Apple launched its 2014 Back to School promotion today, offering eligible customers the opportunity to claim a $100 gift card with the purchase of a new Mac, or a $50 gift card with a new iPhone or iPad. And, in a welcome change from previous years, the gift cards are for the company’s retail stores rather than its digital marketplaces.

The promotion is open to all current college students, those who have been accepted to attend college, parents buying on behalf of students, and faculty and staff members from all grade levels. Qualifying devices include all iPhone and iPad models, and all Macs – except for the Mac mini. Purchases need to be made at an Apple Retail Store, or via Apple’s Online Store for Education.

This year’s Back to School promo is the first in a while to feature gift cards for Apple’s retail stores. Usually, it offers gift cards for the iTunes Store, iBooks Store and App Store. In addition to a gift card, qualifying customers will also receive the company’s standard education pricing discount (which is available all year round) on iPads and Macs. Discounts are not available on the iPhone though.

Apple’s 2014 Back to School promotion runs from today until September 9th, and is available to customers in the United States, Canada, the UK and a number of other European countries.

Will you be taking advantage of this offer? Let us know what you think about it by leaving a comment below, via social, or over on our forums.