I don't know the exact numbers, but depending on how long you stay affects how much you are allowed to bring back tax free. Ask at the boarder and you should get a answer. If you are going for a day, or a weekend or a week all makes a difference on how much you are allowed to bring back. A few good ideas here, like just putting a couple sticks in it, throwing out the packaging and receipt and just telling the boarder, if they ask, that you brought it to the states to keep your cigars in for the trip. They can't prove anything any ways. I brought back two box's of cigars from Vegas this summer and I just told them they are from Canada and I smoked them on the trip(I smoked a few on the way back so they weren't full box's). I am pretty sure you won't get charged any fees at the post office if the "gift" box is check marked on the customs form. So having it sent to you, or sending it to yourself are good options too.