistic time frame. I feel like this was a complete lack of buyer awareness about making an informed purchase. Sure, you have my money now- but Im late for work, no phone and no more time to wait. Its a bait and switch sale. The customer service rep said it can take 24/hours! That is a huge difference and now Im stuck with nothing. ( not to mention, the trade in was initially advertised as a deduction from the total cost- which is why I have spent half a day wasted on this)